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XM brings satellite radio Direct 2 you

With a few honorable exceptions, car stereo manufacturers are reluctant to build satellite radio tuners into their products, preferring instead to flog you clunky--and expensive--proprietary add-on modules to go with your XM or Sirius subscription.

Perhaps realizing that this model wasn't in the interests of increased adoption of its service, XM has just released the Audiovox XM Direct 2, a (relatively) streamlined, universal adapter that works with nearly all satellite-ready car stereos, irrespective of their manufacturers. In addition to its car compatibility, the device can also be plugged into XM-ready home audio products and XM2go portable radios. According to … Read more

Hands-on: XM XpressRC

Generally speaking, my love for satellite radio is nonexistent. Sorry to say, I just don't see a reason to spend that kind of money ($12 per month) to listen to a host of shows that can usually be heard on the radio and music that copies what we hear on local radio for free. Now for some, the prospect of missing Howard Stern may be too much to handle, so they go out and pay for Sirius. But XM doesn't have a show like that and more often than not, you'll find yourself working your way through dreck just to get to MLB or other exclusive offerings.

But alas, this hands-on isn't about XM programming as much as it's about the XpressRC. And for all of the faults I find in XM programming, they can't compare to just how nice the XpressRC is.… Read more

Pimp-worthy Sirius Sportster 5

The folks at Sirius are brimming with news this morning (seriously, pace yourself guys). Between their announcements of the Stiletto 2 handheld satellite radio and their partnership with wireless home audio mavens Sonos, news of their latest Sportster 5 plug-and-play receiver snuck right past us. The car-friendly Sportster offers a full-color screen with selectable color schemes that will do a much better job of integrating with pimped-out car interiors where monochrome just won't do. Other features include a real-time sports ticker, FM transmitter, 30 presets, and the ability to pause and rewind up to 60 minutes of live radio. … Read more

Sirius releases Stiletto 2

Today, Sirius announced the launch of the Stiletto 2, the highly anticipated update to the Stiletto 100, a portable satellite radio that doubles as an MP3 player. The new Stiletto measures 4.3x1.9x0.6 inches and weighs 4.3 ounces, making it both smaller and lighter (by about 25%) than its predecessor--a definite plus, as one of our complaints about the 100 was its chunky build. The new player also offers enhanced WiFi capability with support for commercial hot spots, and it has a microSD card slot for memory expansion--both features that were lacking in the Stiletto 100. Features … Read more

Sonos adds streaming Sirius to its content roster

Add Sirius Satellite Radio to the roster of content choices available on the Sonos Digital Music System. The version 2.3 firmware, available today as an automatic upgrade, delivers access to more than 80 Sirius stations to Sonos' line of multi-room digital audio products. Because the stations are streamed via the Sonos' broadband Internet connection, there is no need for any additional hardware, such as a satellite receiver add-on. After a free 30-day trial, access to the Sirius channels costs $3 per month (for existing Sirius subscribers) or $13 a month (for new subscribers who just want the service on … Read more

RIAA to feds: Make XM-Sirius pay more, restrict listeners' recording

The Recording Industry Association of America has already mounted a court challenge against XM Satellite Radio over gadgets like the Pioneer Inno that allow consumers to trap individual songs originally played on air in alleged violation of copyright.

Now the industry group is urging that issue to be one of the deciding factors for federal regulators weighing the proposed multibillion-dollar union of XM and its sole competitor, Sirius Satellite radio.

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, the RIAA urged the agency to "make clear that its approval of a merger is conditioned upon the continued … Read more

An XM-Sirius union: Yea or nay?

Whether you long to listen to Oprah Winfrey, Major League Baseball and Howard Stern all on the same satellite radio network or couldn't care less, federal regulators want to hear your thoughts on the proposed merger of XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.

In a document released Wednesday (PDF), the Federal Communications Commission acknowledged again that there are some persistent regulatory hurdles the operators must jump if they hope to get their union approved. Namely, a 1997 order adopted by the FCC prohibits such a combination when it would result in only one operator controlling all of the satellite radio … Read more

Exclusive: Slacker Portable Player slide show

If you're curious about the new portable device made to work with the Slacker Personal Radio service, check out our slide show of the Slacker Portable Player, where I've posted a handful of up-close and personal shots as well as some more info about the player. And if this particular device doesn't float your boat (it is awfully large for a flash player, after all), you'll be pleased to note that Slacker is talking to other device manufacturers about making both its free and premium services available to non-Slacker portables. How freakin' sweet is that?