Autoblog

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST

Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link. Here's what Ford user interface design engineer Jason Johnson had to tell us about why Ford got ranked tops:

"I think what really makes our system stand out is the fact it's designed with the user in mind. Yes, it has all the features you'd expect from a high-level navigation system -- the 3-D maps, the digital jukebox, the customizable home screens, and of course we pride ourselves on SYNC and SIRIUS Travel Link -- but it's more than that. This system is easy to use. It's intuitive. The buttons are where you'd expect them to be, the grouping is logical and the graphics are bright and easy to read. Everything is integrated, so it all works together, simply and easily."

Non-Ford top ten nav-system finishers include the Acura TL (third), Porsche 911 (fifth), Cadillac CTS (sixth), Hyundai Genesis (ninth) and Infiniti FX-series (tenth). Interestingly, Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten. If you were wondering, seven of the bottom ten nav-systems were made by Toyota, with the Avalon finishing dead last. Complete results list and official press release available after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe navi sneak peek

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market

Dan Roth — Mon, 25 May 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., I.C.E.

AT&T is starting to work with pockets of customers to test its CruiseCast satellite-based entertainment service before officially putting the TV/radio service on wide offer. When the whole clan is on the go, it may work to keep everyone calm and quiet, and when your Prevost motor coach is loaded up with everything else, you might as well go for the TV service, too. Truckers sticking DBS dishes on their rigs would likely be pleased with the CruiseCast system, especially since AT&T is using some new technology developments by RaySat that defeats the typical issues with line of sight obstacles and underpasses.

For comparison's sake, Sirius is cheaper and offers much more variety than AT&T's 20 music/talk radio stations, but their optional Backseat TV service only offers three television channels, and they are all geared for the kiddies. Conversely, AT&T's CruiseCast hardware must be professionally installed and will set you back $1,299, and the monthly payment is $28. Once the service is available for all customers in early June, they'll have 22 television channels to choose from. All that for the price of a used car and more than $300 bucks a year in subscription costs. Official press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market

Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Satellite TV battles for remains of satellite radio, DirecTV owner wins stake in Sirius XM

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Due to the recent merger of former satellite radio competitors Sirius and XM, and despite a recent rate hike, the newly formed Sirius XM conglomerate has a huge pile of debt and no cash on hand to pay it off. Fear not, lovers of radio from the sky, Liberty Media, owner of DirecTV satellite television, has just stepped up to the plate with a major infusion of moolah, which it will provide in exchange for 12.5 million shares of preferred stock that's convertible to a 40% equity stake in the company. A total of $530 million will be paid out by Liberty, $280 million of which will be paid immediately with a second installment of $250 million a little later down the road. A whopping $171 million of that first payment will go straight to Siruis XM's debtors.

DirecTV rival EchoStar, which owns Dish Network, was in the midst of gobbling up huge chunks of the satellite radio company's debt, prompting many to assume a takeover bid was imminent. Regardless, most analysts believe that the move by Liberty was mostly a financial decision, as Liberty will receive a 15% return on its initial $280 million investment.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Satellite TV battles for remains of satellite radio, DirecTV owner wins stake in Sirius XM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotec updating Sirius supercar?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars

Click above for a gallery of the 2009 Lotec Sirius

The Lotec Sirius has been around since the early 2000s after former Group C2 champion Kurt Lotterschmid vowed to create a supercar capable of taking on the best from Italy and beyond. The original car was motivated by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 supplied by Mercedes-Benz and put out between 850 and 1,200 hp depending on the spec. After a few hard years and several production delays, Lotec plans to release an updated Sirius in 2009 and has previewed the new supercar in a series of renderings.

Power output is likely to be down from the previous model due to the V12's lack of availability, but the tubular steel frame and carbon fiber body will remain, allowing the Sirius 2.0 to tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds, despite being equipped with power steering and air conditioning. Performance should be on par with the outgoing model, with a claimed 0-62 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds, the run to 120 done in under eight seconds and a supposed top speed of 242 mph. Considering the difficulties Lotec has faced in the past, we doubt we'll see the new Sirius on a stand at any international show, but we can hope for an appearance in Geneva.

