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Tesla offering cold weather package for Model S, gouges you for XM satellite radio
Wherever your loyalties lay during Tesla vs. The New York Times, it was clear that the Model S isn't a great fan of cold weather. That's why the company is addressing the vehicle's snow allergy with a new Subzero Weather package, adding wiper blade defrosters, washer nozzle-and-rear seat heaters for an additional $750. While that's good for people who regularly see subzero temperatures, those who need a daily blast of Howard Stern have less to celebrate about. Tesla will now only add XM Satellite radio to your whip if you buy the new Ultra High Fidelity Sound package, which'll set you back the eye-watering figure of $2,500. Yep.
SiriusXM for Android update brings On Demand and offline listening
If you're an Android-toting SiriusXM fan, you've probably spent the last month wondering when your smartphone would get the newfound flexibility to tune in beyond live radio. As of Sirius XM's version 2.2 update, Android is back on equal footing. The upgrade supplies On Demand streaming, both for catch-up and the occasional classic, as well as downloadable copies to keep the music and talk flowing offline. As before, the access is considered a free perk of a SiriusXM subscription; if you enjoy Howard Stern's cynicism enough to want it at odd hours of the day, your angsty fix awaits at the source.
Sirius XM details GoogleTV app ahead of the I/O party
The fine folks at Sirius XM just couldn't wait for Google I/O to kick off. Yesterday the satellite radio giant tipped off Reuters (not that it was the only one "spilling the beans," mind you), and today it's offering up even more information on its upcoming Google TV offering. The app, still slated for a broad 2012 release, will be available as a free download for US subscribers via the Google Play store. The list of features includes Start Now, which lets users listen to programming from up to five hours prior, pausing / fast forwarding / rewinding and Tune Start, which brings up the beginning of an already played song. Also on-board is the Show Finder, a program guide that lets subscribers set show alerts. The company will be demoing the product later this evening at I/O. In the meantime, check out the press release after the break.
Sirius XM gives Google TV a Stern look, plans radio app for this summer
Sirius XM has long had a love affair with Android, going so far as to build an Android-powered satellite radio just a few months ago. That flame is burning for at least a little while longer with plans for a Google TV app launching this summer. Much in line with Sirius XM's more recent internet options, subscribers can soon tune into virtually anything from the satellite radio lineup, including the obligatory Howard Stern, as well as online-only bonuses like ESPN SportsCenter. The radio provider tells Reuters that it worked "closely" with Google to build the app, but what secret sauce that adds (if any) is left to the imagination: the live pausing and five-hour content storage don't exactly break the mold of what we've seen so far. We'll find out very soon just how category-busting Sirius XM can get when we get a full reveal of the Google TV app in sync with the start of Google I/O.
Sirius XM releases Lynx radio, ensures that you never miss the beginning of another Jimmy Buffett song
Need a shiny new way to enjoy SiriusXM's revamped channel lineup? For $250, you can pick up the Lynx Portable Radio, which lets you start shows and songs (Jimmy Buffett or otherwise) from the beginning and pause, fast forward and rewind programming. The wildcat radio also stores up to 200 hours of programming and features "dynamic" presets and a show finder, which offers up a programming schedule for the next seven days. It's currently available online for $250 and will be hitting retail shops in the near future. More info on the radio can be read from the beginning in the press release and video trailer after the break. Still no word on that whereabouts of that shaker of salt.
Sirius XM Lynx strips down for the FCC, flaunts new screws
If you were wondering when you could pick up Sirius XM's latest touchscreen touting receiver, you can scoot just a little closer to the edge of your seat -- the Lynx just made its way through the FCC. An accidental Best Buy listing in October outed the satellite radio as a possible Android device. The FCC teardown didn't betray what version of the dessert themed OS the receiver might be running, but a tidy Immersion logo suggests that the radio's touchscreen might support some of the outfit's haptic feedback tricks. Rumors and scuttlebutt aside, the Lynx passed through its federal inspection with flying colors. We'll let you know if we ever get a bead on its release date.
Sirius XM rolls out Edge satellite radio with expanded channel lineup
We're still waiting for some official word on Sirius XM's seemingly imminent Android-based Lynx radio, but the company has now announced another first. That would be the Edge Dock and Play Radio pictured above, which is the company's first radio to support the so-called "Xtra Channels" that are a part of Sirius XM 2.0. As for the radio itself, it can of course be used either at home in a dock or in your car, and it'll give you ten pre-sets for your favorite radio stations, along with a fairly large (non-touchscreen) color display that shows the usual song and station information. Those interested can grab this one right now for $140 -- press release is after the break.
Sirius XM Lynx receiver leaks out courtesy of Best Buy
It's since been removed, but a listing for the tidy little package you see above was on Best Buy's website long enough this week to provide most of the details on Sirius XM's still-unannounced Lynx satellite radio receiver. As you can see, it relies on a touchscreen interface for the most part and, even more interestingly, it apparently runs some sort of custom version of Android -- although we wouldn't recommend getting your hopes up about Android Marketplace access or the like. You'll also get a microSD card slot to load it up with your own music, and it can be used in conjunction with your choice of a car kit, home kit or portable speaker dock (not included). Assuming nothing's changed, you can expect this one to set you back $250, although there's unfortunately no indication of a release date.
