Livio Connect, essentially software for integrating smartphone apps with vehicle hardware systems, is now available at what Livio is calling “freemium” pricing for application developers.
Livio Founder/CEO Jake Sigal said company realized last year the Livio Connect middleware application programming interface can help both app developers and automotive partners by creating a ‘car mode’ for app developers and promoting their apps to Livio-Connected OEMs, Tier1s, and middleware integrators. “Our new model allows us to work with app developers of any and every size, at a price they can afford. As their automotive business grows, we participate in their success.”
The Livio Connect API integrates the growing list of smartphone apps into factory car audio and existing hardware systems. Sigal said the 2013 additions to the Livio Connect application network expand the in-vehicle infotainment offerings beyond just music apps to include traffic, parking, weather, and navigation.
New Livio Connect application partners for 2013 CES include Accuweather, Inrix, and Parkopedia, joining the existing network consisting of 977music.com, AddictedToRadio, Digitally Imported, Greater Media, Inc., Grooveshark, JazzRadio, Live365, NPR, Rdio, RockRadio, SkyFM and TuneIn.
At the 2013 International CES, Livio is demonstrating its new technology, FM Connect, which enables in-car FM radio listeners to safely send feedback to and interact with FM broadcasters and sponsors from the dashboard through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone. All that’s required is an FM car stereo, a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, and Livio Connect, according to the Michigan-based company.
Livio also announced automotive head unit integrations with several companies including CSR, KPIT Cummins, Johnson Controls and Visteon.
In 2012 Livio Connect joined the GENIVI Alliance after demonstrating Livio-Connected mobile phone applications operating on a platform based on the Intel Atom processor running on Tizen IVI. Livio also announced the launch of over-the-air firmware updates for Livio-Connected car stereos. Additionally GM uses Livio Connect technology.
Livio’s demonstrations are in booth 2806 in the North Hall at the 2013 International CES.
