Thursday, January 06, 2011 -- Directed Electronics’ Viper SmartStart GPS is the latest generation of the company’s Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS, and can be added to virtually any Viper security or remote start system, according to the company. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of the current Viper SmartStart platform including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones, but adds GPS capabilities that allow users to know where there vehicle is at all times.

“The benefits of Viper SmartStart GPS for the connected lifestyle are compelling. We’ve developed a completely new value proposition for location-aware products for the connected car. Never have customers been offered such great feature integration in such a great user interface at such an affordable price,” said Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics. “Not only can users connect with friends on social media, they are able to monitor the safety and security of young drivers in the family. Combined with other features like Viper Motor Club roadside assistance, Viper SmartStart GPS provides a whole new paradigm in family safety.”

The new product offers the following location based features, all accessed and programmed through the Viper SmartStart smartphone app:

Users know where their vehicle is at all times. They can check the location and status of their vehicle right from a Viper SmartStart app at any time. They can see the real-time location on a map and how fast the vehicle is moving and where it’s going.

The new Social Media Check-in feature allows users to let Facebook friends know where they’re parked with one-touch check-in and customizable messaging

Speed Alert provides notification when a family vehicle exceeds the specified setting

Lockdown Alert sets the vehicle location and provides notification if the vehicle leaves that spot

Curfew feature restricts the above settings to a specified timeframe

All five of the above features are included in the SmartStart GPS Basic Service Plan. The SmartStart GPS Premium Service Plan includes all the features above, plus:

SmartFence, which creates a secure zone around the vehicle, alerting users if the vehicle leaves that zone

HotSpot creates an alert zone around a prohibited location, notifying the user if the vehicle goes there

The company projects availability of Viper SmartStart GPS (model number VSM250) in Q1 2011 at authorized Viper retailers throughout the U.S. Suggested Retail Price is $299. Directed Electronics is making another major announcement at CES about Viper SmartStart: A new enhancement to the free app allows users to control their home security system – in addition to their car – right from the Viper SmartStart app. This feature will also be available in the first quarter of 2011, according to the company.