15 Years Ago – DroneMobile Goes Live in the App Store

Fifteen years ago, in 2009, the automotive world was introduced to a groundbreaking app that would forever change how we interact with our vehicles. Launched as one of the first aftermarket automotive apps in both the App Store and the Android market, DroneMobile began its journey with a simple yet transformative goal: to connect drivers with their cars like never before.

Where We Started

Since the mid-2000’s, Firstech has developed telematics technologies to enhance driver safety and vehicle security. Our original release, “CompuTrack”, was one of the first aftermarket solutions for tracking the GPS location of a vehicle over the internet. This solution also gave drivers the ability to control their vehicle with a text message.

When Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone, the team at Firstech knew that smartphones would be the future of vehicle remote start and security. Finally, in 2009, Firstech’s mobile app, DroneMobile was released in the App Store. Shortly after, DroneMobile was available in Android Market (now Google Play) and BlackBerry World.

Even in those early days of smartphone technology, Firstech’s vision for DroneMobile was clear: give drivers the power to control and track their vehicles from the palm of their hand.

Accompanying the DroneMobile App was Firstech’s telematics hardware, the DR-1000, which connected users’ smartphones to their vehicle’s remote start and security systems over the internet (via AT&T’s 2G “Edge” network).

Key Milestones

As we look back on DroneMobile’s 15 year history, a few key memories stand out that still define us as innovators and disruptors today.

• 2009 – “DroneMobile by Compustar” smartphone app debuts in the App Store and Android Market.
• 2011 – DroneMobile’s second generation hardware, the DR-2000, wins CES Best of Innovations for In-Vehicle Technologies.
• 2015 – DroneMobile’s third generation hardware, the DR-3100, again wins CES Innovations Honors in Las Vegas. The DR-3100 was the first aftermarket remote start solution that enabled over-the-air firmware updates.
• 2019 – DroneMobile services move to the cloud. While this transition came with significant growing pains, it has allowed us to scale for today and beyond.
• 2023 – Drone XC-LTE Dash Cam is unveiled as the industry’s first dash cam with alarm/remote start integration. The XC Dash Cam would go on to win Best New Product at SEMA 2023 Las Vegas.

Where We Are Headed

As we celebrate this remarkable 15-year journey, DroneMobile is ready to step up to the challenges and customer demands that lie ahead of us. The landscape of automotive technology is ever-changing, and DroneMobile is poised to lead the way with new innovations that redefine vehicle connectivity.

One of our most anticipated advancements is the integration of dash cam functionality with the Drone XC. Drone XC not only enhances security but also creates a whole new dimension to a driver’s relationship with their vehicle. It’s part of our broader commitment to telematics, which extends beyond remote start to include services that offer comprehensive vehicle monitoring and management.

In addition to dash cams, we’re focusing on developing technologies that protect against modern threats such as relay attacks. These sophisticated attempts to exploit keyless entry systems are on the rise, and DroneMobile is at the forefront of developing solutions that safeguard your vehicle. Our advanced GPS tracking features ensure that you always know where your car is, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our customers and dealers. Your trust, feedback, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our growth. Whether you’ve been with us since 2009 or joined us along the way, each of you has played a vital role in shaping DroneMobile into what it is today.

To our customers, thank you for embracing our technology and making us a part of your daily lives. Your loyalty and satisfaction inspire us to continue innovating and improving. To our dealers, your partnership and expertise have been instrumental in bringing our solutions to drivers everywhere. Together, we’ve built a community that values safety, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.

As we look ahead to the next chapter, we are excited to continue this journey with you. Here’s to the last 15 years of pioneering excellence and to many more years of innovation and growth. Thank you for being a part of the DroneMobile family.

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