Meanwhile there’s also new timeshifting support, allowing you to pause the currently-playing radio station and then pick up listening to it later on. Fast-forward and rewind controls allow for skipping forward and backward through older shows. A maximum of 5hrs skipping is possible.

Interestingly, while the timeshifting features are currently limited to the iOS app, SiriusXM is believed to be working on adding them into its in-car options. A hybrid system that will “employ WiFi, Bluetooth and internet to create exciting complements to our core radio services” was promised by company president Jim Meyer, CEOutlook reported back in August, with the first of the “XM 2.0″ offering arriving by the end of 2011.

That seems to have happened, at least in the shape of the iOS app, though it’s unclear how in-car hardware will fit into the mixture. One possibility is tethering via Bluetooth to a smartphone and using that connection to buffer a combination of older programming delivered via the internet and live content via satellite.

SiriusXM 2.0 for iOS is available in the App Store now [iTunes link].

[via Zatz Not Funny]

Apple has already released the iOS 5.0.1 update that was aimed at fixing the battery life issues. However, the problem persists for some users and it’s believed that Apple will release iOS 5.0.2 with the aim of providing iPhone 4S users 40 hours of standby time and 10 hours of active use time. The update is expected to arrive no later than next week.

The more significant update to iOS 5.1 is believed to bring many new Siri features to the iPhone 4S. Some of those features include being able to use voice commands to activate functions like taking photos, recording videos, enabling and disabling Bluetooth, or turning on and off WiFi. But the source claims that the update won’t arrive until the end of 2011 as work on Siri is very costly.

[via AppleInsider]

The new interface takes advantage of the larger screen size of the iPad, featuring a visually enhanced channel selection area. You can easily swipe through album art and access artist biographies. With devices running iOS 4.3 you can now easily push audio via AirPlay to an Apple TV or another external audio source. Other improvements include:

* Listen to over 120 channels of SiriusXM Internet Radio and multi-task on the go, even while surfing the web or checking email.
* “Lookaround” to see what is playing on other channels while enjoying the song currently playing. On the iPad, the app features a full-screen display showing currently playing album art and program information for your favorite channels.
* Easily and quickly purchase music available from iTunes heard on SiriusXM, or add favorite songs to the shopping cart integrated into the App, by tagging them for later purchase.
* Save favorite SiriusXM Internet Radio channels for easy access through a “Favorites Channels” function.

The app is free to download from Apple iTunes, but requires a paid subscription for Sirius XM radio. The internet-only plan is $13 per month, while the conventional satellite radio plan is $16 per month.

[via Electronista]

Unfortunately, the press release is pretty thin on the details. From what we can tell, all you need to do is plug the XM Snap! unit into your cigarette adapter, find a station on your FM radio that’s free to use (meaning, not already playing music and preferably not filled with static), and then adjust your XM Snap! to the right station. From there, you should be listening to your favorite satellite radio stations.

Of course, you’ll also need a Sirius XM subscription. The company says that the XM Snap! will drop into retail outlets beginning in October, and should have a retail price tag of about $59.99. Is this going to be the hot ticket on your holiday shopping list?

Press Release

SIRIUS XM RADIO INTRODUCES “XM SNAP!,” THE EASY-TO-USE, ANYWHERE-YOU-DRIVE SATELLITE RADIO
Latest satellite radio is a snap to install, a snap to set up, and a snap to use

NEW YORK – September 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today the introduction of XM Snap!, an easy to install, set up and use satellite radio for the vehicle.

XM Snap! will be available at retail nationwide and www.shop.xmradio.com in October 2010 for $59.99.

“XM Snap! is an attractive, easy-to-use radio that makes it easier than ever for more consumers to bring satellite radio into their vehicles,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “Offering amazing value, the new XM Snap! also gives customers the opportunity to discover what makes SIRIUS XM the ultimate destination for the best in audio entertainment.”

XM Snap! comes with everything you need to listen to XM in the vehicle. Just plug it into the vehicle cigarette lighter or power adapter socket, connect the antenna and listen to XM through the existing vehicle radio with simple, do-it-yourself installation. The fully adjustable stalk allows for convenient placement in the vehicle, easy access to the radio controls and clear view of the high-contrast display. The simple controls make it a snap to use – the large arrow keys navigate through categories, the rotary knob changes channels, and the preset keys store favorite channels for one-touch access. Accessories include the Magnetic Mount Antenna and an Aux-In Cable to facilitate Aux-In connections in vehicles that support this capability.

