Viper's SmartStart car control app hits Android

The Viper SmartStart app on a HTC Nexus One.

(Credit: Directed Electronics)

Android users with Viper remote start systems who have wanted to use their phones to lock, unlock, and start their cars are now in luck. On Thursday, Viper creator Directed Electronics is making its Viper SmartStart app available on the Android Market, as well as through its site.

The company released the same version of the app for iPhone users back in October and to BlackBerry users at January's CES.

The app, which contains no new or additional features over those versions lets users start their car using their phone, as well as doing things like locking and unlocking doors, opening the trunk, and setting off the panic alarm.

The app is free, though it requires that users have Viper's SmartStart security hardware installed in their car, as well as an active subscription to the company's $29.99 a year security service. As mentioned in previous coverage, new SmartStart buyers get a year of this for free when they buy the SmartStart hardware, which runs anywhere from $499 for a new installation, or $299 to add o an existing Viper alarm system.

Since releasing this remote unlock and start technology for mobile devices, other hardware makers have gotten on board with apps that share information with on-board vehicle computers. Most notably it's been OnStar, which has its own series of apps for General Motors cars, including a special one for the Chevrolet Volt. It lets Volt owners user their mobile phones to do all the normal things like toggling car door locks, honking the horn and turning the headlights on an off, as well as more vehicle specific tasks like running vehicle battery diagnostics.

[mikekunnecke]

I need a remote lock/unlock for the home/apartment

[solitare_pax]

Can you drive the car around with it like James Bond did in the movies? :)

[Ganymede28211]

I love the "panic" button. Let me see, I'm being assaulted...let me find my app. How about a smart "stop". My car is stolen, turn it off..disable it...

[make_or_break]

Or how about "my phone's battery is dead, and now I can't start my car to drive home because keys are SO yesterday..."

How does this work with cars that normally REQUIRE that a 'key' fob be 'docked' into a slot in the dash? Does the Viper replace all of that?

[travis31601]

cool concept but Viper Smartstart is WAY overly priced to have!

[planblove]

I've had the iPhone app since last year it works well. I mainly use it if I need to warm or cool my car off if the key fob is out of range, or if you accidentally lock your keys in the car you can use your phone. Other than that, to be honest its just a really cool app to show off to your friends and family.

[steel36]

I'd love to leave my keys in the console and unlock my car w/ this, but >$500 plus a subscription? No thanks.

[dwinks]

"It lets Volt owners user their mobile phones"

User their mobile phones?