VISTA, Calif. -- A local company has developed an Apple iPhone application that allows car owners to start their vehicles from far-away locations, 10News reported.

Vista-based Directed Electronics has developed an iPhone app called the Viper Smart Start, which makes it possible to start a car, lock or unlock doors, open the trunk and activate the panic alarm remotely over a cell phone network.

Directed Electronics President Kevin Duffy provided 10News with examples of uses, including an example of your wife locking her keys in her car.

"Because the product allows you to control multiple cars, you can simply switch it over to her car, push unlock. She can get in and get the keys out," said Duffy.

For air travelers returning home, Duffy provides an example of coming home to a cold destination like Chicago.

"Your car's in the parking lot. Before you get in, you start your car from virtually anywhere. The car defrosts the windows. By the time you get to the car, the cabin will be warm," said Duffy.

The opposite could work with air conditioning in San Diego, Duffy noted.

For those who start their car remotely, no one else can enter the car and drive away, as the key to the car is required.

The application is free from Apple's iTunes store, but users need the hardware to install in their car.

The hardware costs $499, or $299 if the user already owns the previous remote start system from Directed Electronics.