iPod Touch and Sirius XM App Review
I recently put my hands onto an iPod Touch in preparation for the Sirius XM launch of their iPhone and iPod Touch application. I wanted to get the device early on so that I could tinker with it a bit prior to the application coming out. Having never owned an iPod, I must say I was instantly impressed with the functionality, ease of use, and capabilities that the device offers. I spent a good couple of hours tooling around, downloading applications, and even rented a movie. The ability to buy applications, movies, television shows, and music instantly is a wondrous business model, and once you get a device such as this, there is almost no looking back. I will find it most difficult to part ways with the iPod Touch.
The iPod touch is identical to the iPhone, with the exception of the telephone aspect. As a Blackberry fan and user, I could easily see myself swayed to the iPhone side of the aisle after using the iPod Touch for only a couple of hours. Coming from a guy who is into gadgets, and has his Blackberry tethered to his hip, that is high praise.
Typically for satellite radio, June has always meant that a new and trendy satellite radio would be unleashed on the retail channel. This year that trendy new satellite radio is not a piece of hardware, but rather a software application that links up to what can only be described as the most innovative hardware out there.
The beauty of this move is that with Sirius XM boosting their Internet line-up, to include sports news, and specialized music, there is instant value in existing subscribers upgrading their service to include the Internet feed. On top of that, the additional programming allows Sirius XM to offer content that simply is not available with services such as Slacker or Pandora. This will attract new customers to the fold. One key element that is still unclear is whether the Sirius XM application will cache content in a similar fashion to Slacker. If Sirius XM does this, the value of getting a subscription increases dramatically.
The beauty in devices such as the iPod Touch and iPhone over a traditional satellite radio receiver is that they are multi-functioning devices. There isn’t a satellite radio out there that also allows you to track expenses, play a few mindless games, make calls, and also surf the net. The Apple products put almost any electronic desire in the palm of your hand in a single device. The need to carry around two or three devices has simply evaporated.
It is an application such as this that also adds value to an OEM subscription. Many OEM subscribers are forced into a position of leaving all of satellite radio’s content cooped up in their car. If they want satellite radio in their house, they are forced to buy a retail radio and additional subscription, or buy the Internet feed and stream it through their PC. The iPod and iPhone take the next logical step. It is one device that allows consumers the most bang for their subscription dollar. Now they can have SDARS is their cars, tunes in the gym, and even hook up their iPod to virtually any stereo in existence! Why pay subsidies to install radio in the used car market when the consumer already has a device capable of streaming Sirius XM on their hip?
As for the Sirius XM app, there are positives and negatives which will be covered in this review. Downloading the app is free, and comes with a seven day free trial. I love the idea that the download is free, but firmly believe that the trial period is too short. In my opinion, people need a decent chance to try out and explore the service Seven days simply does not provide enough time for someone to fall in love with the service, and understand the value behind it.
The most obvious negative came with the news that Howard Stern and his channels would not be included in the app. The ire was instant, and hundreds of Stern fans flocked to various sites, and even iTunes to lodge their complaints. While I believe the absence of Stern is a huge mistake, there is still 120 great channels of satellite radio to listen to. A reason for Sterns absence has not been disclosed, but consumers and investors alike are in hopes that Stern will soon appear on the service.
The functionality of the app is very straight forward and user friendly. Featured at the bottom of the screen are the mainstay navigation buttons. Categories, Channels, Favorites, Shopping, and Settings.
Categories Button
This button brings you to a categorical listing of what Sirius XM offers on the service. Channels are divided into 18 categories, and by doing this users can easily locate the type of content they want to hear. One improvement I would like to see is a slight shade differential between the categories. This simple change would make the page appear to have more depth, as well as let a driver more easily differentiate the various categories.
Channels
This function allows the user to scroll through all of the available channels with the flick of a finger. Channels are categorized for ease of navigation, and feature the channel logos that we have all become familiar with. Absent from the screen are any channel numbers, which means direct tuning input is not an option. One improvement the company should consider is a channel preview function whereby you can see what is playing on another channel prior to selecting it. Additionally, I would like to see a jump button on the application, which would allow for quick access to the previously listened to channel.
Favorites
The Favorites button allows you to save your favorite channels in one convenient place. The instructions tell the user to “click on the song above to save the channel as a favorite”. The instructions seem simple, but when listening to Fox News, there is no song. The instructions should say, “click on the title bar above to save channel as a favorite”. Am I Nit-picking? Yes, but little things like this cheapen the brand and experience. Overall, the favorites section is well thought out, and makes the user experience more user friendly.
