Real-Time Status Delivers an Enhanced Vehicle Control Experience

VISTA, Calif. (January 09, 2019) – Directed today announced its latest revision of its popular SmartStart vehicle control app now offers integrated real-time status to users. This latest update will give users a vehicle control experience similar to Directed’s famous 2-way LCD remotes.

Vehicle status information will be available directly in the SmartStart app dashboard and includes information like remaining remote start runtime, cabin temperature, doors locked or unlocked state, doors opened or closed state, trunk open, hood open and panic indicator. Each available dashboard – Modern, Classic and Map – will receive the improvement.

The update affects owners of SmartStart Pro or Connect hardware who are using a Directed digital system such as DS4, DS3 or DB3. The app will be available on January 22nd for iOS and Android. Besides real-time status information, the app will also include enhancements to the Status menu, including fuel level odometer and battery voltage (fuel level and odometer are vehicle-dependent).

“Long time Directed fans remember when our 2-way LCD remotes were the standard for vehicle control. They liked being able to just look down at the screen and immediately know if their doors were locked or how much run time was left on the remote starter. That information was always available in SmartStart, but
not in the main dashboard,” said Geoff Weathersby, VP & GM, Connected Car at Directed. “We think this improvement will be a huge hit with our dealers and consumers. SmartStart truly is the best vehicle control solution on the market.”

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/ or call (800) 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (January 09, 2019) – Directed today announced its latest revision of its popular SmartStart vehicle control app now offers integrated real-time status to users. This latest update will give users a vehicle control experience similar to Directed’s famous 2-way LCD remotes. Vehicle status information will be available directly in the SmartStart app dashboard and includes information like remaining remote start runtime, cabin temperature, doors locked or unlocked state, doors opened or closed state, trunk open, hood open and panic indicator. Each available dashboard – Modern, Classic and Map – will receive the improvement.

The update affects owners of SmartStart Pro or Connect hardware who are using a Directed digital system such as DS4, DS3 or DB3. The app will be available on January 22nd for iOS and Android. Besides real-time status information, the app will also include enhancements to the Status menu, including fuel level odometer and battery voltage (fuel level and odometer are vehicle-dependent). “Long time Directed fans remember when our 2-way LCD remotes were the standard for vehicle control. They liked being able to just look down at the screen and immediately know if their doors were locked or how much run time was left on the remote starter. That information was always available in SmartStart, but not in the main dashboard,” according to Geoff Weathersby, VP & GM, Connected Car at Directed. “We think this improvement will be a huge hit with our dealers and consumers. SmartStart truly is the best vehicle control solution on the market.”

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit www.directed.com/contact/ or call (800) 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (October 9, 2017) – Directed has announced that the newest model in its lineup of connected car interfaces, the Viper SmartStart VSM450 GPS module, is now shipping. The VSM450 brings Directed SmartStart’s industry-leading remote start and connected car capabilities to the nationwide AT&T 3G network. This is the fastest connected car interface Directed has ever released. With the VSM450, drivers can control and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere in the world.

Directed recognizes there is not a one-size-fits-all approach for connected car cellular service and that in certain areas one network can offer better coverage than another. For that reason, consumers now have a choice between cellular network providers when installing a Viper SmartStart in their vehicle. The new VSM450 operates on the AT&T network, while the existing VSM350 runs on the Verizon Wireless network.

“The VSM450 enables 2-way digital vehicle control capabilities including remote start, locate, lock, unlock, panic, and more,” said Directed VP Connected Car Geoff Weathersby. “Viper SmartStart provides peace of mind to consumers with instantaneous vehicle status and alerts delivered to their smartphone anywhere in the world. Through the app, consumers know the status of the vehicle, including if it’s running, if the doors are locked or if the trunk is open. Consumers also receive real time alerts when the alarm is triggered, the vehicle enters or exits a SmartFence, or if the vehicle is speeding – all from the convenience of their smartphone.”

The VSM450 is compatible with nearly all Directed remote start and security systems and thanks to its complement of analog outputs it can also be used in standalone-mode. This means the VSM450 is compatible with practically every vehicle on the road.

Directed offers two service plan options with the VSM450. Customers who want the GPS location abilities of the VSM450 will choose the Premium GPS service plan which includes SmartFence, speed and lockdown alerts. For those not interested in GPS capability, the Secure plan offers a full set of vehicle control and diagnostics at a lower price.  As an added benefit, all Viper SmartStart service plans include free roadside assistance.

To learn more about this advanced technology, please visit www.mysmartstart.com.