Mobile Electronics Australia

The Viper brand has certainly stamped its authority on the world of car security in recent years. From their developments with CanBUS interfaces to solutions for virtually any application, Viper unveiled their latest offering, dubbed 'SmartStart' at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas earlier this year.

The launch of the SmartStart triggered a worldwide media frenzy with the story even being picked up by TIME magazine, as well as a positive push by Apple themselves who believe this product drives home the multitude of features and functionality of their beloved iPhone.

The Viper SmartStart is the next generation in remote paging automotive security paging systems. We remember only a few years back when remote paging alarms hit the market. The benefit of these was that you had peace of mind knowing if your alarm went off or you forgot to lock your doors while shopping or in the cinema, you could hit the button on the remote and carry on with your business. This was great in theory, providing you are within range - typically about 500 meters. The Viper SmartStart takes this functionality one whole step further, and then some!

"Now you can remote start or lock and unlock your car just by pushing a button on your iPhone or iPod Touch; using the exciting new StartStart app from Directed Electronics".

So how does it all work?

SmartStart is compatible with all Viper alarms featuring the ESP2 data port. You may have to check your existing Viper alarm for this feature, or look for "SmartStart Compatible" when purchasing a Viper security product. It is a plug in module for the ESP2 port allowing communication with the Apple servers that provide the all important link between your phone and your vehicle. The SmartStart module uses a SIM card to allow this communication.

From the application on your phone you can lock or unlock the doors, pop the boot, start and stop the car and more. One important feature of SmartStart is the feedback. As you enter a command, the application gives you a current status so you know whether your doors are currently locked, or your car is currently running. There are no range limitations when compared to traditional paging alarms, restricted only by mobile phone coverage which given the massive coverage areas these days in Australia we don't see this being a problem.

iPhone users are not the only ones to benefit from this new technology either. SmartStart is also compatible with many BlackBerry phones as well.

Some keen aussie enthusiasts it seems have already downloaded the application thinking they can use it right away. Unfortunately not, as in order to launch this product in Australia complex arrangements are required with data and communication servers to ensure reliable, trouble free operation. Australian distributor for Viper, Directed Electronics has told us they are working hard to launch SmartStart on June 1st, 2010.

Pricing has not yet been confirmed for Australia at this point in time. As SmartStart launches, you will read about it here first on MEA, along with a comprehensive review and demonstration.

For more information on the features and functions of SmartStart, check out the Viper USA website: http://www.viper.com/SmartStart/

Directed Electronics, the Australian distributor for Viper can be contacted on sales@directed.com.au