So quick update, we are now updated to 2.0 and some early results are in
Before update
tried 3 time | App said failed 3 times | actually failed 3 times
after update
tried twice | App said failed twice | actually failed 0 times - toasty both times
So in conclusion - mine now works but the App claims it doesn't or could not communicate with the car.
Also of interest is that my driveway (and house) has very poor mobile reception but since the update the car is now connected to my home Wifi while on the driveway. I don't know if that helps the car to get the message to start the heater or not.