Gallery: 2009 Lotec Sirius

[Source: Autoweek.nl via MotorAuthority]

Lotec updating Sirius supercar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sirius and XM debut new lineups

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., I.C.E., Technology

Sirius and XM have buried the hatchet and merged their content, to the likely displeasure of many. XM closes 15 stations while simultaneously adding 22 new selections to the lineup, and Sirius pretty much broke even, trading 11 stations for 10 new ones. As has always been the case, the sports fans fare the best. Reception is reportedly better, too, though we're sure the lossy-codec lack of fidelity still makes it all virtually unlistenable to anyone that pays attention. If you don't care that cymbal crashes on SatRad sound like a pair of metal trash cans being hurled down a fire escape, you'll likely be pleased with the shuffling; though we hope they've left our beloved Soulsville alone.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Sirius and XM debut new lineups originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford demonstrates new nav system with Sirius Travel

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: I.C.E., Technology, Ford

Click above to view videos after the jump

One of the cool features that Ford is introducing for the 2009 model year is its updated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link. When we went out to drive the updated 2009 Ford Escape this week, Ford's chief technology spokes-model Alan Hall gave us a guided tour of the system. The next generation nav unit takes the traditional touch screen GPS unit and integrates it with the popular SYNC system that debuted last year, while adding real time downloadable information from Sirius and a 10GB jukebox. The Sirius system provides information such as live weather maps overlaid on the navigation data, current fuel prices, movie listings and more.

With the jukebox, you can insert an audio CD and automatically rip it to the internal hard drive like you can in the Cadillac CTS. The full Gracenote CDDB database is incorporated so that the meta-data can be automatically added. The screen can even display the album artwork. The system can even play DVDs with the video only being visible on the front seat screen when the car is in park. As soon as the transmission is shifted into gear, it only plays the audio track. If you pull up a restaurant listing, it can automatically dial your bluetooth phone through the SYNC system. Like SYNC, the whole system can be controlled by voice commands so you don't have to take your hands off the wheel. The new setup will be on most 2009 Fords, with bigger vehicles like the new Flex and the MKS getting an 8-inch touch screen while the smaller Escape makes do with a 6.5" inch screen. Ford will be charging $1,995 for the full system including SYNC, the nav system, Travel Link and the jukebox. Check out a pair of video run-throughs of the system after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford demonstrates new nav system with Sirius Travel

VIDEO: Ford demonstrates new nav system with Sirius Travel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will we see (or hear) an XM/Sirius merger decision by months end?

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Trends, Technology

It seems like forever ago when rumors started about a merger between Sirius and XM satellite radio. The rumors were made slightly more official when the two companies announced the "merger of equals" last year. Where have we heard that before? Nobody expected this $4.2 billion transaction to be a sprint, as there are laws with tall hurdles designed to govern this type of business deal, but this conjunction has creeped like an overloaded Tercel up a steep grade.

For more than a year we've been sitting around watching these two companies as they worked on securing shareholder approval (accomplished in November) and the endorsement of regulators (um, not yet). Now we're getting word from Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin that there may be an end in sight. During a talk at the Bear Stearns 21st Annual Media Conference, Karmazin said he "took heart" in recent FCC comments that mentioned that the body aims to rule by the end of March. "The fact that it has lingered this long, it has been interpreted... as good news," Karmazin said. Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio, added that he was also confident the Department of Justice and the FCC were moving forward "...in a timely manner."

With satellite radio in need of some more customers, let's hope they can quickly put this merger in the books and focus on more important issues like signal reception and more varied content.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Will we see (or hear) an XM/Sirius merger decision by months end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:05:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, I.C.E.

Apparently, the idea of paying for radio chatter doesn't hold much appeal to customers who actually have to shell out hard earned cash. While many new cars today come equipped with stereos that are capable of receiving either XM or Sirius, fewer people than ever are buying standalone receivers. In December, retail sales of satellite receivers were down 37.5% (36% for Sirius and 41% for XM) compared to 2006.

This might in part be due to the fact that without an external antenna that has line of sight to the satellite, the radio usually doesn't work indoors. There's also the quality of what you hear on the stations. Unless you have a compelling need to hear Howard Stern unfiltered, most of the rest doesn't sound much different than what you can hear on terrestrial radio. At this rate, XM and Sirius better hope their merger is completed soon before they both run out of cash or customers.

