Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, has announced its plans to release the Drone KL1 in Summer of 2020. The Drone KL1, or “KeyLocker”, is a LTE-enabled key management and storage solution that will make car sharing easier for families and businesses.
Over the past ten years, the term “car sharing” has taken on many different forms. Individuals are monetizing their personal vehicles on peer-to-peer car sharing platforms. Families with multiple drivers are exploring different ways to get around in conjunction with owning fewer cars. Lastly, businesses are going mobile, managing vehicles and drivers to bring products and services directly to customers.
While these car sharing applications have quickly evolved, key management has not. Families and businesses are still limited to one or two keys per vehicle and rely on outdated storage solutions like kitchen drawers and key storage lockers. Furthermore, vehicle keys can cost up to $700 to replace in the event of loss or damage.
For all of the car sharing applications mentioned, Drone KeyLocker offers a better way to manage vehicle keys. KeyLocker fits into most vehicle compartments and has a sliding door mechanism for safely storing any type of vehicle key, including bladed and smart keys. While a vehicle’s key is stored in a KeyLocker, the system keeps it protected by activating anti-tampering security sensors around KeyLocker and the vehicle. All of these sensors are capable of triggering real-time alerts that are pushed to authorized users’ smartphones over 4G LTE.
Instead of fumbling with vehicle keys, vehicle access is managed through the DroneMobile App. Vehicle owners can send an unlimited number of invitations to family members or coworkers to share access to the vehicle. Once a user is authorized to drive a car, he or she can unlock the doors with the DroneMobile app and hit the road. If the vehicle uses a smart “push to start” key, users don’t even have to remove the key from Drone KeyLocker to drive the car! In essence, the DroneMobile App and KeyLocker transform your smartphone into your vehicle’s key. Drone KeyLocker also includes a 5-digit passcode touchpad, called the “KP1”, that is mounted to the windshield as backup in the event of poor cellular coverage or a dead smartphone battery.
“Drone KeyLocker combines the best of Firstech’s strengths in vehicle control, security and telematics,” explains Firstech’s Managing Director, Jason Kaminski. “Families and businesses will save time and money with the KeyLocker and DroneMobile App, opening up even more possibilities for car sharing in the future.”
Firstech will be adding the KeyLocker to its DroneMobile brand of telematics and tracking products. Drone KeyLocker can be installed as a standalone key management and tracking solution or the device can be added to an existing Compustar remote start and alarm system. Drone KeyLocker must be installed with one of Firstech’s Drone LTE devices to enable cellular connectivity.
Drone KeyLocker will start shipping in Summer 2020 with an MSRP of $159.99 and is available for pre-order directly from Firstech or from Firstech Authorized Distributors in North America. To learn more about Drone KeyLocker, please visit http://www.dronemobile.com/keylocker or email orders@myfirstech.com.
