You can do some pretty amazing things with smartphones these days. In a world where your phone can be – among other things – an encyclopedia, GPS and a personal assistant, Ford is entering a new frontier of mobile technology with the Remote Access application for select Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

This aftermarket add-on from Ford Custom Accessories turns your iPhone or Android device into a virtual keyfob. With the Remote Access app, you can lock, unlock and even remote start your vehicle from across the parking lot, or across the country. You can even use the Find feature to flash the lights and honk the horn if, perhaps, you don’t remember exactly where you left it at the mall.

Did you leave your car in one of those big airport parking decks or in a sketchy-looking lot downtown? The Remote Access app also helps you rest a little easier with optional email/text security alerts. That’s right, your car can text or email you to check in and let you know if there’s a security breach.

The Ford Remote Access app can be easily added to several Ford and Lincoln models at the dealership, even if your vehicle is a couple of years old!

“This Genuine Ford Accessory is a plug-and-play kit that is easy to install and does not require any vehicle wire cutting, hence maintaining the quality of the vehicle’s electrical system,” boasts Mouhanad Dahabra, a Ford Electrical Engineering Supervisor who worked on the program.

Right now, the Remote Access system is available on the F-150, Super Duty®, Edge, Explorer and Lincoln MKX if your vehicle is a 2011 Model Year, or newer. You can also purchase it if you drive a 2013 model year or newer Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS or Lincoln MKT. Contact your local dealer for more information on pricing and availability. More vehicles will be added in the future, so stay tuned!