Oh, boy. It was only a matter of time, wasn’t it? Automobile security system company Viper has just introduced its SmartStart line consisting of an in-car hardware module with a cellular connection that allows you to lock, unlock, and remotely start your car from just about anywhere in the world.
You can also show off by popping the trunk and hitting the panic button, too. The module can be added to existing compatible Viper systems for $300 or there’s an all-in-one system for $500 – both are currently available at Best Buy.
Since the starter module has some sort of cellular connection built-in, Viper will be charging $30 per year for remote iPhone starting features. The first year is free, though, and the system is also compatible with the iPod touch over Wi-Fi.
If all this stuff sounds vaguely familiar, you may recall a similar prototype Android version called “KEI” (see coverage here) that an MIT student developed back in May of 2008.
Here’s a video demonstrating how the Viper system works.
Viper – Remote Start System with SmartStart [Best Buy via CNET]
The concept is great, I just wasn’t aware that people were still installing viper car alarms in their cars. It would be interesting to see what cars come stock with today, and how many of them are viper. For this to be a true success it would need to be sold at the time of purchase as an add on, else the cost of adoption is too great for consumers (cost being time mostly, taking it in, waiting for the install, and then cost of product and installation on top of that) all the while already having an alarm that works fine.
Unless the target market are those current car owners who don’t have alarms like that 86 Nissan Sentra, which makes you wonder how many of these types of owners are desperately looking for an wi-fi solution for their automobile operations.
Great for iPhone user.
“There is an app for that” is 100% true.More innovation to come.
I heard that Heart Rate monitor,Blood Pressure monitor etc. are also coming through external hardware….
I guess iPhone OS 4.0 will bring more & more useful features and innovations to mobile world.
Thank You Apple for iPhone.
I agree with you.Becuase of Apple iPhone now we have so many good smart phones in the market.Google Android is nice too.Otherwise me & other people have to stuck with ridiculous WinMo for years & years & years.
This device fits into the category “I totally need to open my car with my phone because im a pretentious fucking douche with money but no friends.”
Not funny….but who cares…
Just called Best Buy. Free install but need $260.00 in part because of being a Dodge car.
Remember when Viper used to run their old school TV ads back in the early 90s? The ones that showed the guy trying to break into the car and a holographic snake came out from the car and snapped at him?
I was like 10 and was totally convinced that thats how the Viper car alarm actually worked. And I really really wanted my parents to get one.
is there an app that will run on your pc so you can start it via html from a public computer if you lose your phone and keys?