XM Snap! delivers all channels currently available on XM, including commercial-free music from every genre, featuring a broad array of 24/7 artist-branded music channels such as The Grateful Dead Channel, Eminem’s Shade 45, Jimmy Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville, “Little Steven” Van Zandt’s Underground Garage and Outlaw Country channels, B.B. King’s Bluesville, Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Place, Elvis® Radio and Siriusly Sinatra; music channels playing all the hits from the ’40s to today; every Major League Baseball® game, play-by-play from the NHL® and NBA, PGA TOUR® events, auto racing, college sports and 24/7 Fantasy Sports Radio; the biggest names in entertainment, including Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O’Donnell, Barbara Walters, Jamie Foxx, Bob Edwards, and Opie & Anthony; news from Fox News, CNN, CNBC and the BBC; comedy and kids’ programming.

Customers can add the “Best of SIRIUS” to receive Howard Stern and his two channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, every NFL game and NASCAR race, and Playboy Radio.

For more information on SIRIUS XM Radio, please visit www.siriusxm.com.

So, we’re basically looking at a Sirius XM radio that can squirt out audio either via an aux-out connection or via an FM transmitter.  No word on when it might launch, though Sirius XM has requested a 45 day confidentiality period on the user guide, test photos and the like, suggesting it’ll be here in less than two months.

[via Wireless Goodness]

While the GENIVI Alliance don’t make IVI equipment themselves, what they do offer are reference builds that car manufacturers can use to reduce their development cycle.  According to Graham Smethurst, president of GENIVI, the group intends ”to establish a solution that effectively merges IVI needs with those of the other MeeGo target device categories” including smartphones, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and IVI systems.

Existing GENIVI members include Hyundai, Renault, Delphi, Peugeot-Citroen and of course BMW and GM, while hardware partners include Intel, ARM, NVIDIA and Sirius XM.  No word on a timescale for the MeeGo-based GENIVI release.

Press Release:

MeeGo Software Platform Chosen by the GENIVI Alliance

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2010 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced the GENIVI Alliance has chosen MeeGo as the basis of its next reference release for In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI).

MeeGo is an open source platform hosted by The Linux Foundation that brings together Intel Corporation and Nokia’s previous projects and is designed for computing device types including smartphones, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and IVI systems. Adoption by this major automotive alliance is a testament to the cross-device, cross-architecture advantages of the MeeGo platform. GENIVI is a nonprofit industry alliance with founding members BMW Group, Delphi, GM, Intel, Magneti-Marelli, PSA, Visteon and Wind River.

IVI is a rapidly growing and evolving field that encompasses the digital applications that can be used by all occupants of a vehicle, including navigation, entertainment, location-based services, and connectivity to devices, car networks and broadband networks. MeeGo will provide the base for the upcoming GENIVI Apollo release that will be used by members to reduce time to market and the cost of IVI development. MeeGo’s platform contains a Linux base, middleware, and an interface layer that powers these rich applications.

“We are pleased to see GENIVI choose MeeGo to power their software platform,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. “MeeGo has been built from the ground up for these types of applications. Because MeeGo is a truly open platform, the work GENIVI will do to extend the platform can benefit the project and all who use it. For developers, this is a great opportunity to harness the power of the MeeGo APIs to target a variety of devices and architectures and extend their work on handset applications toward vehicles.”

“We selected MeeGo as the open source basis for our platform because it is technically innovative and can provide the cross architecture build support we require for our references,” said Graham Smethurst, President of GENIVI. “Working with MeeGo we expect to establish a solution that effectively merges IVI needs with those of the other MeeGo target device categories.”

“Access to a thriving ecosystem and engaging applications for an in-vehicle infotainment system is vital to our customers,” said Gerulf Kinkelin, GENIVI Director and Innovation Area Manager for Electronics and Telematices, PSA Peugeot Citroen. “PSA supports GENIVI’s decision and believes the rapid innovation associated with open source and a rich network of contributors available with MeeGo can enable us to define and deliver a faster time-to-market, outstanding IVI experience in our upcoming products.”

An initial release of the MeeGo platform is available now from http://www.meego.com/downloads. Interested parties can download and contribute to the project. The MeeGo project encourages all automakers or industry groups to participate in the MeeGo project or make use of its software to power their own distributions.

