Here is good news for all iPhone and iPod Touch users! Directed Electronics, the car security company, has introduced a brand new iPhone application, which would allow users to control parts of their Viper SmartStart-enabled vehicle from their iPhone or iPod Touch.

The application is called Viper SmartStart. It is [...]]]>

Here is good news for all iPhone and iPod Touch users! Directed Electronics, the car security company, has introduced a brand new iPhone application, which would allow users to control parts of their Viper SmartStart-enabled vehicle from their iPhone or iPod Touch.

The application is called Viper SmartStart. It is somewhat similar to the Zipcar’s recently launched iPhone application, except that it works only with your personal car, and not the one you’ve hired for a short while. Like the Zipcar’s application, it too forms a virtual keychain control options that includes locking or unlocking your car, opening the trunk and turning on alarm. So, as long as you have your iPhone handy you don’t need to carry that extra keychain along.

SmartStart’s coolest feature is its ‘Smart Start’ button, displayed right at the center of the screen, which can start your car at one push. In simple terms, this feature allows you to defrost or cool off your car before getting in, provided that you set the climate controls at accurate levels the last time you were inside the car.

As the application utilizes the iPhone data connection to transmit the commands, it allows you to control your car/s from anywhere with 3G or EDGE connectivity. If you’re near a Wi-Fi network, you can also use it as a non-cellular data device like iPod Touch.

Though this application is available free of charge, you must have a Viper’s SmartStart system installed in each of the car/s you want to take control of. The new installation would cost you about $499. For those who already have a Viper Alarm System plus an active subscription to Viper’s SmartStart Service, the installation charges are about $299.

On getting the service installed, buyers also get a year of $29.99 service included in that, for which they have to pay afterwards.