[Source: OrbitCast]

Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin offering Sirius Radio with lifetime subscription

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Car Buying, Gadgets, Aston Martin

Beginning this August, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DB9 buyers will start getting Sirius - as in Sirius Satellite Radio. It will be available as a factory installed option, and better yet - drumroll please - it will come with a lifetime subscription to the service. That would normally run you about $500. Maybe not a huge deal on a six-figure automobile, but every little bit counts, right? And you'll also never worry about that $12.95 monthly bill should your fortunes ever reverse. It's a nice little touch that might push some buyers into pulling the trigger, but will more likely come as a pleasant surprise when they find out about the bonus in the deal.

[Source: Sirius]

Aston Martin offering Sirius Radio with lifetime subscription originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius

John Neff — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, I.C.E.

I've always chosen an iPod over ordering either of the two satellite radio providers, XM and Sirius, for one simple reason: I can listen to only what I want. With satellite radio, you pay a monthly fee, around $13/month, and get a bunch of channels, most of which I've found I'll pass right by on the dial. The thought of paying for dozens of channels I don't like just never thrilled me.

Thanks to the upcoming merger between XM and Sirius, however, my biggest complaint with satellite radio might soon be gone. According to the companies, two new a la carte plans will be offered about a year after the merger goes through. The first will cost $6.95/month (very reasonable) and allow a subscriber to pick 50 channels from either XM or Sirius. Unfortunately, with this plan you can't mix and match Howard Stern on Sirius with Oprah on XM. Step up to the $14.95 a la carte plan, however, and you'll be able to choose 100 channels on either service. These are great options and in our estimation deliver a better product to the subscriber than either satellite radio provider ever did on its own.

There will be more plans revealed ahead of the merger's conclusion, and the companies say that those who own either XM or Sirius branded players right now will be able to receive some stations from the other service, but not all. No list of which stations are excluded from each service's hardware was given at this time, however. Receivers sold after the merger, we're sure, will be able to tune in the gamut of stations offered by both providers.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Only the beginning: hard drives in cars

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., I.C.E., Technology

There's already been a silent technology explosion in automobiles over the last ten years. Command and control has become largely a computerized affair. With high and low speed data buses throughout the automobile, your car is basically a network. It used to be that you'd press the power window switch and current would flow to a motor, or it would trigger a relay. It was simple to execute in the design and manufacturing stages, and troubleshooting was a matter of time spent with a test light and a meter. Modern cars use protocols like CAN, or Controller Area Network, to facilitate the liberal smattering of increased functionality we all desire in our vehicles. Press that same window switch now, and a message is sent to the central processor that you desire a change in the window status. The central processor then alerts the window motor to energize in the proper direction, and then it's off to the races for the glass. Sounds overly complex at first blush, doesn't it?

The old way had some drawbacks that the new systems hopefully alleviate. Firstly, there were lots of potential failure points with analog control systems. Also, components had to be wired to each other for functionality, and that required lots of wire. Wire is expensive (checked the price of copper lately?), and it adds weight and takes up space. Networking protocols allow automakers to integrate functions as never before - check out the way the MazdaSpeed 3 dials down its power output depending on steering angle - while using less wire and having a system that's more reliable. These changes have gone on virtually unknown to most motorists, but the cool stuff is just around the bend.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

Continue reading Only the beginning: hard drives in cars

Only the beginning: hard drives in cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Town & Country, Jimmy Neutron edition

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Minivan/Van, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

It's better than Lee Iacocca saying something like "fo shizzle." Chrysler has joined up with Nickelodeon to shill their newly revamped minivans. With the addition of Sirius TV to beam content off the birds and into the backseat, it makes perfect sense for the two to team up. I'd rather interact with our child, but some parents just need a break from their little monsters, and video screens in the back seem to shut them up for a while. Cartoon characters have been used to sell cars before; even the Peanuts gang promoted Ford Falcons back in the '60s. Perhaps there will be some kind of Joe Camel effect, and the kids will specifically request that mom and pop take a ride at the Chrysler dealer when it's time for a new Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The new Chrysler minis are cool, with their video systems, flexible swivelly seats and if patriotism appeals to you, they're the last US brand in the game.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Town & Country, Jimmy Neutron edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mazda

To some observers, the opening round of the SCCA Pro Racing Sirius Mazda MX-5 cup may have looked like a walk in the park for Jason Saini, but it was anything but. After storming to the lead in the first lap, Saini kept a variety of second place contenders at bay, but the track setup for the Houston Grand Prix was comprised of several large, concrete walls - not the best environment for constant airflow.