Shopping
Most buttons are self explanatory, but the shopping button offers something that will be new to Sirius XM subscribers. If you hear a song you like, you can buy that song directly through your iTunes account. A simple concept that allows iTunes users to combine music discovery with their overall experience. This function is a financial winner for Apple, and Sirius XM will likely get a referral fee for their efforts.
Settings
The settings button is pretty simple to understand, and outlines how to use the app. The descriptions are straight forward, and the few minutes it takes to read these tips will give users a better overall experience.
Another cool feature on the app is the on-screen volume control which users can hide if they so desire. For parents, channel blocking is available, and you can even hide these blocked channels from the display. One missing component is the ability to lock the screen so that accidental channel changes, etc. can be avoided.
What I would like to see
Aside from the items mentioned above, there are a few things I would like to see added to this app for future releases:
- A function that allows you to continue listening to Sirius XM while you use another app.
- Album art, artist information, and lyrics. Other competing service offer this feature, and it is pretty cool. Such features would take this app to the next level.
- A schedule section that gives users a guide of various shows and hosts.
- A car/house dock that not only charges the iPod, but allows access to the standard satellite channels via an optional satellite radio antenna when docked.
- User customized channels like other services have.
- A mute button for instant silence if needed.
Overall, the Sirius XM app is slick, and provides a new outlet for the company to garner subscribers, and for consumers to access the service. It adds value to existing subscriptions by giving users the ability to take their music with them. If the iPhone app includes you favorite channels, it will solve satellite reception issues with relative ease. If you are in cell range or WiFi range, you are good to go.
Position: Long Sirius XM, No Position Apple.
whats wrong with hitting the top button on the ipod to stop accidental channel changes ? other than that it blanks the screen too.
Without Howard Stern on the app, functionality is meaningless. Content is King. Why would I download a Sirus app that doesn’t include Howard?
Subscribers like me are just shaking their heads in disbelief.
Also still waiting for Baseball on Sirius……….
muscle- you big rippley bastard you- you brut- you brut
so think “big” think , think the Global Potential of this company- Dont be so selfish and near sighted about this smelly pervert-its a big muscley world out there- Asians/ Europe and Howard Stern-Huh
From the people at Joes GYM
Hey I’ve read much of the negative undercurrents regarding the iPhone App; some with merit and some without.
I am usually so busy that I don’t have any more time to buy music, especially since tower records went out of business….LOL!!……but I do own an iPhone, cause I make a bit more money these days, and not for nothing, ever since I got this little app thing going yesterday, all I’ve been doing is purchasing MUSIC ! Tunes I love, hear, and just push ‘buy’………….too easy and too cheap compared to the $15-25 I used to pay for vinyl, and sometimes for only one track!!
The fallacy for the company, and as an investor, would be if somehow Kaz, Malone and the rest of the ‘bulls’ didn’t cut some kind of profit-sharing deal for every song that is purchased….with Apple….!!
And believe me, there will be plenty of songs/tracks purchased, by folks who are not complaining about $3.00/month extra………or $30 for that matter to get what they want, when they hear it.
Oh and yes, I know some of this is available online for ‘free’ elsewhere; however just too much time, too much surfing, and too many registration forms for me…………………. In case some “Just don’t get it”………..
How many Iphone app downloads were there over the first 24 hours? Are there any projections by the company about the expected number of app downlads for the first week, month, or year? Finally, what is the real story behind the Stern fiasco?
” A car/house dock that not only charges the iPod, but allows access to the standard satellite channels via an optional satellite radio antenna when docked.”
Tyler, can a third party manufacturer make something like this? Or would it have to come from Apple or SiriusXM? I would think adding anyhardware that interfaces with the IPHONE would be patent protected, and must come from Apple. Would that be accurate?
Thanks for the review. No Howard will keep new subs at bay(if thats why they wanted it), but does add value to existing subs definately.
Maybe not having Howard on the app was simply a time issue. Renegotiating his existing contract would probably require new language for this type of delivery. As Howard would want a piece of the pie, hence the delay. Maybe he comes on the app only after the contract is done. As the skin clearly showed Howard channels on the app, they are obviously available in the software. I dont think they would have bothered, if it wasnt a future happening(barring Stern retiring). And showing it at the CC was a hint to smart investors to not panic on yesterdays news.
I was also wondering about the option for using the touch as a high-end satelite receiver. More insight on that would be great!
The little App that killed Satellite Radio …or should I say the two little Apps? First, the year long awaited App that disappointed existing SiriusXM subscribers due to its request for an additional $3/mo subscription, while providing a slimed down version of the existing channel lineup. Second, the Pendora App (free for this one. I mean, really free – no hidden subscription); by allowing a listener to customized its music channels (not a pre-set format that is decided in the NY studios, like SiriusXM).
