People forget their car keys all the damn time, but they rarely misplace their smartphones. When you rely on one device for virtually all of your communication, organization, and Internet browsing needs, you tend to keep pretty good track of it. Directed Electronics is betting on this being the case with their new Viper SmartStart system.

The SmartStart consists of both a free app in the App Store, and actual Viper SmartStart hardware installed in the vehicle itself. Once you've had the system installed, the app will allow you to lock, unlock, start, pre-heat, or pre-cool your vehicle from your iPhone. Users won't even have to be within visual range of the car; with the iPhone app, the SmartStart's range is "virtually unlimited".

Such convenience doesn't come cheap, though. The whole system costs $499, while the new SmartStart model alone costs $299 for current Viper users. The Viper SmartStart system and app are available now. Visit here for more details.