Livio Radio

Livio Radio, operating under the legal name Myine Electronics L.L.C., was established in 2008 by co-founders Jake Sigal and Massimo Baldini. Sigal, a third-generation entrepreneur with a background in audio technology at companies like Delphi and ION Audio, founded the company after being laid off from Delphi's XM Satellite Radio division during the Sirius-XM merger. This experience, coupled with his work on the USB turntable, provided him the foundation to launch his own venture. The company initially focused on designing and manufacturing electronic audio products, particularly internet radios for home use. These devices were created to be simple and user-friendly, targeting an older demographic that might find modern electronics overwhelming. One of its first signature products was a Wi-Fi radio designed specifically to work with the Pandora music service, featuring controls like "thumbs up/down" directly on the unit.

The company's business model evolved from direct-to-consumer hardware to developing software for the automotive sector. Recognizing the shift toward in-car connectivity, Livio developed the Livio Connect API, a middleware framework that allowed smartphone applications to integrate with vehicle hardware and infotainment systems. This protocol acted as a standardized language between apps and head units, enabling safer access to mobile content while driving. The firm's clientele expanded from individual consumers to automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Revenue streams included hardware sales and licensing of its software to partners. Livio's technology was designed to work across major smartphone platforms like iOS and Android.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Ford Motor Company in September 2013 for a sum reported to be under $10 million. This was Ford's first technology acquisition in 13 years. Following the acquisition, Livio became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Global Technologies and was integrated into Ford's Electrical/Electronic Systems Engineering department. The strategic purpose of the acquisition was to accelerate Ford's in-vehicle connectivity capabilities, leveraging Livio's engineering talent and intellectual property to work toward an industry standard for smartphone-to-vehicle communication. Livio was allowed to maintain its independent approach and continue supplying other clients, including General Motors.

Keywords: in-car connectivity, automotive software, internet radio, infotainment systems, middleware, API development, smartphone integration, consumer electronics, connected car, Ford acquisition