[Source: MX-5Cup.com]

Continue reading Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston

Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi, Mitsubishi making Sirius standard on some models

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 08:23:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Technology, Audi, Mitsubishi

Radio is on a roll. While BMW and Jaguar have allied themselves with HD Radio and Infiniti's gotten in bed with XM Satellite Radio, Audi and and Mitsubishi have taken sides with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Audi will offer SIRIUS as standard equipment on the S4, RS 4, A6, A8, R8, and specific Q7 variants. Mitsubishi will make SIRIUS standard on the new Eclipse Spyder, and make it part of the premium sound system on the 2008 Galant, Raider, Endeavor, Outlander, Lancer, Eclipse and Lancer Evolution. For some reason, the Montero appears to have been left out of the party.

The fact that automakers are taking continuous steps to offer customers more and better choices is a good thing, and having the radio installed as standard means buyers don't have to check any costly option boxes. If there is any downside, it's that until (and only if) the merger of SIRIUS and XM is completed, carmakers have made your choice for you about which satellite service you'll receive, and you still have to pay for the subscription. Mitsubishi will at least pay for the first six months of the subscription, a move that should greatly increase uptake. If you're an XM listener in the market for an Audi, though, prepare to keep lugging your portable receiver around.

Increasing choice means customers win, and for radio -- a medium drowning in broadcasts about its demise -- the news is two more steps in the right direction.

Continue reading Audi, Mitsubishi making Sirius standard on some models

Audi, Mitsubishi making Sirius standard on some models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln to offer Sirius satellite radio as standard equipment

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Lincoln

Ford announced today that all 2008 Lincoln models (MKZ, MKX, Navigator, Navigator L and Mark LT) will come factory-equipped with Sirius satellite radio and six-month prepaid subscriptions. Whether it's Stern, Soundgarden, or Stevie Wonder, Ford's luxo-brand customers will be guaranteed the ability to tune into the programming of their choice as offered by the satellite radio provider as soon as they drive off the lot. Consider it another brand differentiator between Lincoln and the lower-on-the-totem-pole Ford and Mercury divisions. Obviously, Sirius is available on those brands as well, but it's optional, whereas every 2008 Linc is a lock to have it no matter what.

Press release after the jump.

[Sources: Ford, Sirius]

Continue reading Lincoln to offer Sirius satellite radio as standard equipment

Lincoln to offer Sirius satellite radio as standard equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models

John Neff — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Minivan/Van, Etc., Technology, Chrysler

Chrysler announced today that it will nab another exclusive for its upcoming redesigned 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. In addition to their popular Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go options, the new soccer mom-mobiles will be the first available with Sirius Backseat TV. This extremely handy technology beams three channels of kid friendly programming right into your minivan. Video can be displayed on either both flip down screens in the back, or also the third screen embedded in the dash if the vehicle is parked. Mom and Dad can also choose to listen to Sirius audio programming up front while Dick and Jane rot their brains on cartoons in the back.

The channels being offered are particularly appropriate for children, just the type of people that often frequent the back seats of minivans. Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and the Cartoon Network will all be beamed and received via two small roof-mounted antenna. We're particularly pleased the Cartoon Network was thrown in there, and hope to all hell that Adult Swim comes in.