About the GENIVI Alliance
GENIVI is a non-profit industry alliance committed to driving the broad adoption of an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform. GENIVI will accomplish this by aligning requirements, delivering reference implementations, offering certification programs and fostering a vibrant open source IVI community. Our work will result in shortened development cycles, quicker time-to-market, and reduced costs for companies developing IVI equipment and software.

About the Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading Linux and open source companies and developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and standardizes Linux by hosting important workgroups, events such as LinuxCon, and online resources such as Linux.com (http://www.linux.com). For more information, please visit www.linuxfoundation.org (http://www.linuxfoundation.org) or follow the organization on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/linuxfoundation.

Sirius XM has announced that the XM SkyDock is now available to purchase across the country. The device is available to purchase online at the Apple Store and in retail outlets like Best Buy, Radio Shack, and other places. Subscribers can use the SkyDock to get access to all available satellite radio content based on their subscription.

The SkyDock is compatible with the iPod touch first and second generation as well as all iPhone models that are running OS 3.0. The SkyDock uses PowerConnect technology for a simple installation and has an auxiliary output. The device sells for $119.99 and the associated app is free.

Best Buy tossed the Samsung Instinct HD online confirming its most important specs in the process. The phone will sport a 5MP camera that can play and record HD video along with Wi-Fi and lots of social networking. We found out early in the week that Apple’s latest OS, Snow Leopard, will ship on August 28 for $29. Bill Gates should be ashamed.

Shuttle swiped some of the team form ECS a while back and it looks like the new employees are going to be working on a netbook for Shuttle. That is just what we need, another netbook on the market. Speaking of another netbook, Nokia whipped its new Booklet 3G out this week with a promise of 12 hours of run time per charge.

The Nokia N97 Mini was reviewed early on Tuesday and the verdict was the keyboard is horrible. That may as well be the kiss of death for the smartphone. Asus’ new Eee Top nettop computers were confirmed as coming to the U.S. with the ET2002T and the ET2203T coming with some very nice features like NVIDIA Ion.

Nintendo filed a patent application on a new football controller this week that looks really weird. From the line art, it looks like you plug your remote and nunchuck into it. I wonder how long it will take for someone to put a football through their TV when this thing hits market. Sony let it slide this week that they are still losing money on the PS3 Slim from a hardware perspective. The motion controller spawned from Project Natal is due to hit market in 2010 as well.

Elecom unveiled a cool SSD this week that has 16GB of storage in a design so small it plugs directly into the internal SATA port on your mainboard. It looks like you have to give up any ports beside it though thanks to the fat drive. HIS launched a new HD 4890 iCooler x4 video card this week that is overclocked and has a unique cooling solution. I wondered if putting the heat back into the chassis would cause any issues for the other components of a computer using the card.

Corsair unveiled a new SSD with 256GB of storage called the X256 with seriously fast read and write speeds Tuesday. The SSD will support TRIM for Windows 7 reducing unneeded delete cycles to prolong the drives life. Samsung’s Omnia 2 was spied on the Samsung mobile website sporting a Verizon logo. Details are scant, but we know it has a 3.7-inch screen with AMOLED tech.

Motorola announced that it will be holding an event on September 10. The event is expected to be the unveiling of the Sholes and Morrison handsets thanks to the Android drawn on the logo. Sony finally offered up a real competitor to the Kindle this week with the unveiling of its first 3G eReader with a 7-inch touchscreen at $399.

A rumor tipped up Wednesday that has the cheap, plastic MacBook getting an update and possibly a lower price tag. That would be a welcome addition to the Apple line. It’s almost disgusting to see cool gadgets gutted and filmed for our enjoyment. The Sony PS3 Slim was torn down and snapped Wednesday and it was almost enough to make the gaming geeks cry.

I talked about the new PocketDock Wednesday that allows you to charge your iPod or iPhone with a plain USB cable rather than the Apple cord you typically use. It also has a 3.5mm output to connect to your home stereo. We also saw a new external Blu-ray player perfect for netbooks this week sporting both USB and eSATA interfaces. The power sipping optical drive gets all the juice it needs from the USB port.