Garmin releases aera 795, 796 flight navigators, private jet not included
The GPS gurus over at Garmin have just launched the aera 796 and 795 -- a pair of new navigation devices designed specifically for pilots who don't enjoy getting lost. As the flagship member of the aera family, the 796 sports a seven-inch, 480 x 800 capacitive touchscreen (capable of displaying maps in either landscape or portrait mode) and features Garmin's 3D Vision technology, providing users with a behind-the-plane view of the terrain below, including rivers, landing strips or any other obstacles. This knee-mounted co-pilot can also serve as an electronic flight bag, allowing captains to digitally store flight routes and airport diagrams directly on their devices. Plus, if it's hooked up to a compatible GPS system, the 796 can provide real-time traffic updates, while streaming SiriusXM radio straight to the cockpit (the North America-specific 795 features identical specs, minus XM compatibility). Aviation enthusiasts can buy the 796 and 795 for the respective prices of $2,500 and $2,200, at the source link below. Full PR after the break.
Sirius XM to debut Tiger Blood Radio: all Charlie Sheen, all day long
Charlie Sheen has a pretty impressive track record: in addition to a twenty-five-plus year movie career, he's brought tacky bowling shirts to the forefront of American consciousness, earned a Golden Globe Icon award, and shot his onetime fiance Kelly Preston. Is this enough to warrant an entire radio channel dedicated to the man who describes himself as having a "10,000-year-old brain and the boogers of a 7-year-old"? Apparently Sirius XM certainly thinks so. That's right: the company has announced that Tiger Blood Radio will air for twenty-four hours beginning tomorrow at 6:00 am ET on Sirius channel 108 and XM channel 139. "[C]reated in response to the national conversation sparked by the recent events surrounding actor Charlie Sheen," the company said in a statement, the station "will take listeners behind the headlines, exploring the media frenzy/media reaction, as well as the medical, psychological, psychiatric and pop culture and celebrity angles." This definitely sounds like award winning journalism, and not a cynical way to make a few bucks off someone who's clearly spinning out of control -- Adonis DNA or not. PR after the break.
Teleca working on Android platform for SiriusXM, enabling more Stern on more devices
The details are unfortunately slim on this one, but we have word that satellite radio powerhouse SiriusXM is going Android for at least some of its future mobile offerings. Teleca, a company that works largely behind the scenes developing software for major companies in the mobile and automotive spaces, is peeking its head out from around the edge of the curtain to announce a new platform for SiriusXM based on Android. It will enable support for devices intended for pockets, car dashboards, and home entertainment centers. Sadly, we couldn't get anyone to tell us anything more about those devices, including whether SiriusXM is itself looking to release new hardware or just support more existing solutions, things like Ford's AppLink and Mini Connected. Given the success Pandora has found on that front we'd probably put our money on the latter, but maybe we'll find out which is the safer bet at Mobile World Congress next week.
Sonos nabs streaming support for XM Radio, Lithium listeners start a minor mosh pit
Look, we get it. You sunk $87,342.12 into a Sonos whole-home streaming solution, and your buds won't stop pestering you about its inability to stream XM Radio. Thankfully, the stars have aligned just in time for your impending Super Bowl bash, and it's just about time for you to start fantasizing about what their faces will look like when they're ushered into your adobe by Heart-Shaped Box. Thanks to the eagle-eyed Dave Zatz, it looks as if some sort of final blending has gone down between Sirius and XM, with a merging of accounts (presumably) making it possible for Sonos to now stream XM Radio; if you'll recall, the system has had the ability to stream dedicated Sirius channels for a good while now, but particular XM stations have been left out of the mix prior to this weekend. Hit the source link to find out what password changes are needed to get things in sync, and be sure to try it all out before bragging to said buds -- wouldn't want to eat crow after taking all of that flack, now would you?
Howard Stern/SiriusXM deal brings Stern Show to iOS
Yes, the rumor of an Apple deal was false, but a new agreement between Howard and Sirius/XM will bring the Stern Show show to the company's iOS app for the first time. Sirius subscribers can use the free SiriusXM Premium Online app with their subscriptions. It allows you to stream nearly all of the network's channels. Last year there was a mild uproar from subscribers who discovered that several of the network's key features, like the Stern Show, the NFL and MLB were excluded from the iPhone app. Details on the new arrangement with Stern are scare, but his contract is set to renew in January, so we expect to have his show on our iPhones by then. In short, Howard is coming to your iPhone, but not as we initially heard.
