Slacker Portable gets Devicescape WiFi manager

Hey, Slacker Portable users -- yeah, all eight of you: listen up. Slacker has just teamed up with Devicescape Software in order to give you easier access to more WiFi when on the go. Essentially, the Devicescape Connect application is a WiFi hotspot manager which allows users to register usernames / passwords online and then have the software automatically connect whenever in range. For existing users all giddy about having more opportunities to refresh your Personal Radio stations, you can simply perform a station refresh to nab the new goods -- as for prospective buyers, look for all Portables shipping now to have Devicescape pre-installed.

[BrokenMonkey @ Apr 2nd 2008 3:56PM]

Hmm, this might be the one thing that makes me get one, since before I don't think I would have had a way to log on to my University's WiFi networks without a web browser, but after using Devicescape Connect with my iPod touch, I know it works. But do I really need an iPod, XM, AND this?

[fizzlesquirt @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:12PM]

This could replace XM - no annoying DJs and no monthly fees. Wish it had expandable memory for your own files such as microSD. Then it could replace the ipod too.

I dropped XM as soon as I saw this. Now I've just about saved enough money to buy the 40 station version of the player. The Devicescape capability seals the deal.

[BrokenMonkey @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:33PM]

Yeah, I'd drop XM except I'm not paying for it, my mom is, and I already have the car adapter and the boom box to go with it. The Premium service is the same cost as the XM now (i'm on a multi-unit plan), so maybe she would pay for this instead, but who knows.

[ScooterDe @ Apr 2nd 2008 6:06PM]

You are at university and paying (directly or through your mother) for media content. You are mad (and your mother should be angry).

[BrokenMonkey @ Apr 2nd 2008 6:38PM]

Huh? I'm not mad, I'm happy with what I have. The XM is for the car and my iPod is for between classes and whatnot. I'd use the boombox in the dorm but my window is on the wrong side and the antenna won't pick up a signal. What's the problem?

[ScooterDe @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:37PM]

the problem is getting yourself locked into a provider's revenue stream. cut loose and swap tunes with your peers! Remember FM radio, the FREE music system?

[BrokenMonkey @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:46PM]

I'd like to see the FM station that plays the music I'm into, that doesn't lose a signal on the drive home, can help me find interesting new genres to listen to and is customizable to my changing tastes.

[LC @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:52PM]

LOL!! FM. They can keep the "free". I would rather pay and listen to music without some over caffeinated DJ stepping over the intro and 20 minutes of commercials with 10 minute song breaks.

[Acerguy @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:30PM]

LOL

[Jlivengo @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:43PM]

Is that a Slacker in your pants or are you just happy to see me?

[MuffinsPancakesMD @ Apr 2nd 2008 6:09PM]

What is this device pictured here? A dock for the slacker portable? I don't see anything like this on their website or any other site.. Someone please explain. I want this in my car.

[Jason13L @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:46PM]

[url=]http://www.slacker.com/products/portables/ [/url]

Not sure where you are looking but you can see almost the exact picture and pricing here.

[MuffinsPancakesMD @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:03AM]

They changed the picture shortly after I posted. Whats up with that??

[Kiteless @ Apr 2nd 2008 6:27PM]

After I saw this I went for the 40 Station. SO far I am really impressed. I just hope Slacker does not go out of business or something. Looking forward to eventual video playback ability. Finally a music player that I NEVER have to plug into my computer. Just charge it every night.

[Daren @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:54PM]

do you actually use all 40 stations?
I only seem to listen to "todays hits"...

just curious.

[Tamara Busch @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:52PM]

I think Slacker is a GREAT idea. I just wish they would add NPR content - can you imagine just downloading the most current "Car Talks" and "Wait, Wait"? Public radio nirvana! Making me quake in my Birkensocks!

I would buy the 8gb just for that function. Have showed seven people the Slacker.com site and I'm raring to program my own stations. VERY cool idea - the hot product for this holiday season!

Just the information on Barry White was cool!

[HunterXI @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:13PM]

...Great. The iPod interface has now been copied so much they've moved on to the Zune.

[Daren @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:57PM]

what?
you cant be serious...

[HunterXI @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:27PM]

What do you mean I can't be serious? There are at least four elements there I can name that came straight from the Zune interface.

[Kevin @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:17AM]

Go Sherwood.

[Jeramy @ Apr 3rd 2008 1:26AM]

go sherwood indeed

[rename42 @ Apr 4th 2008 9:51PM]

Slacker is great .. I actually own one. There are kinks to work out , but the content is incredible. The tech help is also on the money.People should try things out before making stupid comments.

[Iloverocknroll @ Apr 30th 2008 11:33AM]

I love slacker, and listen at home and at work. I made my own station and have 300 artists.
I have been hesitant to buy a player though, what if they go out of business?