Sirius XM (SIRI) came out today with a new hardware line-up that takes their retail efforts to a new level, while at the same time bulking up their Internet Radio service. The new hardware and accessories have been highly anticipated because they enable iPhones and the iPod Touch to become satellite radios, thus offering a dual capability.
For consumers the release of these accessories will allow users to maximize their programming experience through one device. Instead of carrying around a phone, as well as a portable satellite receiver, users can find virtually all of their media in one place.
For investors, the news is also bright. Accessories such as those released today will boost the Internet radio subscriptions, which are priced at about $12.95 per month for Internet Radio only, or an additional $3.00 per month for existing satellite radio subscribers. “Best Of” packages should also see a boost, as listeners will want to have the ability to get Howard Stern, Baseball and football all on one platform . In addition, the company is not having to invest into more expensive receivers, because the interface is software based, and sirius XM does not bear the costs of manufacturing iPhones. This move will help the bottom line of the company.
SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today introduced XM SkyDock, the first satellite radio controlled by an iPod touch or iPhone. The XM SkyDock is also one of the first products to take advantage of the new hardware control capabilities of iPhone OS 3.0.
Designed for easy use through the existing vehicle audio system, SkyDock has a built-in XM tuner controlled by a free App that users download from the App Store. The App allows control of the XM tuner using the capabilities of the iPod touch or iPhone Multi-Touch user interface. SkyDock will also charge iPod touch and iPhone devices while listening to live satellite radio.
“XM SkyDock will allow millions of users to add live SIRIUS XM Radio capability to their iPod touch or iPhone while in their vehicle,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “XM SkyDock makes their favorite programming from XM and ‘The Best of SIRIUS’ available to iPod touch and iPhone users anywhere they drive, coast to coast.”
Listeners can use their iPod touch and iPhone to listen to all their favorite sports, talk, news, entertainment and commercial-free music programming, including Oprah Radio, MLB Home Plate, the PGA TOUR Network, Opie & Anthony, Bob Edwards, Jamie Foxx and Blue Collar Comedy.