It is clear now that SiriusXM is not listening to their customers (remove your headphones guys!) and not adapting to the changing music landscape. They are acting like GM was two years ago – we saw were that took them… And sorry, no federal bailout will be available in the case of SiriusXM. Customer relationship has already been put to the test a year ago, with the disappointed merger between the two companies, by removing the music channels that each side liked before the merger.
I believe that SiriusXM concept is due for a major facelift – or die.
DL,
You are an idiot. Bankruptcy? Are you kidding? SIRI is not going bankrupt. However, they will be going to the bank but only to make deposits from all their new revenue streams. How much did it cost the company to implement these new revenue streams, Iphone & passing through royalty costs? Very little and these are recurring revenues and not recurring costs. Go and get a life loser.
Sirius-XM is still in danger of a bankruptcy.
The fact that Malone temporarily removed the sword of Damocles from their neck hasn’t removed the threat their debt load presents.
With each turn, current Sirius-XM management proves their incompetence.
This iPhone app isn’t going to be a real revenue stream.
The most it will be is a temporary blip.
Sirius-XM is doing NOTHING to address dropping customer satisfaction and poor customer service.
If there is no management change, Sirius-XM will end up in bankruptcy.
Your wrong. They are not in danger of BK for at least 1.5 years more. And then there is no danger, just debt due. Your name fits by the way. Blah blah blah is right.
relmor2003,
Try to read and actually comprehend.
I said nothing about a bankruptcy being imminent.
The fact is, the debt load Sirius-XM is CURRENTLY under, can NOT be serviced without some very rosy projections coming true.
Here’s a clue genius, when debt is due and you can’t pay, guess what happens?
Or do you actually believe Malone will come to the rescue again?
If Sirius wanted to think outside of the generic box and make Sat subs through them the thing to have, then they would include the on-line listen and iphone App link with all Sat. subscriptions.
I bet then they could barley handle the new subscribers to their new business model.
I think that they are losing a great opportunity to break out and have the world take notice.
As for Howard Stern.. listened to him for a wasted hour and won’t again. He is a waste of time for “most” baby boomers and x-gen. The largest group of employed that have the ability to pay for a service such as sat. radio and would if they could have an easy and justifiable plan as described above. Some times ya gots to think ” now what if..”.
Tyler, great article. I hope you have provided your feedback on improvements directly to Sirius/XM. I’m sure they would appreciated it.
For those Stern fans who have cancelled their sub because the app didn’t contain his shows, I guess you really didn’t like Stern to begin with – cause he’s only available on Sirius….. He’ll be on the app soon enough (for a nominal fee – don’t forget this is a business for both Stern and Sirius/XM).
For those who complain about the increase in fees and have decided to cancel the sub – I say good bye -we don’t need your kind anyway – cause you don’t have the $ to begin with….some folks are always looking for freebies….
In the article you state you wish it showed what was playing on the other stations, isnt that what the 3rd line of the channel bar show? for instance line 2 is bruce springsteen and the line below is the song name?
Thanks for explaining all the features. I am in a doctoral DNP program and need to purchase a smart phone. Would you consider the Iphone with the Sirius option a “smart phone?” If so, why? If not, why not?
Anyone can chime in on this one. I am a bit confused about what to purchase. The primary reason I am considering switching my nextel phone for the Iphone is because of the Sirius option!!!
I don’t listen to Howard Stern, but enjoy the content that Sirius offers. I like that I can drive coast to coast without interruption. Yes, people can stream content via Slacker, Pandora, ect… However, can you drive coast to coast streaming that content over a cell network and at a good listening quality? Probably not. Sirius came free for 6 months to me in 2007 when I bought my 2008 Lancer… I got hooked and been a customer of theirs since August 2007 & plan to be one for as long as I can. I downloaded this app on my iPhone and love it. I’m on a 7 day free trial and will most likely add this to my Sirius plan afterwards. I hope the author reads this comment. Tyler: I have an Airport Express that streams my music from iTunes to my home stereo. Then I bought a $25.00 application, AirFoil, a few months back that will stream any of my computer’s audio to the Airport Express. Works on a MAC or PC. So, I launch the Sirius web player and can stream to my home stereo system… it sounds excellent.
Oh… I forgot to mention. There is an application for the iPhone that AirFoil put out for free that will make the iPhone a remote speaker as well. So, I can stream Sirius content to my iPhone with the setup I mentioned above as well.
What I would like with this application? Be able to support Sirius Canada! Wow this app is not available in Canada. If you try to access the app page with a canadian account, you won’t be able. So, if you are canadian like me, you will have to wait and cross fingers.
