Viper iPhone app unlocks, starts cars

And it’s free, if you shell out for a $500 Viper SmartStart system.

Another day, another groundbreaking iPhone app. This time, Directed Electronics has made a modern convenience even more convenient with a new twist on remote start. Formerly located on a car’s key fob, remote start is something you really wish you had if you don’t- and those who do are generally untenably smug about it on the coldest winter days, when you’re already freezing, ice-crusted and your car door froze shut.

If you were planning on finally biting the bullet and buying a remote start system this year, the whole deal just got a lot more feature-rich. Before, remote start was located on your key fob and required being within a certain distance of your vehicle. (I can imagine if you work in a large building or have to park far from your location, this can be a bit of a pain.) With the new iPhone app, you can start your engine, warm it up or cool it down on hot days, activate the alarm and open the trunk with your iPhone or iPod Touch.

A new system will set you back $499, but if you already have a Viper alarm system, upgrading is a mere $299. The first year of service is included in that price, and after that, it’s $29.99 a year to keep it going.

[CNet]