I ran into Livio Radio at CES 2012. I recently had the opportunity to do a test and review of their Livio Bluetooth Car Kit for Android by Livio Radio
I was very impressed by the Design. It was very easy to operate.
I live in Las Vegas, and the radio spectrum is pretty full on our radios, however once I was able to find a frequency that worked, I found that the device did a nice job with the handsfree communication with my cell phone.
One option that would enhance the experience of using the device would be a longer stalk on the part that connects to the cigarette lighter for vehicles like vans and trucks, even if it were an add on option at an additional fee that would be help full.
The setup is very easy, and the device works well. The audio quality varied greatly depending which vehicle I tested the device in.
Overall I was impressed with it’s handsfree capabilities. It worked in a decent manner when it came to the streaming of music over the radio. I liked the external input which allowed me to play music from my Android phone over my car as well as my son’s ipod.
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- Livio Radio in Car Hands Free and Streaming Audio
Images of the device, it’s inputs, and design:
The Livio Radio Bluetooth Internet Car Kit’s controller module looks sharp. It’s made of matte black plastic, with a pleasant textured surface and a faux metal flake finish. It measures 1.9 by 3.6 by 1.1 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.6 ounces by itself, or 2.9 ounces with the gooseneck adapter attached.
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- Close up Livio Radio Blue Tooth Adapter
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- Inputs for Livio Bluetooth adapter
Information about the product and company:
http://www.livioradio.com/kit/
Livio Radio Information
We love radio. Really, it’s the driving force behind our work. Like our products
themselves, we’re a hip and laid-back bunch. No frills. No crazy features. No
cumbersome junk. We do our jobs so you don’t have to, and we find ways to
bring online audio to more people, in more places.
Thank you for your purchase and enjoy!
aBoUt RadIotIme
RadioTime is the leading radio tuner that powers Internet services and
devices by connecting them to radio broadcast DJs, talk personalities, and
sports programming. Listeners easily access free, live, local, and global radio
programming through RadioTime service. Its service enhances other products
and services by powering them with thousands of radio channels and
programming. RadioTime, founded in 2002, is based in Dallas, Texas. More
information is available at www.radiotime.com.
teChnoLoGIes InsIde
1. Bluetooth hands-free (HFP): Wirelessly connects to your
mobile phone for hands-free calling.
2. Bluetooth stereo audio Receiver (A2DP): Wirelessly connects
to your mobile phone for easy music streaming.
3. fm transmitter (FM-RDS Transmit): Wirelessly transmits audio
and data (artist/title/station) information to any FM radio that can
receive RDS.
4. Line Input (AUX Input): Receives a stereo audio signal from any
connected audio player (MP3, CD, etc).
5. Line output (AUX Output): Sends a variable stereo audio
output to any car stereo equipped with a 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo
auxiliary (AUX) input. Use with the included 3.5mm AUX cable.
6. UsB Charging: Provides 5V 1A charge that will charge most USB
chargeable devices like phones and other electronic devices.
Other reviews of the product:
PC Magazine:
http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l%253D288112%2526a%253D288122%2526po%253D1,00.asp?p=n
Wired Magazine
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/05/livio-radio/
To sum it up, I was pleased with the device, its quality, the functions it provides. It shined the best for its handsfree capabilities. It was easy to tune to the fm frequency. I was impressed with the call quality that it provided. It needed an option for a longer stalk for vans and trucks. Overall I found it to be an excellent product and is worth considering as an option for those that want handsfree capabilities in the vehicle as well as the fm modulation features such as for streaming and using other devices in your vehicle for those of us who do not have an auxiliary input.