Sirius shares rose 13% to 38 cents a share after Apple Inc. launched its new iPhone 3GS earlier in the day. Sirius’ new application for use on the iPhone and iPod touch is the most downloaded free-music application and the second most-heavily downloaded free app on iTunes, according to Apple.
And that’s WITHOUT Stern thus far………….
Let’s see how many people actually buy subscriptions because of this app.
Here’s a hint, it will be, for all practical purposes, ZERO.
Bah Baloney you are a complete moron and idiot,you have no clue what you are talking about and not even worth the time or effort to explain anything to.Your a troll basher and not a stock holder,obviously,so why are here and posting this drivel with absolutely no facts to back it up..
Go away.
Johnnyirishxm,
The only moron here is you.
You obviously worship at the altar and have drank the Kool-Aid.
It’s obvious you can’t stand hearing the truth about how poorly managed and marketed Sirius-XM actually is.
Here’s a clue genius, this new iPhone app is NOT a revenue stream if NEW subscribers aren’t buying it.
Sirius-XM could have one million downloads and 7 day free trials.
If this app doesn’t create new subscribers, it has failed.
This app will fail miserably as a revenue stream.
All the wishful thinking in the world won’t change that.
Now please feel free to sit on a red-hot poker and rotate.
Come back and play when you have actually started and operate a business.
Until then, you are just another member in the endless parade of human debris.
I’m a stock holder and it’s going to have to increase 1,700% before I see a profit on my stock.
BahBahBooey is right on a lot of levels. Untill they bring back quality programming,eliminate yakking DJ’s who add nothing to the channels,LISTEN to their core subscribers who carried the ball to the 15 yard line only to have EVERY DAMN suit who think they know how to run a SatRad broadcasting system and not a REHASH of terra based commercial radio FUMBLE every damn play will this shell of a company get back to what it was.
Its true that SiriusXM resembles GM of a few years back.
If I was Mel & his minions I would not show my face in public. Actually come to think of it, that IS what they are doing………
Anyhoo…….
Do any of you posters really think Mel,Zellner, & Greenstein could look at themselves in the mirror and say: “I’ve excelled in providing a high quality service that is bringing in subs left & right and am beating the pants off everything else”. Let alone in front of a bunch of core subscribers.
Set up an appointment for me and let me see them face to face. Since some of you posters know so damn much.;
They’ve taken a great thing and made it mediocre. That’s the bottom line. And some of you applaud that?? Cheer Mel & Co. on???
Customer Training Service??? Yeah,right.
You wanna know what that means? It means teaching Third World customer service reps how to say: “Thank you for calling SiriusXM, my name is Sam” (and not Satish)with as little accent as possible. That’s what that means.
its one of the top downloaded apps for the iphone retard.
Id like to add my support to Irish’s case that BLAH BLAH BLHOOHEY is a basher. Nothing every good to say, which is fine. But dont try to convince anyone someone that negative would buy stock in a company they think is going BK. Just say your an institutional short, and I gain respect for you. Other than that….
Well… Not so much respect(as that is a dumb trade) but at least your comments would be logical then(TO YOU).
I am a subscriber who gave up on the stock LONG ago.
I am a fan of SatRad and want it to succeed but that success should be based on sound business practices and not wishful thinking.
The fact is Sirius-XM management is clearly incompetent and is killing the company.
I would avoid Sirius-XM stock like the plague until a new management team is in place.
Until then, the stock is too dangerous to touch.
The irrational exuberance over the iPhone app is just that, IRRATIONAL.
Sirius-XM is losing subscribers, not gaining them, yet for some unknown reason, you actually believe it’s a good company.
It’s a LOUSY company with a decent product.
A product with diminishing quality and increasing cost.
PS, If you don’t like my posts, don’t read them.
“Sirius-XM is still in danger of a bankruptcy.”
You want to retract your I didnt say anyting about BK comment? Danger of BK means danger within a time frame one could predict future results. Thats great Blah BLah Bllloohey. Your vison of the future of SiriusXM is blinded by your hate for the stock. Bad decision not buying at these levels , and getting your money back. Your lack of vision on this company make you a bagholder. SiriusXM has been offering bagholder relieft funds since Feb. Ive been utilizing this rebate, and have been making my money back on this stock at a decent clip. I am retiring as a bagholder hopefully very soon.
There’s far more going on at Sirius than you are obviously aware of BooBoo. The iPhone app is just aspect of the turnaround this company is making and an admittedly small piece. It isn’t however the only thing the current management is doing to get the company back on track. Read a paper…
Blah blah, your dumb and dont follow siri close enough to talk…in the news this week sxm hired a customer service training company, so yes they are actively improving.. you are done.
