First Real-Time, In-Vehicle Weather Tracking System for GPS Navigation to Include Unique Warning System for Severe Conditions
XM Will Also Demonstrate Next-Generation Full-Color Touch-Screen Display, Programming Guide, Dynamic Info Services and More

XM will debut XM NavWeather featuring exclusive Threat Matrix technology, the first real-time, personalized weather tracking service for GPS navigation, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), January 13-17, in Detroit. XM will also demonstrate in its infotainment vehicle a next-generation, rich, full-feature color touch-screen display, an electronic programming guide, stocks and sports tickers, dynamic information technology and more.

XM NavWeather enables drivers for the first time to view live, personalized weather forecasts and conditions on top of their existing navigation display. The exclusive “Threat Matrix” technology provides immediate alerts on developing weather conditions, such as hail, tornado and storm warnings, mapped to the driver’s specific location and driving route. Drivers will have the option to view current and developing road weather conditions and multi-day forecasts for cities across the country, and also view weather maps to monitor conditions anywhere in the United States. The breakthrough new service complements the award-winning XM NavTraffic real-time traffic data service.

XM NavWeather was developed with Baron Services, utilizing Baron’s exclusive Threat Matrix technology. Baron Services is XM’s weather partner for the award-winning XM WX Satellite Weather service that provides “professional grade” real-time weather information direct to aircraft cockpits and marine navionics instruments. XM NavWeather builds upon this success, providing a clear “consumer friendly” interpretation of weather data.

XM plans to announce the first auto partners to offer XM NavWeather in early 2008, and the service will be available for the portable Bushnell ONIX 400 within 30 days.

“XM is debuting the first service that alerts consumers to real-time weather threats on the road ahead, a major breakthrough in providing consumers with comprehensive, personalized weather information,” said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. “XM is also sending live data, including traffic, sports, stocks, and other dynamic information, directly to the vehicle accounting for the rapid adoption of the XM platform by OEM partners. Drivers will soon find these services are impossible to live without.”

Continue Reading »

One of our sponsors, TSS Radio, has just informed us that they now have the new and hard to find Stiletto 2 Universal Boombox available. This new beauty features the universal kit, and therefore is compatible with the Stiletto 100 and Stiletto 10 as well.

The Sirius Stiletto Universal Boombox SLBB2 has a stylish look that makes it a perfect fit for anywhere in your home or office. Whether you plug it in or power it by batteries, you will get great sound quality from the three-way speaker system that includes 4″ subwoofer and 3″ tweeter combination.

If you are looking for a great gift for a Sirius fan, this Stiletto boombox is sure to be a pleaser. Check out the features and specs after the jump.

Continue Reading »

Sirius Buzz and Satellite Standard have afforded me the opportunity to meet and become friends with some wonderful people. Recently, an SSG contributor sent me her review of the new Stiletto2. She is an avid fan of satellite radio, and is someone who has helped me with articles at SGG and behind the scenes here at Sirius Buzz. A special thanks to J.R. for this review, and to TSS-Radio for working with us on these projects.

STILETTO 2 REVIEW

I am admittedly a compulsive early adopter, and was among the first batch of i-Pod users, but, I became disillusioned quickly, only to be rescued by satellite radio.

What was wrong about the i-Pod? I didn’t like being tethered to a computer for content or new music discovery. I sit at a desk most of the day for work, and didn’t want to spend my free time sampling songs and syncing my device. Since I’m not always in the mood for music, I didn’t like listening to downloaded and stale news and podcasts.

What I did love about satellite radio was access to popular music without the commercials, and the ability to listen to specifically what suits my mood. Shortly after I became a subscriber, I threw away my i-Pod, CD collection, and desk top TV. When I have parties or entertain at home, I pick a mood and turn on the Sirius.

I got the Stiletto 100 when it first came out and it blew my mind. Yes, it has its flaws, but they are minor compared to the abundance of features. I bring it with me everywhere. It has been my constant companion, and secret indulgence.

When the Stiletto 2 came out, I called TSS-Radio and ordered one, anxious to see the improvements. The most significant upgrade is enhanced reception, and more comfortable Altec-Lansing headsets. Next, is the smaller size and sleeker look. It now has a cool factor, which I felt had been lacking. My white, shiny Stiletto 100 used to get smudgy, but the black matte finish of the Stiletto 2 looks and feels great. The color screen and graphics are also improved.

Continue Reading »

The guys at TSS Radio, a Sirius Buzz sponsor, sent over a brand new Sirius Sportser 5 for us to take a look at and review. While some may think that the Sportster 5 is merely a color screen version of the Sportster 4, they would be mistaken with that assumption. The full color display adds a vibrant flavor to the interior of your car, and beyond that, the background colors are adjustable to fully match your interior dashboard lighting scheme (check out TSS Radios video demonstration of the color change feature). Other upgrades come with the Sportster 5 as well.

The Sportster 5 with vehicle kit allows fast and easy installation via a suction cup, or vent mount. Included with the kit is a directional fm modulator antenna option, antenna, power cord, universal vehicle dock, and even a “Mongo” decal for the window of your car. Users who want a better listening experience can opt for other connection options such as a cassette adapter or an FM Direct kit. TSS Radio has these options available for consumers.

Functionally, the Sportster 5 is quite intuitive and easy to use. Whether tuning into a satellite radio station, adjusting background color or setting one of your 30 favorite channels, the navigation through menus is a breeze. The large display gives you access to all of the important information such as channel, artist, song, signal strength, and time. Those seeking an even larger font can have artist and song information scroll across the screen.

