Back in January we first got news of the Viper SmartStart app for BlackBerry. The app lets you control a compatible Viper system in your vehicle and allows you to start the car, turn on/off the alarm and more. The system is now available for purchase with a MSRP of $299, and works with compatible Viper, Clifford and Python systems.

"After we introduced Viper SmartStart for the iPhone, we quickly heard from our dealers and customers who carry BlackBerry devices. They are just as passionate about their choice of smartphone and they have been anxiously awaiting Viper SmartStart for BlackBerry," added Simmons. "By leveraging their smartphone user interface, Viper SmartStart introduces a whole new value proposition to customers. From operating key functions on their vehicle without using their key, to remote unlocking if a family member is locked out of their car, to the most advanced vehicle security features ever available, Viper SmartStart is truly creating a new paradigm for the future of the remote start and car security category." 

The app is working with the Storm, Curve and Bold series on release. For more information on the Viper SmartStart system, head to viper.com/smartstart. Check out the full press release after the jump.

DIRECTED ELECTRONICS' AWARD-WINNING VIPER SMARTSTART NOW AVAILABLE FOR BLACKBERRY

"Start Your Car from Virtually Anywhere with Your BlackBerry"
Vista, California (February 23, 2010) - Directed Electronics announced that its award-winning Viper SmartStart, which allows users to start their car remotely with their iPhone, can be used with most BlackBerry smartphones starting today.

According to Mike Simmons, Executive Vice President of Directed Electronics, "Viper SmartStart is now available for BlackBerry devices through a free app, available for download now at http://www.viper.com/BlackBerry and soon on BlackBerry App World, providing BlackBerry users all of the great features that iPhone users have been enjoying since the product was introduced in October."

Particularly popular in cold weather climates, remote start allows users to start their vehicle by remote control to defrost the windows and pre-warm the cabin in the winter or pre-cool the car in the summer, so they get into a comfortable car that's ready to drive. Most remote start systems use a small remote control on the user's keychain to activate remote start, but these "keyfobs" typically have limited range. Viper SmartStart has virtually unlimited range - an important feature to remote start users.

"After we introduced Viper SmartStart for the iPhone, we quickly heard from our dealers and customers who carry BlackBerry devices. They are just as passionate about their choice of smartphone and they have been anxiously awaiting Viper SmartStart for BlackBerry," added Simmons. "By leveraging their smartphone user interface, Viper SmartStart introduces a whole new value proposition to customers. From operating key functions on their vehicle without using their key, to remote unlocking if a family member is locked out of their car, to the most advanced vehicle security features ever available, Viper SmartStart is truly creating a new paradigm for the future of the remote start and car security category."

BlackBerry users with most security or remote start systems from Viper, Clifford or Python will now be able to download the free app, have SmartStart professionally installed on their vehicle, then activate their account. Depending on installation, users will be able to start their car, lock and unlock the doors, arm or disarm the security system, pop the trunk, or panic the siren, (which can also be used as a car finder) - all using their BlackBerry. Users with a compatible security system will also be notified on their smartphone if their siren has been triggered by an attempted break-in.

According to Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics, "Today we have made Viper SmartStart technology accessible to tens of millions of BlackBerry users - a significant and distinctly different market from the iPhone, whose users are likely to be just as receptive to the innovative features offered by our product."

Retailers already carry the necessary hardware - either the VSM100 Viper SmartStart module, or the equivalent DSM100 Directed SmartStart module, each with an MSRP of $299. Besides the free app, users will also need a compatible Viper, Python or Clifford remote start or remote start/security system, available at thousands of authorized retailers nationwide including Best Buy stores.

"We will continue to develop the Viper SmartStart product roadmap in 2010 and beyond," according to Duffy, "with new products and features enabled by software, on a variety of hardware platforms and in new markets around the world. Viper SmartStart truly is a game-changing product."

For more information, please visit www.viper.com/smartstart

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About Directed Electronics

Headquartered in Southern California, Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart® and other brand names). Directed Electronics is also a supplier of mobile audio products sold principally under the Orion® brand name, and digital OEM Integration products sold under the XPRESSKIT® brand name. Directed Electronics markets its broad portfolio of products through many channels including leading national retailers and specialty chains throughout North America and around the world. Founded in 1982, the company's primary operations are located in Vista, California and Quebec, Canada. For more information, please visit www.directed.com. Directed Electronics is a business unit of DEI Holdings, Inc.

iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

BlackBerry® and related marks and logos are owned by Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and elsewhere. Used under license from Research In Motion Limited. SmartStart is a product from Directed Electronics and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Research In Motion Limited.

Other trademarks, service marks and trade names appearing in this release are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2010 Directed Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.