Viper's new iPhone app replaces your keychain

The Viper Smart Start app can control your car from wherever you are, as long as you have a data connection on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

(Credit: Directed Electronics)

Car security company Directed Electronics is unveiling a new iPhone application Tuesday that lets customers control parts of their Viper SmartStart-enabled vehicle from their iPhone or iPod Touch.

The app, called Viper SmartStart, is quite similar toZipcar's recently released iPhone app, except it can work with your car, and not one you're renting for the weekend. It, too, creates a virtual keychain control module that can do things like lock and unlock your vehicle, open the trunk, and activate the alarm, getting rid of the need to carry around one of those keychain clickers as long as you've got your phone handy.

Coolest of all, though, there's a "Smart Start" button in the center of the screen that can turn on your vehicle. The company is promoting this as a simple way to defrost or cool off a car before you get in--that is, assuming you correctly set the climate controls the last time you were inside.

Since the app uses the iPhone's data connection to send the commands, you can control your car (or cars) from anywhere you have an EDGE or 3G signal. It also means you can use it on a non-cellular data device like the iPod Touch, as long as it's near Wi-Fi.

The app is completely free, but it requires you have Viper's SmartStart system installed in each car you want to take control of. This costs $499 for a new installation, or $299 for cars that already have a Viper alarm system, as well as an active subscription to Viper's Smart Start service. Buyers of the system get a year of the $29.99 service included when they get the service installed; then they have to pay after that.

I'm still waiting for a version that can give you live video and steering controls, like the ridiculous, yet awesome remote-controlled BMW in "Tomorrow Never Dies" Though something tells me that's not happening anytime soon.

You can watch the company's promo video after the break.

Correction 9:07 a.m. on October 13: This story initially misidentified the remote-controlled car and James Bond film it was featured in. It is a BMW, and it appeared in "Tomorrow Never Dies."

[dinhqphan]

well, an easier way to steal cars now.

[eastmanweb]

Agreed. Unless there is at least 128-bit AES encryption of all wireless data at all points between the app and the car's receiver, I doubt I would use such a service.

[camp88]

Actually, just an easier way to start them.
You still need the key in the ignition to drive away.
Without the key the engine cuts out.

It's back to crime school for you.

[williambertram]

An iPhone with the ability to remotely pilot cars would give "war driving" a new meaning.

"Honey, the car just backed out of the driveway and drove down the street...."

[Th3T3ch]

The video seems misleading... Warm your car up from a block of arctic ice, change the color of your car in the summer from red to blue, and with viper, you get mechanomorphic medieval armor.

I'm totally getting this and I don't expect to be disappointed.

[compbry15]

Hahaha. I wasn't going to watch the promo, but your comment prompted me to give it a look. That's pretty great.

[obtund]

So you need a 3G signal? This means you're still carrying around your key chain JUST IN CASE THERE ISN'T a 3G SIGNAL. Great idea though.

[akyanny]

It was a BMW 750Series in "Tomorrow Never Dies" that he controls with his phone. Can't wait for that day!!!

I was going to point that out. Josh... your slip in Bond memory is disappointing! You lose a geek card! :-D

[Josh.Lowensohn]

Gah you're right. Just fixed & yes I totally just lost my movie trivia geek card. At least it was the same Bond actor--that's got to be worth something ;)

[terminalblue]

lol...this sounds like it couldnt go wrong at all.

[Chao_Sama]

With AT&T 3G idk about this app.

[Super2online]

"Stealing cars? There's an app for that"!

[clementbaker]

What if AT&T signal sucks ( as usual) on a stormy winter night.....and my car does not open :)

[henebry]

This explains the device in the first Dr. Horrible episode. An episode that came out just weeks BEFORE the app store went public. Count on Dr. H to be running a jailbroken iphone.

[jcmark42]

Too bad I have the factory remote start on our Subarus. Otherwise a great idea, but I'd be skeptical about security.

[jwdds]

What are you supposed to do if you valet park, leave your iPhone with the attendant?

[cnetcamboy69]

That's great. We can use technology to add to global warming. DON'T IDLE YOUR CARS, YOU MORONS! Let's boycott this company!

[camp88]

It is recommended by most manufacturers and repair experts that cars warm up before driving off. But one doesn't have to be in the vehicle why this is happening. That's all this device is really about: don't sit in your car during the recommended warm-up period if you don't have to do so.

Are you recommending against this idea (of warming up a vehicle, as per manufacturers' recommendations? So that cars break down more quickly and require more costly engine repairs or complete care replacement? I guess that's the greener option in your mind?

[lazycat202]

$29.99 + tax/ month for just warming up your car?

[redgeminipa]

Um... it's $29.99 / YEAR for the service.

[borencio]

Will this alert you if your alarm is triggered?

[Jonahh2]

This reminds me of www.connect2car.com

[moink1234]

The version that has steering controls and video:

http://www.appirion.com/de/

[AXG]

So this device would lock me into iPhone/AT&T? If I choose say Verizon next year, my investment in the system goes to waste? My co-worker has a system which starts her car remotely when she calls a number from her mobile phone, no matter who the carrier is. There is no annual fees for the system. I would prefer a system which is more generic and does not force me to use specific phone.