Sirius XM unveiled the XM SkyDock for iPhone and iPod touch. The dock turns the iPhone into a touchscreen controller for satellite radio programming and keeps the phone charged up. The Super USB mobile phone charger showed up this week and charges all sorts of devices at once, it reminds me of a Swiss army octopus.

Thursday we showed off the official video of the slick new Nokia N900 along with its Maemo 5 operating system. This may be Nokia’s best chance to fight RIM and Apple on even ground. We found out that Apple will be having an event on September 9 and while what they will be showing off is unknown, we suspect it’s the iPod devices with cameras to go along with all those leaked shots of iPod cases.

Thursday Microsoft officially confirmed the rumored price cut on the Xbox 360 Elite. The console price dropped to $299 to combat the new PS3 Slim selling at the same price. The PS3 seems to be the better deal with the Blu-ray player in it to me. Navteq issued a study this week that claims using a GPS with traffic data can save drivers four days per year of sitting in traffic. That’s four more days you can spend at the office.

I ran across an external laptop battery later in the week that promises to work with 10,000 different laptop models. The battery claims to be good for about three more hours of use. TiVo filed a lawsuit in an East Texas court against Verizon and AT&T over DVR patents. The court is that of the judge that ruled against Nintendo and other big companies in recent patent suits.

Sony unveiled several new DSLR cameras this week, all of which can store to SD and SDHC cards. The cameras are due in October with the most expensive one selling at $950. Logitech’s new Squeezebox Touch was spotted running wild Friday with accessories showing up on the Logitech website. The thing looks a lot like the Harmony tablet style remotes to me.

Yet another iPhone blew up this week in France leaving the teenage boy using it with a headache that lasted about two days. I bet he had to replace his tightie whities too and just didn’t mention that part. What’s with all the European explosions? Altec Lansing brings back the 80′s with a new style boom box called the MIX Boombox sporting all sorts of digital media docks and inputs. I could totally see the thing sighting beside a cardboard dance floor while dancers spin around on their heads.

The Nokia N900 went on pre-order in Germany and Italy Friday at 599 EUR. There is no word on pricing and launch date for other countries yet. We posted up reviews of the new Nokia E52 and E55 mobile phones Friday. We liked the E52 better than the E55.

Another week has come and gone and another week in review in the history books for your perusal. Till next week!

Both portrait and landscape screen orientations are supported, and there’s also a line-in port and a magnetic-mount antenna.  Both first and second generation iPod touch models are supported, together with all three versions of iPhone – original, 3G and 3GS – as long as each is running iPhone OS 3.0.

The XM SkyDock will be available in fall 2009, priced at $119.99, while the accompanying software will be released at the same time through the App Store.  You’ll obviously also need a subscription to Sirius XM radio.

Press Release:

SIRIUS XM RADIO INTRODUCES THE FIRST DEVICE TO RECEIVE LIVE SATELLITE RADIO CONTROLLED BY THE iPOD TOUCH AND iPHONE

XM SkyDock allows customers to enjoy live XM and “The Best of SIRIUS” in their vehicles using the iPod touch or iPhone

NEW YORK–August 26, 2009–SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today introduced XM SkyDock, the first satellite radio controlled by an iPod touch or iPhone. The XM SkyDock is also one of the first products to take advantage of the new hardware control capabilities of iPhone OS 3.0.

Designed for easy use through the existing vehicle audio system, SkyDock has a built-in XM tuner controlled by a free App that users download from the App Store. The App allows control of the XM tuner using the capabilities of the iPod touch or iPhone Multi-Touch user interface. SkyDock will also charge iPod touch and iPhone devices while listening to live satellite radio.

“XM SkyDock will allow millions of users to add live SIRIUS XM Radio capability to their iPod touch or iPhone while in their vehicle,” said Bob Law, Group Vice President and General Manager, After Market Division, SIRIUS XM Radio. “XM SkyDock makes their favorite programming from XM and ‘The Best of SIRIUS’ available to iPod touch and iPhone users anywhere they drive, coast to coast.”

Listeners can use their iPod touch and iPhone to listen to all their favorite sports, talk, news, entertainment and commercial-free music programming, including Oprah Radio, MLB Home Plate, the PGA TOUR Network, Opie & Anthony, Bob Edwards, Jamie Foxx and Blue Collar Comedy. For the first time, subscribers can also listen to the complete “Best of SIRIUS” package, including Howard Stern and his two 24/7 channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, sports play-by-play and the Playboy Radio channel, all controlled by the iPod touch and iPhone.

