Slacker phases out hardware business, focuses on other devices
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 23rd 2009 10:57AM
posted October 23rd 2009 10:57AM
It's not exactly a huge surprise considering we haven't even heard so much as a whisper about a new Slacker device as of late, but it looks like company president Jim Cady has now finally confirmed that Slacker will indeed be phasing out its hardware business altogether. At the moment, that business consists entirely of the Slacker G2 personal radio, which will still be available "though at least the first half of next year," and offers a number advantages over the Slacker app for other devices. Those apps (and Slacker's online music service) will be the company's sole focus from here on out, however, so we'll no doubt see some expanded functionality sooner or later -- especially considering that Slacker has apparently raised a "few more million" dollars in funding on the basis of its new mobile strategy.
[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Zune Guy is gonna be ticked....
Actually, the Sony X Series does caching, and it does it wirelessly. I use it regularly.
To bad the cached mode is exclusive to RIM. That's one of my favorite features.
Cached mode is cool except for the whole "have to hook it up via USB to download" hassle. Let me do it over wifi or 3G, thanks.
I mean, how else am I gonna hit my 5 gig cap? :)
The 3.0 software has been stated to allow just that. yay to the death of USB sync
um.... finally?
With the convergence of devices that's been happening of late, between the Apple app store and other devices emulating it, a standalone device simply would not have sold.
I love Kate Nash.
just you wait... The Foo Fighters are right around the corner!
Will be seeing these on Woot.com before ya know it. ;p
Cool to see Kate Nash on a gadget. Brit Pop Rocks.
Southern bitch. She annoys the life outta me.
And I was considering getting one to replace XM Radio. Anyone know if there's an Android app for this?
Not yet, but it's coming. I've been waiting for the Android Slacker app for almost a year now. :-)
http://www.intomobile.com/2009/10/07/slacker-radio-coming-to-android-and-windows-mobile.html
But Slacker will continue to support the G2 even after they stop selling them right? They're clearing out the 4GB players on their site... thinking about getting one before they're gone...
Did you just post a useless comment so you could advertise your site?
Yes, he did.
Shame, really like my G2. Don't want to pay a cell phone carrier for bandwidth to stream the service... This was a great alternative to XM. Never had any problems with the device in the 6 months I've owned it. Very easy to use interface... Hope the service for the G2 lasts for several years to come...
Great technology!
I've been a loyal Slacker listener since day one, and bought each generation of their hardware.
This is a wise move on their part, as I find the Slacker implementation on my SONY X1K to be superior to my standalone Slacker radios.
I'd like to see Slacker Radio as common as FM on media players, and eventually cellular phones.
I have a Slacker G1 and really love it. But I can't honestly say I'm surprised by this. I'm sure they're seeing more business from their mobile apps than they ever could have seen with dedicated hardware. Once the Android app is released, I honeslty don't know how much I'll carry the G1 around anymore, since I'll be able to carry one device instead of two. That one device being my other G1, of course...confusing. :-)
They should bring Slacker Radio as an application for the Zune HD.
I love my Slacker G1 and have worked hard to get it to successfully sync under Linux. I've been waiting for the G2 to drop in price to get it, I guess I'll get my chance now. Too bad they are getting out of the hardware business! Guess I'll keep my eye out on Woot for it now ;)