CES 2015: 'DroneMobile' App Allows GPS Vehicle Tracking, Remote Start, and More

[MacRumors]

Automotive convenience system marketer and manufacturer Firstech is showing off its comprehensive vehicle app service DroneMobile at CES 2015. While DroneMobile has been available for some time, the service's latest systems allow customers to remotely interact with their cars in a bevy of ways, including everything from general vehicle status to opening a trunk.

The DroneMobile app connects with a Drone module, which must be installed into a vehicle's remote start or security system, allowing unlimited access to a vehicle. Once done, the app allows users to interact with their cars from anywhere, letting them unlock their cars for friends or start the engines to turn on the air conditioning or heater. The app also provides detailed vehicle maintenance information, sending push notifications when the connected car is broken into by a burglar or impacted in any way.

According to Firstech, DroneMobile is compatable with 100 percent of cars, from imports to luxury vehicles and hybrids. The equipment needed to start using DroneMobile retails at $449.99 for the "Start It" Bundle and $549.99 for the "Max It" bundle, both offering Telematics, GPS, and Remote Start, but only the latter allowing Security features.

On top of these bundles, a yearly subscription to DroneMobile is required to enable full access to the system's features. Bundles are available at a "Basic" level of $49.99 a year allowing Keyless Entry, Remote Start and Alarm Alerts, along with a 90-day free trial, and a "Premium" level of $119.99 a year with everything from the previous level plus GPS Tracking, Alerts, and comprehensive Vehicle Status.

Customers interested in discovering nearby retailers who offer the DroneMobile bundles near them can visit the DroneMobile official website.

Article Link: CES 2015: 'DroneMobile' App Allows GPS Vehicle Tracking, Remote Start, and More

 

[ssspinball]

Lost me at the words "subscription required". It uses cellular, so at least there is a reason for that subscription, but I'd prefer one that simply uses radio signals within 400 feet, like most remote start systems.

Also if your car uses a security transponder built into the key like many cars these days, then you need to buy an additional "bypass module" to install this system. (Funny story: I once looked into how to add remote start on a 2006 Accord and the bypass module required keeping an ignition key in the car in the module. WAT!)

It looks like the bypass they recommend does not require a key, but it still overrides the factory installed immobilizer. I personally do not trust anything that overrides the factory security system. The steering column lock can be defeated using only a screwdriver, thus why immobilizers/ignition key transponders were invented as an extra requirement.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Sounded great until they got to the pricing.

A minimum of $450 and then $50/year for nothing more than remote starting? That's insane. I'll just get a new car that comes with that, thanks.

 

[Codyak]

Not that I would want this but I'm guessing for a stick shift you need a way to bypass checking for the clutch? Not to mention making sure you never leave it in gear.

 

[heimo]

Why would you want a remote start instead of i.e. remotely controlled heater from Webasto?