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Connect2Car Anywhere G2 vehicle security system

Written by Martin Scott

What is it? The Connect2Car Anywhere G2 is a vehicle security device which allows control of your vehicle and its security systems from any internet-connected PC or mobile device.

The Verdict: The Connect2Car Anywhere G2 is the ultimate add on device for access and controlling your automobile. With just a few taps on your tablet, laptop, or mobile device you have monitoring and control of your vehicles security systems. Provided you are "anywhere" the internet may roam and don't mind the cost of a subscription, the Connect2Car G2 offers the ultimate in convenience and security services no matter where you are.

Description:

We've all been there, a crowded mall parking garage with the sound of some cars' factory security system echoing throughout. And just as as everyone else in the general vicinity, we try our best to ignore it. A high-percentage of the time it's a false alarm right? "It's not my car".

The one person that does care about it is the owner. Whether its the thieves that want to boost your Garmin or a pleasant elderly lady

who tore into the front bumper, the owner ultimately cares. The problem with factory systems is unless you're there to hear the sirens blazing, you have no idea whats going on. With the Connect2Car G2 system you're always there. The first layer of the G2 system allows you to know exactly when things happen to your ride via alerts to your mobile device. It doesn't matter if you're a few stores away or a few states away, each alert will let you know of the event (doors opened, motion detected, outside of your custom "geo-fence") as well as the current location of the car. Using the Connect2Car G2 provides the ultimate piece of mind that factory alarm systems just don't provide.

The second layer of the Connect2Car Anywhere G2 system is the access control. Again, through any internet connected device you can send commands to your vehicle. Laptop and tablet device users can simply log into their Connect2Car account and send commands via web browser. Blackberry users have the privilege of a dedicated application which allows all of the features of the Connect2Car G2 system to be accessed (see video for a look inside the blackberry app). Users of other mobile phone platforms can simply send text messages to a dedicated Connect2Car number. Commands range from simple ARM/DISARM & START/STOP which do as they suggest, to WHEREIS, which replies with a live map position of the car. There are also some advanced security commands which allow users to literally turn off the car and stop it dead in its tracks (this one was very fun to test), or even do it automatically with the use of the custom geo-fence system. All commands are always readily available by sending the MENU command for text users. Each command gets sent to the vehicle through a GSM-based antenna the Connect2Car G2 uses to communicate. While its definitely not as quick as tapping a button on your key fob, the commands all act within 10-15 seconds, and each command is confirmed via text message or through the application in the case of the blackberry.

Now, the downside to all of this accessibility and convenience is the fact that the Connect2Car Anywhere G2 uses a subscription-based system which requires a monthly payment. There are a few payment levels based on the number of commands users are allotted. My personal advice is to get one of the higher plans (500 commands are more). It may seem like a lessor plan would suffice, but the Connect2Car system is designed so it replaces any key-less entry or factory security systems, so anytime you resort to using an alternative you're right back to the "beeeeeep beeeeep" age of vehicle security. Also, like many other high-end security systems, the Connect2Car Anywhere G2 requires professional installation. Now some our hobbyist here on mp3Car brush off that notion, just know that Connect2Car's support is absolutely top notch and more than willing to spend time troubleshooting and testing. If that doesn't get you where you wish to be with the system, there is also a nationwide database of Connect2Car G2 system installers.

The Positive:
• Easy access to my car from near anywhere I go
• Absolute piece of mind security
• Allows for remote engine start, window control
• Not limited to the range of a standard key fob

The Negative:
• Requires a subscription
• GSM connection is not available in all areas
• Not as quick as just hitting the key fob for commands

The Verdict:

The Connect2Car Anywhere G2 is the ultimate add on device for access and controlling your automobile. With just a few taps on your tablet, laptop, or mobile device you have monitoring and control of your vehicles security systems. Provided you are "anywhere" the internet may roam and don't mind the cost of a subscription, the Connect2Car G2 offers the ultimate in convenience and security services no matter where you are.

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Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California. Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967. The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort. This summer retreat will host technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies. There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete. For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 707-995-2683. To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

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Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
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