In-car XM weather forecast for 2008

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Here at the 2007 New York auto show, we just got a demo of the next in-car offering from XM Satellite Radio: XM WX real-time weather service. As we reported last year, XM is planning to bring the WX service (originally designed for nautical and aviation use) to aftermarket devices this summer with the release of the Bushnell ONIX 400 handheld GPS device. According to XM reps, the same technology is about a year away from being integrated into in-car navigation systems in much the same way as XM's NavTraffic real-time traffic service.

XM WX makes use of a data feed from Weatherworks, a company that provides TV stations with the info they need for their own weather forecasts. The weather information, which is overlaid onto GPS maps in 7-kilometer grids, is updated every 30 seconds. As well as information on real-time weather conditions, XM WX can be used to call up weather forecasts for up to a week ahead. The service will be offered for a price similar to that of XM NavTraffic, which means an approximate $4 monthly premium on the standard XM Satellite Radio subscription fee of $12.95 per month.