Twelve years ago, James Bond drove a BMW remotely by using his mobile phone. And last month a team of researchers demonstrated an iPhone application that enabled true remote-control driving.
Now research company iSuppli Corporation says more than a quarter of all cars sold worldwide will support some type of remote operation in 2016. The company says it expects 85,000 cars capable of some form of ‘remote control’ will be sold next year… but it anticipates an increase to 20.7 million cars in 2016.
The remote features are likely to include door locks, lights, air conditioning and heater control. An iPhone application – Viper SmartStart – already offers remote unlocking and engine starting via compatible Viper car security systems.