01/13, 6:20pm
Android powered Satellite Radio
SirusXM made its Lynx Portable Radio, the first to use Android, official at the end of December and has given us a chance to try it this month. The actual device is relatively small, roughly the same size as a fifth generation iPod, and can be docked into a number of accessories. While most of the internal specs have been kept under wraps, we do know that the device incorporates a Wi-Fi radio, microSD slot, and an 1,150 mAh battery. The Lynx runs a heavily modified version of Android that doesn't include the Android Market, and according to Sirius XM, won't anytime soon.
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09/14, 7:10pm
Had to wait until after post-merger period
Satellite radio provider Sirius XM, having been required to wait three years after it's merger with former rival service XM before changing prices, has announced that it will be modestly raising the monthly subscription fees beginning in January 2012. The company will also be rolling out a Pandora-like on-demand music service called Satellite Radio 2.0 sometime this fall that will be available to subscribers for a separate (but likely very modest) fee, Spencer Osborne of Seeking Alpha reports.
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01/02, 5:40pm
Pulsar sat radio client
Rogue Amoeba has unveiled Pulsar, a desktop client for listening to XM Radio Online and SIRIUS Internet Radio. Subscribers to the satellite radio services can use the program to access both corresponding web-based versions, without using extra hardware or a browser. Listings are continuously updated with station and current song information, while users can also save any favorite stations. The client can work with Audio Hijack Pro and Airfoil for recording streams or distributing the audio via AirPort Express.
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08/13, 11:35am
Sirius XM app for iPhone?
A Sirius XM application is in production for the iPhone, according to reports. The app is said to be in development by GeeksToolBox as part of the StreamSmart project, which aims to allow the streaming of Sirius, XM and Internet radio to multiple platforms including the iPhone. The name of the app, StarPlayr, may indicate that a partnership with NiceMac, as StarPlayr is the name NiceMac uses for its Mac OS X software of similar function. The Sirius XM app is allegedly still in an alpha stage, meaning it remains under heavy development and that a number of leaked details could change.
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06/11, 12:55am
XM native iPhone app
Satellite radio provider XM is preparing to launch a native iPhone client to access its commercial-free broadcasts. Ars Technica notes that the company's executive vice president and chief marketing officer Vernon Irvin spoke to attendees at the Federated Media Conversation Marketing Summit that his company currently streams to select AT&T phones, and will expand to natively support the iPhone at an unspecified future time.
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04/30, 4:30pm
Sirius, XM await FCC OK
Both Sirius and XM satellite radio providers decided to postpone their respective shareholder meetings as they await the FCC's approval of their merger. XM had a shareholder meeting scheduled for May 23, with Sirius execs assembling on May 20, suggesting the two don’t expect the matter to be resolved at least until the end of next month. The FCC is reviewing concerns that analysts believe include "public interest" issues such as pricing of the service, which would effectively have no competition on the satellite radio market.
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04/29, 1:10pm
Sirius on Logitech systems
Three of Logitech's networked music hubs -- the Squeezebox, Squeezebox Duet and the Transporter -- will soon gain direct support for Sirius' Internet Radio service, the latter company has announced. Using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, owners will be able to select from over 80 different stations, including talk programming such as Howard Stern and NFL Radio. More critically, the support will come as a software update, and will be controllable away from a hub or a computer, via remote.
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04/25, 4:45pm
Sirius Starmate 5 Leaked
Sirius sent a prototype Starmate 5 satellite radio receiver to the FCC for testing, revealing some images as well as specs. Other than the color difference of an otherwise identical body, it's not clear how the Starmate 5 differs from the current Starmate 4. One hint as to a unique feature is mention of either an XM or Sirius radio signal used in testing in a memo between a member of the testing firm and FCC authorization staff.
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03/28, 3:10pm
XM, Sirus pressure FCC
XM and Sirius are putting pressure on the Federal Communications Commission for a quick merger approval, legal documents show. A filing submitted to the FCC by an XM lawyer shows that counsel for both XM and Sirius visited the FCC on Wednesday, and discussed matters not only with chairman Kevin Martin, but his chief of staff and senior legal advisor. The filing was required by FCC regulations, and is likely meant to ensure that all lobbying efforts are above-board.
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03/24, 11:05pm
XM-Sirius merger approved
The US Federal Justice Department today approved the highly controversial XM-Sirius merger, with some in the industry claiming that despite over 10 years of rebellious behavior against the FCC, the decision will grant monopoly status to the two companies. Just over a month ago, the two satellite radio content providers had officially announced the desire to merge, which many Sirius shareholders voted to approve.
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12/17, 4:35pm
Universal, XM settle suit
Universal Music and XM Radio have settled a lawsuit over a piece of third-party hardware, reports say. The item of contention was Pioneer's Inno player, which is able to record XM broadcasts in addition to playing MP3s; the problem is that it can naturally record Universal artists without permission, something the record label objected to. Under the terms of the settlement, Universal will be the first company signed to a multi-year agreement covering all XM radios with "advanced recording functionality," potentially opening the door to safe recording on many other devices.
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