Android and Blackberry SkyDock Speculation
Sirius XM Radio already offers the SkyDock for iPhones and the iPod Touch. Over the past year Sirius XM developed an app for the Blackberry, and an Android app is expected any day now. With three of the five major platforms covered, the next logical question is whether a SkyDock will be developed for blackberry and Android phones.
There are a few things to consider. First, the SkyDock sales for the Apple line-up have not been as brisk as many would have hoped for. That issue alone could give Sirius XM pause in moving further down that direction with yet another dock. On the flip side, most non-Apple cell phones have transitioned to a micro-USB connection. A common connection simplifies things a bit, but the next issue is how the phone docks.
The most simple solution is often one that is right bin front of you. It would be quite possible for Sirius XM to make a SkyDock with adjustable grips just like the Apple version. The solution for the differing connection port locations can be solved with a small micro-USB wire. Simply dock the phone and plug it in. This solution would satisfy multiple phones with one common dock. No matter which phone you have, a SkyDock such as this would allow you to get the Sirius XM satellite stream directly on your phone. Better still, it would charge the phone as you listen, and we all know that the new smart phones are battery hogs.
The smart phone market is expanding rapidly, and smart phone apps are an avenue not only for subscriber growth, but subscriber retention as well. For a small additional fee, existing subscribers can run the streaming Internet feed directly to their phone, or for standard fees, a non-subscriber can make their phone a satellite radio when accompanied by a SkyDock.
Speculation is fun, as are new gadgets. They have to fit into a business plan though. For Sirius XM that means weighing how important their content is to existing and potential subscribers, and weighing how fast the smart phone market will grow. As a consumer, I would love to see a multi-platform SkyDock for Blackberry and Android. As an investor, I want to be sure that the company does it at the right time. One possible solution is to give three months free with the purchase of a SkyDock and a commitment to nine additional paid months. This promotion could be treated in the same manner as the OEM channel, but unlike the OEM channel, it carries a guarantee of nine self pay months.
Position – Long Sirius XM
Seems like a natural extension but I think you are correct that the Skydock for the iPhone really wasn’t a blockbuster.
Another question – You say 3 of the 5 major smartphone platforms. Is Sirius working on apps for the other 2 – Palm and Windows Mobile and will they be out this year?
Also can all 5 survive?
I would have bought one but it has the ‘XM’ label…that means I would need to pay more for Stern. Not happening. I bought a used Sportster 5 instead.
I recently visited the apple store to get my iphone worked on and asked about the sales on the skydock that was hanging there for sale, I was told by this salesperson that he has never sold one and rarely sees anyone buying it. I was dissappointed to say the least.
I think this points to the fact that people want the apps on their phone without any wires, attachment or docks involved.
It is the same thing I envision happening in the car market. People just want the radio already in their car when they buy it. They just don’t want to install anything. Even if it takes only 10 minutes. People are used to having radios built in. OEM is so important.
This piece of crap is just what it looks like, JUNK! Just more add-on junk to bill the few customers of satelite radio such as myself.. I purchased the iPhone app (no it’s not free, you have to subscribe to Internet feeds from Sirius) just should have done everything, and could have, that hour radio account does – OH NO, SIRIUS WANTS MORE OF MY AND YOUR MONEY!!! They added clauses within contracts (yes loud mouth Stern for one that they will not stream audio of them over the Internet) but there are feeds out there with some of the shows, so who knows, more Sirius bullshit no doubt!! Whatever way you look at it from a skydock point of view, this thing is on limited production and whenever the stores sell out that will be the end for this thing, I have already found out that our local store has only sold two units, one was returned and the other broke at the shaft twice before the customer finally gave up, SAD!!! I use to enjoy Sirius and my XM services (yes both) for years before this great merger, which now really SUCKS!! Too bad, but that’s the way it goes!!
Idk why these idiots are bashing the XM skydock unit &software without actually owning one….
I have had mine since the day it came out and its great, every software update has added features and added alot more performance., Its very sturdy and you can pipe any audio to your radio, not just xm..
Before I got my new car which has Sirius in it, I bought a Skydock for my iPod touch (2nd generation)…unfortunately you can not get MLB on Sirius VIA satellite so I am stuck with carrying two devices around with an additional account. If I could use my Android Galaxy 2 with a small adapter, I am sure they would get a lot more subscribers which is the name of the game since not all cars have satellite radio if they are a few or more years old.
Plus my skydock worked fine though it could of been built with a more durable housing. Otherwise a good concept.