As of September 26, Ford has acquired the Ferndale, Michigan, based software development startup known as Livio. This move was made in order to better serve the needs of its customers’ in their desire to have secure, flawless access to their electronic devices while in their automobiles.
Livio’s skill at creating and implementing products and software to aid in smartphone/car connectivity is what caught the interest of Ford. The purchase of Livio is hoped to create many opportunities for both companies to innovate and make available even better and more cutting edge technology for its now collective customer base.
In the past year, upwards of 1.9 million cars were built with FordSYNC AppLink, and other smartphone integration solutions. London-based automotive technology consulting firm, GSMA, expects that number to increase to 21 million by 2018.
By becoming part of Ford, Livio plans to go from its already astounding ability to better integrate software with hardware to assisting Ford in its plan to standardize the way smartphone technology connects with cars. In creating a single vehicle interface standard, the ability for programmers to develop new software competently and rapidly grows exponentially. Livio’s software already functions well with all chief smartphone brands and frequently used apps.
Now owned as a subsidiary of Ford Global Technologies, Livio was co-founded by Massimo and Sigal Baldini. They will still be able to maintain their entrepreneurial standards while being a part of Ford Electrical/Electronic Systems Engineering. Livio will gain better access to Ford’s group of developers which will assist them in creating more advanced smartphone/automotive compatible software.
