Kenyan teenager mods car for control via mobile phone
Written by admin on July 21st, 2008 in gadgets.
When it comes to car security we tend to rely on an alarm system, immobiliser, central locking and, if your budget can stretch to it, a GPS tracking system monitored by a security company. But a teenager in Kenya has come up with a novel new approach to keeping your vehicle safe.
Having no technical background or training, 18 year old Morris Mbetsa has hooked a car up to a mobile phone. What this means is that no one can get the car to run without also being in possession of the mobile phone.
The system is called Block and Track and has a number of security checks an owner either has to, or optionally can perform. For example, whenever the key is turned in the ignition the car will phone the owner’s mobile. The owner then has to enter a PIN code authorizing the car to start or alternatively rush to their car as it is clearly being stolen.
If you get back to where your car was parked to find it stolen, you can also phone the car and listen-in on any conversations taking place. If you are lucky you may hear the thief talking and figure out where they are heading.
Morris is now looking for funding so that he can manufacture the system and start selling it.
I think it’s a great idea and would happily add it to my car if the price was right. It would be a little annoying to have to enter a PIN every time I started the car, but the extra security it offers is worth it I think.
Read more at TechRadar.com
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