This "hack" isn't a hack. It
This "hack" isn't a hack. It's a known part of the systems for the last few years in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. It is described in the manual, and if your sales rep is worth his/her salt, they'll tell you about it...but there is only so much time, and soooo much to cover in our current cars.
NOTE: IT ONLY WORKS AS LONG AS THE SUBRSCRIPTION THAT ENABLES REMOTE START THROUGH THE PHONE IS ACTIVE. Either you have both capabilities, or you have none.
The Toyota FOB-based remote start capability is somewhat anemic, usually requiring a relatively short distance between operator and vehicle without much if any obstruction. Aftermarket transmitter receivers are often of higher frequency/longer range.
The factory-installed system that is tied to the upgraded audio systems is best, for the subscription is free year one, and if you added up the subsequent years you will use it, unless you keep a vehicle a very long time, will likely end up still costing you less, for a much higher level of service that includes a variety of notifications if the vehicle goes outside a selectable range, radius, speed, etc., and shows odometer, gas tank level, vehicle health reports, and more.