Firstech, makers of DroneMobile connected car solutions, has announced today that its latest product, the DR-3400, will be powered by AT&T’s wireless network.
DroneMobile is a telematics solution that adds a cellular connection to a vehicle, giving its driver the ability to remote start, secure, and GPS track it from a smartphone app or computer. The solution is compatible with all vehicles, utilizing “KLON” technology that securely mimics the vehicle's original key signal, in order to safely start its engine or lock its doors. 
“Our relationship with AT&T means that cars using the device will be supported by a reliable network that covers more than 99 percent of Americans,” shares Firstech’s Managing Director Jason Kaminski. “Moving to AT&T’s network will allow us to break ground in terms of the DroneMobile hardware’s speed and responsiveness.”
“AT&T is a leader in delivering connectivity solutions for cars,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility. “We’re proud to power DroneMobile, a great way for customers to enhance the safety and control of cars with useful functions such as remote start and unlock.”
DroneMobile systems can be purchased and installed at over 2,500 retail locations across North America, including Best Buy. Through the first quarter of 2016, DroneMobile will be one of two connected car solutions featured near the front entrance at over 1,000 Best Buy locations. All DroneMobile systems require a service plan that starts at $49.99/year.
Firstech will be showcasing DroneMobile and other products at the company’s suite at the Wynn Las Vegas during CES 2016. To schedule a meeting and/or interview, please refer to the media contacts provided below.

For more information on DroneMobile products, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

DroneMobile offers LTE-enabled, virtualized key management with upcoming App Update.

January 07, 2020 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): While travel and vacation were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, car sharing has remained relevant with commuters seeking alternatives to public transportation. However, car sharing users, both vehicle owners and renters, continue to face hurdles that prevent a smooth and safe rental experience.

First and foremost, there's the issue of the vehicle's key. Currently, vehicle owners' only two methods of key handoff are to meet renters in-person or to stow away the key somewhere on the outside of the vehicle. The former presents social distancing concerns and the latter subjects the vehicle to threats of theft and key tampering. Additionally, "smash-and-grab" break-ins continue to plague vehicles parked in public places for extended periods of time awaiting rental pickup. Vehicle owners that monetize their vehicles are faced with the dilemma of choosing between convenience and safety.

Firstech, the Seattle-based maker of the DroneMobile remote car starter app, has announced that its April 2021 app update will offer vehicle owners and renters both safety and convenience with new car sharing and key management capabilities.The upcoming DroneMobile app update will enable the use of the company's patented KL1 KeyLocker hardware. KeyLocker is an LTE-enabled key management and storage system that makes key handoff as easy as sending an invite to a renter's email. Upon acceptance of the invitation, renters can instantly see the vehicle's parking spot and start their trip using only their smartphone. Meanwhile, vehicle owners receive alerts notifying them of successful pickup and drop-off. (During the rental, vehicle owners cannot track or control the vehicle without ending the renter's access.)

KeyLocker fits into most vehicle compartments and has a sliding door mechanism for safely storing any type of vehicle key. While a vehicle’s key is stored in a KeyLocker, the system activates anti-tampering security sensors around KeyLocker and the outside of the vehicle. These sensors can only be disarmed using the DroneMobile app, which works over LTE from unlimited range. If a vehicle utilizes a “smart” key with push-to-start capabilities, KeyLocker can enable and disable the detection of that key so that it does not need to be removed throughout the duration of the rental. In this case, drivers would use their smartphone as the key for driving the vehicle.

Firstech's KeyLocker also includes a windshield-mounted touchpad as backup in the event of poor cellular coverage or dead smartphone battery.

Firstech describes the DroneMobile app update as "enabling safer and easier car sharing for everyone." While the DroneMobile app won't offer a marketplace to reserve car shares, the company hopes to fill a void for vehicle owners that scale their car sharing operations on other platforms.

In order to enjoy DroneMobile car sharing, vehicle owners should visit an Authorized DroneMobile dealer to have their KeyLocker and LTE hardware installed. Parts and pricing may vary by vehicle. To find a dealer near you, please visit www.dronemobile.com/find-a-dealer. All car sharing and key management features will be included for all DroneMobile Premium subscribers, with plans as low as $5.99/month.

Firstech is an award-winning connected car company from Seattle, Washington. Since the company’s founding in Anchorage, Alaska, Firstech has primarily focused on developing solutions to improve the safety, comfort and peace of mind of drivers on the road. Over the past 6 consecutive years, Firstech has been voted “Top Vendor in Security and Convenience” solutions by the Mobile Electronics Association, demonstrating the company’s commitment to product innovation and customer support.

Learn More about DroneMobile KeyLocker

For More Information:

Justin Lee
Marketing Director
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(888)820-3690

DroneMobile’s new XC Dash Cam provides complete around-the-clock protection, monitoring your vehicle on and off from anywhere in the world

SEATTLE – Sept. 26, 2023 –Firstech LLC, a pioneer in after-market vehicle security and remote start, today announced the launch of the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, the first dash camera to seamlessly integrate with compatible remote start and security systems so users can see what’s happening in and around their car in real-time from their smartphone. 

DroneMobile XC can be installed as a 2K QHD standalone dash cam with GPS tracking and LTE connectivity or added to a security and remote start system. While driving, DroneMobile XC continuously records from the moment the car starts moving until the ignition is turned off. When parked, security sensors will trigger the dash cam to record and send a push notification when it detects incidents like a shopping cart bump, hit-and-run collision, attempted break-in, or unauthorized towing.  

“The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam offers eyes on your car and the road like never before,” said Justin Lee, marketing director for Firstech. “With the integration of a dash cam into compatible car alarm and remote start systems, we’re introducing new ways to interact with the DroneMobile app to view live video streams, control, secure and track your car all in one place.” 

