MyFi arrives: World's first portable XM satellite radio

The rumors were true! Delphi and XM just announced the MyFi, the world's first portable satellite radio. It isn't cheap—the retail price will be $349.99—but they did toss in some nice extras like an FM transmitter if you want to listen to XM on your car or home stereo (though obviously there'll be some loss in sound quality) and some built-in memory for storing up to five hours of programming. Coincidentally, five hours is how much battery life you'll be able to squeeze out of the MyFi before having to recharge. Should be in stores by the end of next month.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

[Jake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

bam

[lcorc79 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I might have to consider this - haven't made the XM jump yet. I was hoping the initial rumors of an internal hard drive more iPod-like were true; but a few hours worth of memory is better than nothing. Looks pretty decent ...

[Uncle_Chachi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

And i just bought an iPod :(

Will have to wait on this one.

[candlebougie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

maybe a little pricey, but with this device you get everything you need:
Rechargeable, integrated battery
Complete home accessory kit
Complete vehicle accessory kit
built-in antenna
Headphones
Remote control
Belt clip/stand

awesome

[Vectormonkey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Very cool technology. I am finally tempted to jump on th XM bandwagon...

[Henry Erich III @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

was just comparing Sirius to XM stations today for a purchase, seems like in Orlando Fl, Id prefer Sirius, but this portable version may change my mind! thanks!

[me @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

now you can get baseball anywhere/anytime

[SAM @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

too many buttons

[TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

STERN is on Sirius. I dotn care if XM has an in-ear receiver. They dont have Stern, so - Im getting Sirius - seriously :-D

[Ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I wasn't impressed by the preview pictures of the MyFi floating around the web before, but this device looks far better. I wouldn't say it competes with the iPod (though the price segment is the same), but they've added the right amount of features to make it desirable to iPod owners as well.

Battery life needs to be improved tho.

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

My girlfriend's a big Stern fan, and she's been wanting satellite radio for a while, so I was hoping to get her a Sirius system for Xmas this year. I hope they've got something similar planned before then.

[Larry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Isn't that name already copyrighted by Neuros Audio?

[candlebougie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

@tim

SIRIUS can�t produce something similar until next, their technology in inferior to XMs at the moment

@larry
neuros sold this name to XM and Delphi

[candlebougie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

@tim

SIRIUS can�t produce something similar until next, their technology in inferior to XMs at the moment

@larry
neuros sold this name to XM and Delphi

[Izzy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Can that antenna really receive satellite signals??

[Stuart Pomerantz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Seems like the 5 hours of programming memory is only for XM programming. Why not allow space for mp3's. This would be the ultimate and I would be first in line to buy it. I am sure someone will come out with this combo soon. SP

[candlebougie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Yes, this device receives signal from the sky.... ;-)) 150 channels

[Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Take this and build in an iPod with a Tivo-like XM program guide.

[Chuck Halverson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I have an XM built into my 2004 Honda Accord and love it. It has revolutionized radio for me completely. I never listen to local crap radio anymore. Nothing like the freedom of listening to the stand up comedy channel when you need a laugh 24 hours a day or listening to Reggae, Sinatra lounge music or BBC World Serice. My only gripe is that I want a portable player but DO NOT want to pay an extra fee for having 2 radios. I think there should be ONE fee no matter how many receivers you have. Thats greed to me.

[Brad Murphy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

If you know someone who works for Delphi then get the discount. I took my mother to Best Buy the other day to look at TVs and she saw the XM. She works for Delphi and got a fat discount on her unit. As soon as this is released and I can get the discount price I'll post it. This unit is the one for me.

[Brad Hall @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I was an early adopter of XM and it's great. This new device looks really interesting but since I already have an XM in my car and DirecTV music in the house I'm going to have a hard time justifying buying one. Does anyone know anything about the technology leap that made this thing possible? Seems like quite an advance. . . . .

[tadman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Will the antenna work indoors?? Do you have to wear it like a hat? :)

[Melissa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I am an O&A and Stern fan. Here in NY I useto listen to Stern in the AM and O&A in the PM (with Ron and Fez) didnt know what way to go. I was hoping that stern and O&A would squash there beef and go on one station but since that doiesnt seem to be happening it looks like O&A are going to win with this MYFI!!!

[jacmax69 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I have been waiting for a reason to jump to satelite. With the addition of MLB, and the portable device, I think my reason has come. I too am looking at getting for Xmas.

[Kenneth Bordner @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Is MyFi a portable satellite radio? Does what XM radios do in cars and at home without external power source and without an external antenna? ANd in addtion it can be used in a car or with a home stereo? Can anyone verify this for me? COOL!!

