Hardware

The XM SkyDock has been available for a couple of weeks now and those fortunate enough to have one already know how awesome it is. Today Sirius XM officially released a press release for the SkyDock, letting everyone know that it is available in retail stores across the country.

XM SkyDock Now Available for Purchase Across the Country

XM SkyDock(TM) is now available at retailers and online stores (such as TSS-Radio) nationwide including the Apple Store, www.apple.com, Best Buy, RadioShack and www.xmradio.com/skydock

SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI – News) today announced that the XM SkyDock(TM), the first satellite radio controlled by an iPod touch or iPhone, is available for purchase in stores across the country including the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Best Buy, Radio Shack, independent retailers and online retailers (www.tss-radio.com), including www.xmradio.com/skydock.

“We are excited to launch XM SkyDock at our subscribers’ favorite retailers,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “The XM SkyDock can bring live satellite radio entertainment to millions of iPod touch and iPhone users in their vehicles.”

Subscribers can enjoy all of XM and the complete “Best of SIRIUS” programming package controlled by their iPod touch or iPhone anywhere they drive. XM SkyDock will also charge iPod touch and iPhone devices while listening to satellite radio.

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If you have had satellite radio for a long time, you have likely seen your fair share of the various hardware options that were made available by Sirius and XM. Now that satellite radio is all under one umbrella, the best satellite radio to date has finally been developed. The XM SkyDock.

Out of the box it may not seem like much, but combine SkyDock with an iPhone or iPod Touch and you really have something special. Simply stated, SkyDock blows away any other satellite radio ever made.

What makes SkyDock special? Let’s start with installation. It could not be more simple. SkyDock features PowerConnect. A technology that mounts and runs this device right from your cars cigarette lighter socket. PowerConnect does away with the traditional FM modulator and running power cords. You can simply plug in the SkyDock, attach the antenna, and you are jamming to the tunes that only Sirius XM can deliver.

Skydock delivers satellite radio through a user interface in the form of an app that can be downloaded from iTunes. Once you have the SkyDock app downloaded, get ready for a user interface that is unmatched by any other satellite radio out there. You can scroll through channels with the flick of a finger, and the tuning is virtually instantaneous. Simple and logical menus guide you through the robust offering of music, sports and talk content, and you can tag songs you like for future download on iTunes.

SkyDock carries advanced features such as sports tickers, notifications when your favorite teams are playing, artist select, and even has a section where you can access your favorite channel listings. The best part is that the actual satellite radio is in the SkyDock, not in your iPhone. This means that getting a “new” radio is as simple as an update to the application. You no longer have to fear that your radio will be outdated, because the functionality is in your existing iPhone or iPod Touch. When Sirius XM update the app or add features, you are a few clicks away from having the latest and greatest offerings.

If SkyDock is your first satellite radio, I envy you. You have a wonderful product that combines ease installation, ease of use, and the best audio content on the market all in one place……PLUS, you can make a phone call, check your email, and have full access to your contact list! SkyDock is not only the ultimate satellite radio, but perhaps one of the coolest iPhone accessories to hit the market yet. Stay tuned for a full review.

The XM SkyDock App is ready for download on iTunes. SkyDock, which turns an iPhone or iPod Touch into a virtual satellite radio receiver when docked, has been highly anticipated for some time. The new app represents the second official full satellite radio app for Sirius XM on iTunes. Apps for specific content have been produced in the past.

The company smartly calls the new app “XM SkyDock”. This should avoid customer confusion, and ensure that potential subscribers download the proper app when they are seeking out the great content offered by Sirius XM.

Satellite Radio subscribers hoping to get the most value and content should opt for the “Best of Sirius” on their subscription, thus enabling all that XM has to offer PLUS Howard Stern, and the NFL. With Baseball in the playoffs, and football ramping up, this is perhaps the best sports content solution available to consumers.

Interestingly, this app, combined with the many other apps and features represented on an iPhone could become a one stop fits all solution even for those with a factory installed satellite radio receiver in their car. No longer is your subscription tied to the dashboard, or a portable device that serves only one purpose.