XM, Sirius finally announce plans to merge in Canada
Ready to have your mind blown? XM and Sirius never merged in Canada. Even after the two companies joined forces in the United States, they continued to operate as separate entities north of the border, with XM Canada wholly owned by Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings, while Sirius Canada operated through a partnership of CBC Radio, Slaight Communications, and Sirius XM in the US. That's now finally set to change, however, with the two companies today announcing plans to merge in an all-stock deal valued at $520 million (including $120 million in long-term debt). Assuming the deal is approved by the CRTC, the combined company would boast a total user base of 1.7 million, and Canadian Satellite Radio chairman John Bitove promises that the new entity will deliver an "exceptional value to subscribers."
Sirius XM Sound Dock unites a fractured past, accepts tuners from both Sirius and XM
The North versus the South in America. East and West Germany. Quebec revolting against English-speaking Canada. Sirius and XM. History's chock full of broken spirits, hurt feelings and splintered memories, but the latter of these mentioned touches our heart the most. We mean, just look at this new boombox -- the Sirius XM Sound Dock has somehow managed to put differences and demographics aside in a mighty effort of reuniting two satellite radio companies that once wished death and destruction upon one another. Expected to ship later in 2010 for $129, it's the first docking speaker station that's compatible with both XM and Sirius 'Dock and Play' tuners released over the past three years. If you're nowhere near an AC outlet, it'll also operate with an eight-pack of 'C' cell batteries, and there's an auxiliary input and headphone output for added flexibility. Frankly, the release of this fellow reinstates our hope that world peace can indeed be achieved... so long as we take it one radio at a time.
Sirius XM unveils $60 XM Snap, brings sat radio to any FM-capable car stereo
It looks an awful lot like the XM SkyDock that launched right around this time last year, but a SkyDock it's not. Sirius XM has just unleashed its first new piece of hardware in a few decades, and the XM Snap! might just end up being the must-have gizmo this holiday season. Uneducated guesses aside, the Snap is actually a fairly simplistic device; so long as you have a Sirius XM subscription, you simply plug this into your vehicle's cigarette adapter, tune into an open FM station (we're assuming, anyway), and enjoy the muddled, static-filled mess that always ends up coming out when an FM transmitter is involved. The company has done a fairly astounding job keeping the details to a minimum here, but we are told that it'll be Ridin' Solo in October for a reasonable $59.99. %Gallery-103845%
XM SkyDock now available for iPod touch and iPhone drivers
We know what iPhone owners want: Rosie O'Donnell talking on their car radios from coast-to-coast. Good, 'cause the $120 XM SkyDock is now available for purchase giving you full, touchscreen control and tagging capabilities over your in-car satellite radio. SkyDock features a built-in XM tuner and PowerConnect FM transmitter than bungs into the ol' cigarette lighter / power adapter socket to charge your Apple device while holding it in portrait or landscape modes depending on your preference. While XM keeps things simple by making the App a free download from Apple's App Store, you'll still have to thread the antenna cable along the inside of your vehicle's weather stripping in order to attach the magnetic antenna to your car's roof (just above your front windshield) for optimal results. Sounds messy.
Sirius XM Onyx radio, PowerConnect accessories hit the FCC
Sirius XM's Onyx radio may have gotten a little lost in the shuffle when it was announced alongside the company's SkyDock iPhone / iPod touch dock, but it looks like none other than the FCC has now stepped in to offer a bit of a reminder, with the radio and a slew of accessories for it turning up for some approval. While the radio itself is pretty standard fare, the various accessories for it are anything but, as they make use of the company's new PowerConnect technology (also found in the SkyDock) that essentially takes advantage of your car's wiring to offer a better FM transmitter and ease installations in the process. Hit up the link below for a closer look at some of the accessory options available, including a cassette adapter for those looking to bring a bit of the 21st century to their old car stereo.
Sirius XM readying SkyDock iPhone / iPod touch accessory and more?
Sirius XM itself may not be dropping many hints just yet (unless you count that iPhone app), but rumors are building that the company is set to make a big push into iPhone / iPod touch territory at an event next week, where it's reportedly set to introduce a slew of new hardware. The standout piece is a so-called "XM SkyDock," which XMFan.com describes as a dock for your iPhone or iPod touch that effectively turns it into a full-fledged satellite radio. Details on it are otherwise still fairly light, as you might expect, but the dock will apparently make use of a new type of power cord that uses your vehicle's wiring as an FM transmitter wire, and will reportedly sell for less than $100. Other new devices supposedly on tap include a new color-screen XM Radio with that same new power cord that'll sell for $80, and a new XM signal repeater that operates in the 900MHz spectrum and will apparently replace the current Delphi repeater. [Thanks, Kevin]
Sirius XM iPhone app is now live, streaming
It hasn't been Thursday too long, but as promised, Sirius XM's iPhone / iPod touch app has popped up in the iTunes app store, ready for your aural digestion. There's a 7-day free trial being offered, but yeah, eventually you're gonna have to pay. Now that it's there, we might as well point out the app's got a 9+ rating for mild profanity and crude humor. Worth giving up Pandora, Last.fm, or any number of other free music streamers already available? That's your call, so go download and decide for yourself.
