Micro Technologies has partnered with Indian mobile operators in rolling out a device that allows car owners to turn off the engine by mobile phone, thereby forestalling a car theft. Once detecting an intrusion, such gadget will notify the owner by a text message through a handset fixed inside the car.

 

The Mumbai-based company has launched the anti-theft device in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala by working with local operators Airtel and Idea Cellular respectively. It also plans to introduce similar services in other parts of India with major operators.

 

Currently, the device carries a price tag of 16,500 Ruppes (US$366.3; US$1=45 Rupees) but an economy model is now in the pipeline, priced at under 8,000 Rupees (US$117.6). Micro Technologies is also in discussion with Nokia for possible improvements on the features.