What's more, this technology will only cost $470 as an option, which includes the first year of service. Considering that it's the first of its kind on the market, we think the price is reasonable. Although, by this time you've likely checked off the box for the MyGIG entertainment system, which costs a heady $1,700 on some vehicles. We imagine that money is of little concern when trying to mute the little ones, and Chrysler comes through again with an exclusive feature for its new minivans. The Sirius Backseat TV function will also concurrently be offered on the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it makes the most sense in these vans.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models

Chrysler first to offer Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XM and Sirius planning less expensive a la carte packages

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Technology

We had an idea that the XM/Sirius merger wasn't exactly going to be a win for the customer, and now we hear that XM and Sirius will be offering tiered pricing with plans that are both lower and higher-priced than their current $12.95/month service. Certain "a-la carte" plans will actually come in at a price below existing rates, which should fit the needs of a select few subscribers. There will still be a $12.95 package, with what Sirius described in a federal finding as "substantially similar" offerings to what customers are getting now for the same price. The soon-to-be merged companies will try to build additional revenue with upper-tier packages that will give customers more than what they're getting now, for less than the cost of getting both services.

Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, said that the merger could be a "real bad deal" for customers, and with this news, we tend to agree. When the two companies were fighting each other for subscription dollars, they gave us everything they could afford and some things they probably couldn't. If the merger is approved (and how often are they not) the combined company will slice and dice service cable tv-style, and customers will be left to either compromise what they really want in the name of price, or simply pay more for everything. Monopoly is more fun when it's the board game. We're not exactly political activists, but if you think this sounds like a bum deal, you can always send Senator Kohl a note.

[Source: Reuters]

XM and Sirius planning less expensive a la carte packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slacker brings internet radio into your car

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, I.C.E., Technology

It's like Pandora for your car! Slacker, a new web-based radio website has just launched this week. The channel selection is very similar to what's available on XM or Sirius, and we liken it to Pandora because the number of songs you can skip is limited, but the selection is large and the experience is flexible and customizeable. The website alone is a nice little diversion anywhere you've got a browser and bandwidth, but the exciting news is that there will soon be an iPod-like device so you can take your Slacker with you. That means never having to listen to the angry guy talk channel while stuck in a traffic jam again. It's also better than the four-song playlists each FM genre now spins, too. The portable device will store songs, and later this year Slacker will be unveiling a car dock that will be able to receive music from satellite signals.

Pulling down music from the birds is the same trick that Sirius and XM manage, but they cost money. Slacker is free once you purchase the hardware. How is that possible? Why, the very same way broadcast television and radio are free: advertising. If you're willing to sit through some ads, you get free music. In fact, the music is merely there to keep you interested enough that you'll continue to listen through the spots - of course, many of us are obsessive channel flippers (or worse yet, NPR junkies). You can have your Slacking and no commercials, too. For about half the price of Sirius, your $7.50 per month will keep the music rolling in and offer you unlimited skips and no ads. The price is so much lower because Slacker doesn't have big loans for satellites to pay off. The quality is in the MP3 realm, and sounds decent, which is encouraging. Some of us with finely tuned ears have a hard time listening to SatRad because of the digital compression artifacts. We'll see what happens if Slacker is able to popularize it's offerings, and deliver on the promise they're dangling tantalizingly in front of our noses.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Slacker brings internet radio into your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on XM / Sirius merger revealed

John Neff — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, I.C.E., Technology

There are a lot of questions surrounding the proposed merger of competing satellite radio providers XM and Sirius. USA Today had a chance to ask a few to Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin, the would-be CEO of the two companies if the merger is allowed to take place. Below are some bullet points from the interview with answers to the most burning questions.

Fees would not likely be raised above $12.95/month
Dual receiver radios will likely be available that can receive both XM and Sirius content
People with radios that receive only one service can continue to receive just that service
Both brands and services will remain intact
Live, real-time satellite television will be offered

It's still not clear to us, at least, how exactly this merger will work. Karmazin says that content from service will be available to subscribers of the other service soon after the merger goes through, but it isn't clear whether those subscribers will need to purchase a compatible receiver, perhaps a dual receiver, or if XM channels will be broadcast across the Sirius network and vice versa. We'd also like to know what effect the merger will have on automakers who have already aligned themselves with one service and have been installing Sirius or XM receivers in their vehicles for years now. Clearly there are cost savings that can be realized, otherwise the merger would never have been proposed, but we're wondering if the imminent confusion caused by the merger will hurt the two brands in the long run.

[Source: USA Today via Kicking Tires]

More details on XM / Sirius merger revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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