Continue Reading »

The guys at TSS-Radio have informed Sirius Buzz that they have just received shipments of the new Stiletto 2 as well as the Sportster 5, INV2, and Stratus 4. These new radios enable you to take the next step in your Sirius experience, and TSS Radio makes getting your hands on one easy and fast. Whether you are on a budget and need an inexpensive satellite radio solution, or you want the top of the line Stiletto 2, the guys at TSS Radio have you covered. Readers can also get any kits, accessories, and parts from TSS Radio as well. So sit back and relax on Black Friday. Avoid the lines, and shop with confidence at TSS Radio.

The Stiletto 2

The Stiletto 2 combines SIRIUS radio with your own personal MP3 music library for the ultimate portable audio entertainment experience. Wherever you go. Enjoy live SIRIUS radio from our satellites or via WiFi, listen to stored SIRIUS programming, or to your favorite songs from your personal music collection Add micro SD memory for even more personal media storage or optional accessories for customized performance in your vehicle, home or office. Readers Can Order a Stiletto 2 from TSS Radio Radio Here

The Sportster 5

The Sportster 5 boasts a vivid multi-color display, simple navigation, advanced features and everything you need to enjoy SIRIUS in your vehicle. Optional universal accessory docking kits and audio systems easily allow this radio to be used in your home, boat, office or in additional vehicles. Readers can Order A Sportster 5 fro TSS Radio Here

Position - Long Sirius - TSS Radio is a Sponsor of Sirius Buzz

Sirius Satellite Radio announced today at the Los Angeles Auto Show that Ford Motor Company will be the first auto manufacturer to offer Sirius’ new data service suite, Sirius Travel Link(TM). The industry-leading technology from Sirius is being showcased on the 2009 Lincoln MKS, a new luxury sedan from Lincoln also making its debut at the annual Los Angeles auto show.Sirius Travel Link, when combined with Ford’s next-generation navigation system, will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. Sirius Travel Link is a suite of data services with features that include:

* Traffic Data: Combines real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident information to allow the user to navigate around congested areas.

* Weather: Coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions and 5-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds, and even ski resort conditions.

* Fuel Prices: Drawing on information from over 120,000 gas stations, Sirius Travel Link sorts fuel options by price, distance, or alphabetically. If requested, the Ford navigation system can route users to the gasoline station with the lowest fuel price.

* Sports: No matter your passion - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, college football and basketball, or golf -SIRIUS Travel Link provides scores and schedules and can be personalized for the user’s selected teams.

* Movies: With listings from over 4,500 movie theaters, SIRIUS Travel Link helps consumers plan ahead by providing movie times, theater addresses, ratings, and run lengths. Using the Ford navigation system, the data can be sorted by distance or alphabetically. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the selected movie theater.

Continue Reading »

It was announced today that three of Sirius’s latest products were recognized for advancements in consumer technology design and engineering by the Consumer Electronics Association. The Sirius Backseat TV was recognized for the highest honor as the Best of Innovations while the Stiletto 2 and were selected as honorees by the judges.

“We are proud to have SIRIUS products recognized as 2008 Innovation honorees,” said Jim Meyer, SIRIUS President, Operation and Sales. “Whether it’s introducing technologies like Backseat TV or further developing our Stiletto 2 and dock & play radios, SIRIUS is committed to offering consumers an unbeatable combination of the best technology and the best audio and video entertainment.”

It is amazing to think how far this company has come in such a short period of time, one can only wonder and imagine what new products will be taking home awards next year. That is of course unless Sirius and XM merge… the NAB tells us nothing good could possibly come of that!

Somewhat lost in the shadows of the new Stiletto 2 and Sportster 5 was the nifty Altec Lansing Audio System (SR4021).  This new desktop system incorporates the Sirius Universal Dock, and thus is a perfect accessory for many Sirius plug and play units, and for stiletto users, it also acts as a charger.

The system’s wedge shape can be separated or stacked to suit your needs, and is reminiscent of the wedge technology employed by speaker systems such as DCM.  The base of unit is actually the source for your bass, as it is a front firing subwoofer.  Stack the components, or hide the subwoofer, the choice is yours, and at a retail price of $149.99, great sound is well within the reach of a broad cross section of consumers.

In taking a look at the unit, I found that it delivered bot a rich sound as well as a rich style.  The clean and more elegant look of the Altec Lansing Audio system makes it a natural in the office or the home, and the ability to separate the components allows users to enjoy rich sound no matter how they configure it.  Consumers who step up to this accessory should be very happy with the look, as well as the sound. 

Position - Long Sirius

I got a good firsthand look at Sirius Backseat Television today at Sirius’ headquarters in New York. As was announced today, Directed Electronics is coming out with the first aftermarket product for Sirius Backseat TV.

The $299 kit comes complete with audio tuner, video tuner, child friendly video remote, audio remote and a diversity satellite antenna system. The system is fully compatible with most aftermarket and factory installed video monitors.

A common misconception is that Sirius video service only has cartoons. While the channels offered are kids channels, the programming goes beyond cartoon images. Both Nickelodeon and Disney feature many shows that are traditional “real life” programming, including Hannah Montanna, Suite Life of Zach and Cody, and others.

The quality of the stream was very good, and at the price point offered, Sirius Backseat TV a viable option for parents.

Position - Long Sirius, Long XM, Long Directed

Among the new items that come with the Stiletto 2 is a pair of satellite antenna headphones that have a feature that some current Stiletto users will find as welcomed news. The new headphones can be used with the current Stiletto models, and will be available as a stand alone item.

These Altec Lansing headphones fit over the ear as opposed to in the ear. One complaint that many had with the original model was that the headphones pinched and were uncomfortable. The new soft over the ear design fits well and with a new “SpaSoft” padding, should eliminate any complaints from Stiletto users.

For those of you looking to upgrade, the new Altec Lansing Stiletto headphones are said to have a MSRP of $29.

Position - Long Sirius, Long XM, Long Directed