Viper Smartkey Lets You in and out of the Car with No Fuss

I have always wondered why car manufacturers didn’t go the extra mile and make it so keyless entry systems are actually keyless and fobless. Sure, it’s more convenient to press a button on the door or grope yourself looking for a remote than to have to put a key in the door. That said, it would be much more convenient if the car would just unlock itself when you walk up and lock itself when you leave.

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It can’t cost much more for automakers to implement that sort of tech. Until that tech becomes common on cars sold around the world. Viper has a system that will bring that functionality to the aftermarket. The system is called the Viper Smartkey and it uses your iPhone to lock and unlock your doors.

The cool part is that you don’t have to take the smartphone out of your pocket or purse to make it work. All you need to do is get out of the car and walk away, the doors will lock, and the Viper alarm will arm. When you walk back up to the car, the doors unlock and the alarm turns off. Smartkey does require a Viper alarm or remote start system to function. If you have one of those systems, you can get Smartkey for $149.99(USD) right now.

Viper SmartStart Siri Support Lets You Start Your Car with Your Voice

Viper is one of the better-know automotive accessory companies out there when it comes to keyless entry systems, remote starting systems, and car alarms. One of the coolest products the company offers is its Viper SmartStart system that uses your smartphone as the controller.

The system supports the iPhone and various Android devices. Viper has announced a new update specifically for iPhone users that adds compatibility with Siri.

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The update only works for users that are using an iPhone 4S or an iPhone 5 running iOS 6. If you’re running a supported iPhone and the latest version of the operating system, you get Siri interaction that allows you to start your car using your voice. The update allows the user to launch the app using the phrase “SmartStart” and the app can be set to execute specific commands such as start the car when it opens. The updated app is available now.


Chrysler taps Sprint for new Uconnect in-car data, wants always-on internet that’s hands-off (video)

Chrysler taps Sprint for new version of Uconnect incar data, wants alwayson internet that's handsoff video

Interior technology is increasingly the main battlefield for automotive giants. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that Chrysler is bringing in some bigger guns for its Uconnect service through a team-up with Sprint. The carrier will integrate its cellular data into a Uconnect Access system where the source of pride is precisely how little Chrysler drivers will need to touch it: the two want voice commands that cut down the amount of involvement needed to plot a new course, change the music input or send a text message. Smartphones also get much more of a say in the matter this time around, providing remote control to open and ready the car before owners even set a foot inside. WiFi hotspot support carries on as well. Just be aware that you’ll have to go big or go home to get an early taste of the new Uconnect — it’s available only in the 2013 model years of the Ram 1500 and SRT Viper for now, neither of which is especially gentle on the pocketbook.

Update: It looks like the 2013 Dodge Dart R/T will also get the Uconnect goodies, which Sprint’s press release neglected to mention. [Thanks, Nathan]

Continue reading Chrysler taps Sprint for new Uconnect in-car data, wants always-on internet that’s hands-off (video)

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Chrysler taps Sprint for new Uconnect in-car data, wants always-on internet that’s hands-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Booq Viper MacBook Air Sleeve: As Natural As They Come

There’s always a place for a good-looking laptop sleeve, and the Booq Viper for MacBook Air definitely looks like a nice one. It comes with a some cool features to make it effective to use everyday, and will protect your ultra-thin laptop wherever you stash it.

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The Booq Viper sleeve comes in two sizes which fit the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air. It has a magnetic clasp and is semi-rigid, adding a bit more stability to Apple thinnest MacBook. The exterior material is 100% natural jute, and the interior lining is nylon. I like how it looks, and it doesn’t add too much bulk.

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The 11-inch version costs $39.95(USD) while the 13-inch version costs $49.95. They are available now from Booq.

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[via NOTCOT]