The XM SkyDock app will not work without attaching a subscription to a SkyDock. SkyDocks are now available through various retailers such as TSS-Radio.

SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced the launch of a new satellite radio for the home, the SR-H2000, which is custom-installer friendly and compatible with most home audio and theater systems.

The new SR-H2000 permits consumers to add satellite radio to entertainment systems, home theaters and distributed audio systems, allowing them to listen to SIRIUS and “The Best of XM” anywhere in their home or office. Users can control SIRIUS XM programming using the touch-sensitive front panel buttons, via the included remote control or through a home control system. Working with a custom installer, subscribers can enjoy satellite radio seamlessly integrated with their home and daily life.

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SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today introduced the XM onyX and SIRIUS Stratus 6, its newest Dock & Play radios based on the latest satellite radio technology and offering listeners user-friendly and easy-to-install entertainment for the car, home, truck, RV and portable use. The new devices contiue the plug and play tradition that has been an important staple in Sirius XM’s retail offerings.

Both the XM onyX and SIRIUS Stratus 6 include SIRIUS XM’s patent-pending PowerConnect technology, which works directly through the existing vehicle power system to offer easy Do-It-Yourself installation with reduced wires and connections. This will improve the user interface for those that need to use an FM modulator to enjoy staellite radio. Additionally, an Aux-In Cable is a standard in-box accessory to facilitate audio connection in vehicles that have stereo systems with an auxiliary input connection.

“XM onyX and SIRIUS Stratus 6 offer listeners a winning combination of style, functionality and great features that deliver SIRIUS XM at an affordable price point,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “These radios make it easier than ever for consumers to receive our programming.”

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Sirius XM Radio announced a new tabletop radio designed to bring the best out of the Internet radio offerings of the company. The all new tabletop Internet Radio makes it easy to enjoy SIRIUS XM’s online programming in the home or office without the need for a computer. This concept promises to make Sirius XM’s Internet radio service more appealing, as the device can be placed anywhere, and will match virtually any decor.

The SIRIUS Tabletop Internet Radio (TTR1) is stylish and convenient way to bring SIRIUS XM’s Premium Online content to the home or office using a wired or wireless high-speed Internet connection. The full-featured TTR1 is easy to set up and use, offering a complete listening solution for subscribers who want to use their high-speed Internet connection to access SIRIUS XM’s online channels without the need for a computer.

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An interoperable radio has been on the wish list of hard core satellite radio fans for quite some time. Now that it has finally arrived in the form of the MiRGE, those fans find themselves asking one simple question. WHY? With the merged channel line-ups, and the BEST OF programming now available, there is little reason for subscribers to pay and additional $3 ($19.99 per month) for Sirius Everything or XM Everything, when BEST OF delivers almost identical content for $16.99.

The main reason behind the MiRGE is that it became an FCC requirement of the merger. Thus, because something made sense month or even years ago, the company needs to spend money today developing and dedicating shelf space to a device that was simply no longer needed.

To be fair, the Mirge will deliver some additional content, most of which will be on the sports and talk segments of the programming line-up. However, with rumored consolidation in that area of programming as well, the distinct differences that Mirge can deliver are scant at best.

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Sirius XM Radio’s XMP3 radio is the latest in wearable devices for satellite radio. Featuring a small compact size, and an easy to use interface, the XMP3 brings music to your ears. At only 2 inches x 3.6 inches by .6 inches, and weighing in at only 3.1 ounces, the XMP3 will fit where you want it while delivering all of the content satellite radio has to offer.

The XMP3 arrived from TSS-Radio, and the only disappointment I have experienced so far is the knowledge that I will only have this hot little unit in my hands for a short period of time.

Upon arrival, I wanted to try the device out quickly. Fully charged and ready to go, I turned on the XMP3 and jumped right in. A good electronics device is intuitive enough that the end user does not have to go crazy trying to figure out how to use it. The XMP3’s simplicity of operation makes it a winner right off the bat. The unit features an easy to use navigation wheel that will be familiar to iPod and Stiletto users. A row of four buttons under the screen get you to any function you need, and the scroll wheel lets you navigate all pop-up and drop-down menus with ease.

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