Listeners can also tag songs they hear on XM’s music channels for later purchase from the iTunes Store–including songs on XM’s 24/7 artist branded commercial-free channels such as Jimmy Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville, Elvis Radio, Eminem’s Shade 45, The Grateful Dead Channel, B.B. King’s Bluesville, Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Place, Siriusly Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Radio. Other features include game alerts and sports ticker, artist and song alerts as well as a stock ticker.

The XM SkyDock is a perfect companion to the SIRIUS XM Premium Online App, which allows subscribers to receive SIRIUS XM’s Premium Internet service on their iPhone and iPod touch when they are out of the vehicle and on-the-go, at home, or at the office.

XM SkyDock comes with SIRIUS XM’s patent-pending PowerConnect technology, which simplifies Do-It-Yourself vehicle installation, working through the existing vehicle radio and making it easy to move from vehicle to vehicle. An Aux In Cable is a standard in-box accessory to facilitate Aux In connections in vehicles with Aux In capability. SkyDock’s flexible stalk optimizes the iPod touch or iPhone placement in the vehicle. Customers can view the touch-screen interface in portrait or landscape modes. Accessories include Magnetic Mount Antenna and spacers to accommodate the various iPod touch and iPhone product generations.

XM SkyDock is compatible with iPod touch (1st generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. All models require iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

XM SkyDock will be sold in stores and will also be available at www.shop.xmradio.com with an MSRP $119.99 in fall 2009. The XM SkyDock App will be available at the same time.

This device has been granted preliminary approval by the Federal Communications Commission but is still undergoing evaluation by the Commission.

For more information on XM, please visit www.xmradio.com

When Ford contacted us about the vehicle, we were told to focus on a specific item and write about it, make videos, and Tweet about it. I took some time to familiarize myself with the workings of the vehicle and the Sync capabilities, and then made a video about it. I have to admit, Microsoft did something right with Sync. The integration of my Bluetooth MP3 player and my phone was flawless, and enabled me to eliminate the wires entirely (though the option is still there) when playing my music and making calls (handy in California where you have to go hands-free). I could sit here and describe everything in detail, but that’s almost as much fun as watching me clumsily explore the menus and work the system.

The video isn’t an in-depth overview, but it’s the first of a few more to come as I test out the MKS more in the coming days. I apologize for my tendency to ramble; I always think I’m funnier than I actually am. Be that as it may, here’s the video as promised, and some lovely photos for you.

According to customer services, it’s possible to lock your current rates by subscribing for a full three years.  Of course, that could end up costing you more money in the long-run, as you’ll be tied to a significant contract.  It’s unclear whether any of the Sirius XM channels will be altered, or if new content will be added to reflect the price increases. 

Subscriptions for the Base, Best of, and A la Carte packages remain unchanged.  This is likely to be in an attempt to pacify the FCC, who have been watching Sirius XM closely since the two companies merged.

The person who is starting this rumor claims to be an employee of the Sirius XM Activations Department, if anyone would know these new policy changes it would be the activation department. The first rumor outlines that each additional radio added will costs $8.99, which is a $2 increase from standard pricing today. The second string of bad news is that online streaming will now cost you $2.99 for most packages rather than being entirely free. This service can also range up to $8.99 a month for the Mostly Music and family Pack.

Luckily for current subscribers you can “lock in” the current price you are paying for service as well as the free online streaming. It appears that Sirius is also feeling the economic crunch on such a level that raising prices is the only way to save them from such a fate that we have been seeing all over.

The SUB-X2 will be very much like the SUB-X1 model. It will feature a headphone jack on the front of the device, along with an auxiliary input. This will make it so you can plug in your MP3 player and enjoy your own tunes through the system.

You will also be able to plug in and use non-universal docking Sirius radios with the Boombox. We don’t know any pricing information at this time or additional specs, but we could probably expect a price tag near that of the current SUB-X1–about $100.

[via Electronista]

The voice control is particularly clever.  Rather than rely on preset commands which a user must memorise, the three ICE units can recognise natural speech; therefore, you could say “I want to listen to some Britney Spears” and, after briefly laughing at you, the AVIC-F will locate some among its playback options – CD, DVD, iPod, connected USB storage or SD card.  The same technology is used for handsfree cellphone dialling, with the system giving verbal options for mobile, home or business numbers under the same contact.