Oh Boy! They hired a “training company”.
I guess then everything is all better now.
PuhLeez!
While we’re at it, learn the proper use of the word ‘your’ along with the difference between ‘your’ and the contraction ‘you’re’.
You can’t even use the English language properly but you’re going to tell someone else who dumb they are? LOL!
Please help yourself to a heaping helping of STFU.
Who dumb? How many times did you proof read that and still you didn’t catch all of your errors.
Doi…………….!!
No Love 4-Bah-ba I C………;)
LOL! Now that there’s funny!
Relmor,
Apple released programming API’s to utilize the bottom connector. Nike already made smething you put in your sneaker. I’m sure Sirius now legally has the green light to use the port as well!
Thanks for your input on my question Jamesey. Exciting possibilities then.
If you jailbreak your iphone or ipod you can download a program through cydia called backgrounder. This software enables you to run programs in the background while engaging other programs on the device. This has enabled me to run the sirius xm app while surfing the net, texting, playing games, etc. Additionally, i am using a 3g iphone running 2.2.1 OS.
What abount the sound quality (bit rate)? This was the reason that I finally dropped the sat service – it just got worse and worse…
The SiriusXM app is one of the top 3 downloads now for the Iphone and it’s only been out for a few days. This will absolutely generate revenue and an uptick in the stock price in the near future. The naysayers are just plain wrong…
You are dreaming.
The number of downloads is completely irrelevant.
Take a look at the number of 1-Star ratings.
The number of subscribers kept after the whopping 7-day trail is the issue.
There is nothing but wishful thinking and pure speculation to suggest that number will be significant.
The dreamers who think the iPhone app is the best thing since 1000 sheet toilet paper are just that, dreamers.
This application is already a failure.
Stock is up $.05 in the past 2 days and rising. We’ll see who’s dreaming…
Don’t worry, the profit taking on Friday will bring it right back down to 34 cents again.
Keep dreaming.
Canadians should cancel Sirius and XM until they provide the app for the iPod.
BahBah Booey you must have really lost your arse on this stock to be so negative. Just killing you to see it on the move isn’t it.
Hey BahBah….we’re up to almost $.44 today. I’m keepin the dream alive! Since I bought in at $.06 I’m ok even if it goes back to $.34. I’ll still make a killing. What did you buy at? $7.00?
🙂
Watch the profit taking on Friday.
When it doesn’t happen I’ll take that as your admission that you are an ass clown. 🙂
Homo says what? 😛
The stock closed at 36 cents despite the best week of press coverage they have had since signing Stern.
It must have really ticked you off to see that the shorts were still around amid the profit taking on Friday.
What a stock, it gains and loses 15 percent every week like clockwork.:razz:
Actually doesn’t bother me at all because it finished up $.05 from a few weeks ago and it’s also up a bunch from when it was at $.06. This stock will be over $1.00 by October. Watch and learn BooBoo…
$1.00 by October, LOL!!!!
Keep Dreaming. 😛
You get lucky on your guess for the market on Friday and suddenly you are the end all be all of stock watchers….please BooBoo. How much did you lose on this stock? You must have felt like you got fucked with an elephant dick to be as down on Sirius as you are. Let us all in on it….did you buy at $7.00 or was it even higher? You can try all you want to piss on the Sirius management and hope for it’s failure but Satellite radio is long from over buckwheat. Take your loss like a man and go away…
I haven’t lost a dime on this stock.
I got out before the merger. When it became clear that Mel Karmazin was going to pursue the merger, even after it was clear it would kill both companies, I bailed.
What my prediction shows is that you clearly don’t know jack about Sirius-XM and you clearly don’t know how to monitor a stock.
Looks like you’re the only ass-clown here. 😛
What I would like to see
1. A function that allows you to continue listening to Sirius XM while you use another app.
I use Backgrounder and it works perfectly. Just hold down the Home button, it lets you know it’s enabled, then go about getting emails, Safari – whatever. It’s pretty cool.
I am a long time XM listener and now using the Sirius XM app on
my iTouch. After about two weeks, the only problem experienced is
listening to Fox News Talk. After about 20 to 40 seconds, there is no audio and the app is locked up. I cannot change stations and must return to the main apps screen. This does not happen with other talk stations tested. My WiFi signal is strong and not the problem. After an hour plus of telephone conversations with XM support, they issued a case no.
Has anyone else experienced this or have any ideas?
I LOVE SirusXM. When I use the other car that does not have SiriusXM, I want to smash the crappy FM radio. I can’t wait to download th app on my itouch. Thank you for the detailed review on the app.