The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam revolutionizes the way drivers protect their vehicles with its suite of advanced features: 

• High-Definition, Wide-Angle Lens: Equipped with a 2K (2560x1440) front camera that features a Sony STARVIS sensor, the DroneMobile XC delivers 154 degrees of surveillance coverage and captures detailed footage at 30 frames per second in most lighting conditions. 
• Live View from Anywhere: DroneMobile XC provides the latest snapshot from your dash camera right on the home screen of the DroneMobile app. Tap into Live View to see real-time footage, streamed via LTE powered by AT&T, around your vehicle from virtually anywhere.  
• Secure Backup to the Cloud: Any videos a user marks as favorites or important are automatically and securely backed up to the cloud. The DroneMobile app provides convenient access to preview and download recordings to ensure vital moments are captured to protect against theft, vandalism, or accidents. 
• Sleek Profile: DroneMobile XC’s small physical dimensions ensure an unobstructed view of the road. 
• Optional Interior or Rear Camera: DroneMobile XC allows for improved surveillance coverage with an additional video input to connect an interior or rear camera. 
• Expandable Memory Storage: DroneMobile XC has 64 GB of local storage and can be expanded to 256 GB with a compatible micro SD card. With increased storage capacity, your videos are saved longer before they’re overwritten by newer footage.  
• Seamless Installation: Even when installed with a remote start/alarm, DroneMobile XC offers streamlined installation with vehicle-specific t-harnesses to reduce hardwired connections inside of the vehicle. 

The latest version of the highly-rated DroneMobile app includes all the exciting new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam functionality. It is available now from theApple App Store andGoogle Play. In addition to iPhone and Android apps, the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam can be controlled with Apple Watch, Android OS smartwatches, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s voice assistant, Siri. 
 
While aDroneMobile subscription is not necessary for a local Wi-Fi connection, a subscription is required to connect the dash cam via LTE. Plans are available for control and tracking starting at $3.99 per month, while LTE livestreaming plans will cost an additional $7.00 per month.  

 
DroneMobile XC Dash Cam works with the leading aftermarket remote start and alarm system brands, including Compustar, Arctic Start, NuStart, and FTX, ensuring compatibility with over 95% of vehicles on the road today, including manual transmissions, diesels, European models, and many more. 
 
The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam will be available in Winter 2023 at a retail price of $379.99, not including labor required for installation. DroneMobile XC will be available for purchase and installation at over 2,000 authorized retailers in North America – all offering professional installers trained by Firstech.  

To learn more about the new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, visit: www.dronemobile.com/xc-lte-dash-cam  

Find an authorized dealer near you:https://www.dronemobile.com/find-a-dealer 
 

About Firstech 
Firstech is an award-winning maker of automotive electronics. For the past 20 years, the company has focused on creating innovative solutions for enhancing driver safety, comfort, and convenience. As a pioneer in mobile electronics, the company has been first-to-market with several game-changing technologies, and has been honored with six CES Innovations Awards, three Mobile Electronics Top Vendor Awards, and an inclusion on Seattle Business Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Work.” To learn more please visitwww.firstechllc.com. 

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Firstech announces release of DroneMobile Feature for Google Home and Google Assistant

August 25, 2017 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of aftermarket remote start and security solutions, has announced the launch of the new DroneMobile voice control feature for Google Home and Google Assistant.

DroneMobile is a connected car solution that gives drivers the ability to lock/unlock, GPS track, and remote start their vehicles using their smartphone. In 2016, Firstech expanded the DroneMobile app to work on wearable devices such as the Apple Watch and Android Wear.

DroneMobile users that have an active subscription will be able to enable the DroneMobile voice control feature via the Google Assistant app, which is available for Android and iOS. Once enabled, users will be able to use voice commands to lock, unlock, and track the location of their vehicle. For the time being, remote start features have not yet been enabled through voice control as a safety precaution. Firstech plans on releasing updates in the near future to safely implement remote start.

Earlier this summer, Firstech released the DroneMobile skill for Amazon Alexa devices. The company is also currently in development for Apple’s Siri, which would make DroneMobile compatible with the “Big 3” of voice control solutions.  

“Hands-free voice control remains a top priority for Firstech’s development of DroneMobile,” comments Firstech’s managing director, Jason Kaminski. “Working with Alexa and Google Home opens the door for countless opportunities for DroneMobile to integrate with hundreds of other cloud-connected products.”

DroneMobile solutions are available exclusively at authorized retail locations across North America. To request more information, or to find an authorized dealer near you, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

DroneMobile Becomes the First Connected Car Platform in the 12-Volt Industry to Offer Monthly Renewing Plans

December 7, 2016 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON): Firstech, makers of Compustar and Arctic Start remote start and security systems, has announced that DroneMobile users can now subscribe to monthly plans for DroneMobile connected car services, which include smartphone car control and GPS tracking.

DroneMobile plans are available at four levels of service: Basic, Premium, Business, and Business Plus, each of which offers different levels of control, tracking, and reporting features. Plans start at $5.99/month, and the company offers up to 20 percent in savings when users purchase any of the prepaid yearly plans, which are available in term-lengths of 1, 2, and 3 years.

“Prior to the availability of monthly plans, customers had to pay upfront for hardware, labor, and a year of service in order to enjoy their DroneMobile systems,” shares Firstech’s marketing director, Justin Lee. “Now, for a monthly payment that’s cheaper than Netflix, DroneMobile users can remote start their vehicles during the winter with a little more cash in their pocket for the holiday season. DroneMobile is the only connected car service in the industry that can make that pitch.”

DroneMobile plan pricing and authorized retailer locations can be viewed at www.dronemobile.com. DroneMobile systems can be purchased and installed at over 2,500 retail locations across North America, including Best Buy.