But, of course, this being a tech article, I’ll have to explain just how it works. Like any other alarm system, the security alarm system is wired into your vehicle. The difference with Viper’s new system is that it also includes a receiver that takes in a signal from the company’s central servers. And this command signal is only sent when you use one of two things: either the key fob you get with the setup…or the application (nicknamed an “app” by Apple, Inc.), which is free to download from the app store in iTunes.
When you use any of the functions on the remote from your iPhone, it sends a command to Viper’s servers, which then sends a signal to the vehicle. Whether it’s to unlock or lock the doors, open the trunk, hit the panic alarm, or start the car, it’ll do it. You also have alerts at the bottom of the app in the event someone tries to access your car. Another benefit is that you can have multiple cars with the setup built in so that you can choose the car you want to access from the app, and so on.
After playing around with the system my coworker got installed, I must say, I’m impressed. While there was some obvious lag between the sending of the signal to the server and then to the car, it was a very short time. He went so far as to show me all of the device’s features. Plus, the fact that it’s a small install on your iPhone is a definite bonus.
So the question: Is it worth it? Well, that depends. He got it installed in his 2003/2004 Honda Accord Coupe. Me? I’m not spending $650 (including installation BEFORE taxes) on getting it installed. And let’s not forget to mention the additional yearly fee!
But let’s say I had the money and had multiple cars...well...multiple NEWER cars. What about then?
Absolutely!!!
Case in point: It was a cold night when my coworker started up his car following a meeting we had. It didn’t matter that we were in the basement of the store clocking out. He pulled out his phone, started up his car, and by the time he walked out, it was all warm and cozy. He drove off while I sat in my car waiting to warm up. And even when it did, I was already pretty frosty.
The funny thing is, though, that Viper was not the first to set this up. That claim to fame is held by ZipCar.
Back in late September/early October, ZipCar introduced an app for the iPhone that not only allowed you to rent a car anywhere ZipCar was available, but also made it possible to remotely unlock it, since the keys would already be left on the front seat/console/glove compartment/elsewhere-that-I-can’t-think-of-that-would-be-an-obvious-place-to-leave-keys.
During recent training I went through for my job, I got a demonstration of that particular app, and I thought it had a quicker response time than Viper. So you have to wonder why an auto security alarm system doesn’t have a faster response time. Other than that, both apps were great ideas and are obviously making a splash. I mean, hey, isn’t imitation the sincerest form of flattery? The only limitation I had was the age of my car (which didn’t make the installation seem worthwhile) and the price of the device (which made the purchase not seem worthwhile). Other than that, if you’ve got a newer car and are looking for an easier alternative than carrying around a key with a fob and blah-blah-blah, then go ahead and burn the money on the alarm system. It’s definitely worth it—for you.
Now I’ve gotta go see a man about Bluetooth for my iPhone, but I’ll save that for next time…
Andy Edelheit is a techno geek who works for a computer retailer in Long Island, NY.