Digi-GPS, a local Vietnamese startup, seeks to apply high-technology to our decidedly analog motorbikes. The company has launched two security-minded products to help bike owners feel secure - SmartBike and the SmartLock.
Obviously targeting those with nicer bikes, aka the ones that thieves will salivate over, the company launched SmartLock, a bluetooth-enabled device that puts your bike on lockdown if you travel more than 10 meters from it. If you are within 30 meters, the device will shoot you a text if anyone touches or tries to move your motorbike. Even though the range is limited, the bike cannot be turned on until you return to the 30 meter fail safe point. All of this magic is thanks to a VND500,000 box which is connected to the electrical system of your motorbike.
If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced (and in turn a bit more expensive) check out SmartBike (VND1.6 million). This device incorporates the basic features of the SmartLock and spices things up a bit. With SmartBike, you can use your Bluetooth-enabled phone to text your motorbike to turn it off via SMS or an iOS app.
In the event that your motorbike actually gets stolen, you can track its whereabouts via GPS.
Both products utilize the bike’s horn for an alarm.
We’re all for gaining a piece of mind when it comes to our motorbikes. That’s why we picked Digi-GPS as our startup of the month.
Check out TechinAsia for a more detailed overview of these products and incoming competition in this market.
Do you have a startup you should be considered for this column? If so, email contribute@saigoneer.com.