[ltclloyd @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I don't need Stern anymore I'm a little tired of "look robin, I'm touching myself under the counter, whoowhoo" I've been listining for what must have been almost 20 years and it was original and edgy for years but lately he has lost his edge, satilite will help him but I'm allready enjoying O+A in the mornings. that and XM's geo-stationary satilites have a lot of potential, look into XM direct traffic it's awesome.

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I picked up Sirius' Xacto XTR1 with the pod for portability in October and this week I picked up the XM's Delphi Myfi for even more portability. Of the two...Myfi is a dream and absolute major winner and player in the satellite radio receiver challenges. For $20 a month I have the NFL, most major college leagues, MLB, NBA, etc all the news, music, talk radio, Stern etc. I drive about a 100 miles a week and walk along the beach about an hour a day. I travelled to Orlando today and the myfi with its internal antenna worked inside the house I was visiting like a charm.

[John Holmes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Im sure after this one hits the market a COMBO with MP3 capability will be soon to follow. Im a gamblin man, im gonna hold out for a COMBO...Sweet small spot though..... :)

[Trevor Watson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Do your sat radios work off the World Space satellites? Please can you let me know.

Regards Trevor Watson

[Mike Flack @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Can't find a MyFi in stock anywhere local. Checked all the big box stores, Circuit City, WalMart, bestBuy...nothing. The most knowledgable sales person at Circuit City told me they haven't been released yet. At least this is true for San Antonio. Any suggestions?

[Don @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Best Buy had a dozen MyFi in stock Sunday morning. Best Buy Evanston, IL

[GARY TOOLAN @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

The myfi ideas is great but the techology sucks. Im guessing you will see more bad reviews as the year progresses. Outside the signal strength is difficult to obtain even with the antenna. Sudden turns cause a loss in signal. Inside buildings the myfi is worthless. It does not work. So if you want to go to the gym bring your walkman or ipod.

[Bob Long @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

WOW!! -- what a nice surprise for a Christmas present. Saw it advertised on TV and my great wife got it for Christmas stocking. Everything there needed for a great time. Only wish the battery would carry me through an 8 hour shift at work. Some of the extra features -- the 5 hour recorder & artist memory are great! Oh yes, it keeps my sports scores current and stock quotes.... Wish the wearable antenna worked better. It makes my toy box complete!!

[Bob Long @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

WOW!! -- what a nice surprise for a Christmas present. Saw it advertised on TV and my great wife got it for Christmas stocking. Everything there needed for a great time. Only wish the battery would carry me through an 8 hour shift at work. Some of the extra features -- the 5 hour recorder & artist memory are great! Oh yes, it keeps my sports scores current and stock quotes.... Wish the wearable antenna worked better. It makes my toy box complete!!

[Melanie Baker @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I got the MyFI - it's awesome, take it everywhere. PROBLEM is that I didn't discharge the battery at all after it was charged the first time. I can't get the machine to turn on unless it's plugged in -anyone have idea? I think I'm stuck buying another battery IF they are available - thanks [e-mail]

[Kim Brooke @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Tomorrow I will be buying a car and may get the one with XM already in. But, it'll be a while before I start subscribing to the service (a year? next promotion?) My QUESTION is: If I have it in the car, but don't pay for the service, does it still do anything at all that's a benefit? I ask because I once saw someone's car radio display the song name and artist and they swore they didn't have satellite radio service, so I thought maybe I too could get song name and artist displayed without paying for monthly service. Thanks for any answers.

[Matt Dunbar @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

It is not clear to me if this item requires a subscription to XM. Can someone clarify this?

[Jaysun @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Yes, $10/month subscription

[Kristine @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

I am thinking about getting the XM MiFi but am concerned over the comments I have read about bad reception, low battery life, and less quality of sound for the car and home. What is the story here? Should I just go for the car version and stick to the walkman for the gym and on a run. I just can't stand the boring local radio stations. I don't want the stations to click out from bad reception that is a real bugger when you are in the groove.

[Brad Warbiany @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Kristine,
I highly recommend the MyFi. I've had it a few weeks and have posted a review at: http://warbs.blogspot.com/2005/02/delphi-xm-myfi-usage-report.html

It's not perfect, but the ease of moving it from home to car, and the use of recorded content for the gym/etc, is pretty good. And the price isn't that bad compared to the SkyFi plus FM Modulator plus car kit plus installation (which I have in my truck).

[Kristine @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

Brad, thanks for the review you wrote, I'm still not sure if I want the portable. maybe the car get-up first and then wait to see about the next generation of the mobile. Thanks and enjoy.

[Neckbone @ Dec 19th 2005 12:05AM]

The problem with Sirius getting some kind of MYFI is that their service is not that great yet. Sirius has far less repeaters then XM, which would make a walkman style worthless when sitting in someone's home. Until they can get more repeaters around the country they will always be behind XM. Which makes me think could they merge with XM someday??