Sound itself is handled via Pioneer’s Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Radio connectivity, three sets of RCA outputs and 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier.

Of course, just as with the functionality, the pricing is high-end too.  Pioneer’s MRSP for the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT are $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.  They’re expected to launch in June 2008.

Press Release

Pioneer Advances Beyond Navigation with Launch of AVIC-F Series

New Pioneer Products Offer Consumers Enhanced Navigation and Entertainment Features Paired with Sophisticated Voice Control

SAN DIEGO –(Business Wire)– Apr. 19, 2008 Pioneer’s commitment to providing consumers with the ultimate in-car entertainment experience has led to three new product offerings that go beyond the typical navigation system. The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier branded AVIC-F90BT combine a multitude of functional entertainment capabilities with advanced navigation features that fit the lifestyle of today’s on-the-go consumers. The on-dash AVIC-F500BT, recently unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, joins the same elite family of in-dash AVIC-F series navigation systems.

Each of the highly sophisticated in-dash navigation systems enable users to link and control their personal devices. Apple iPod(R) connectivity, Bluetooth(R), MSN(R) Direct, HD(R) radio, XM(R) and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, single CD, DVD video playback and compressed audio and video playback through USB and SD memory devices are among the players’ numerous capabilities. Additionally, each unit offers an advanced conversational voice recognition system for hands-free dialing of compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones and control of an entire music collection on iPod players.

“Pioneer’s AVIC-F series navigation systems are the ideal solution for millions of drivers who want an in-car product that can be easily integrated with other mobile personal devices, whether it is an iPod or Bluetooth enabled cell phone,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “These offerings create a higher level in-car experience with navigation, entertainment and voice recognition capabilities – beyond what anyone will find on almost all current standard navigation systems in the market.”

Beyond Voice Control

A focal feature of all three systems is the highly sophisticated voice recognition feature collaborated with VoiceBox Technologies, allowing users to control connected iPod players and compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones by voice. In addition, the systems differentiate from others on the market with features including conversational commands and intent recognition.

The navigation systems analyze every day conversational commands to initiate music playback and phone calling functions. Users can simply say, “Let’s hear artist Usher” or “I want to listen to artist Chris Brown,” to play back songs from specified artists in their iPods. Users can request music using the artist name, album name, playlist name and music genre.

The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function.

In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command.

Beyond Entertainment

The AVIC-F navigation systems simultaneously operate as high-end audio and video entertainment sources. Each unit feature a 5.8-inch high resolution WVGA touch panel display which users can easily access various forms of entertainment. The AVIC-F700BT starts with a single CD/CD-R/RW playback mechanism while the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT are further equipped with CD/CD-R/RW/DVD/DVD-R/RW video playback, capable of reading MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, Wave, DivX(1) and MPEG4(1) files.

Each unit also includes a USB interface for quick connection to iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory device. For extra convenience, SD memory filled with additional Points of Interest information or compressed audio and video, slides directly into the SD card slot located in front of each unit. When any external device is plugged in, the systems will instantly recognize the source allowing users access and control through the touch panel display and/or voice control (iPod only). Pioneer also added a mini-jack A/V input on the face of each unit for immediate connection to other portable devices, such as camcorders and video players.

As high-end source units, each system is equipped with its Pioneer’s unprecedented Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Radio connectivity, three sets of RCA outputs and 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier.

Beyond Navigation

Each system utilizes flash memory to obtain quicker mapping information and allow an “always on” navigation state. The comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas(R) covers the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii enabling users to route to millions of destinations. The database includes more than 12-million points of interest (POI), for destinations such as gas stations, ATMs, hotels and restaurants which can be easily searched either near a current location, or close to a specified destination. Categories of POIs can be overlaid onto the map for quick identification further enhancing the navigation experience. On the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT model, specific landmarks are illustrated using 3-dimentional icons.

As an added benefit, each system employs a Text-to-Speech (TTS) function to further improve its assistance capabilities. Unlike some navigation systems, the AVIC-F models will announce street names in addition to turning instructions ensuring users are warned ahead of time. Drivers will hear, “turn right on Broadway,” instead of simply prompting, “Turn right ahead.”

The AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT products also feature MSN(R) Direct connectivity. With a paid MSN subscription(2), users will receive updated traffic, weather forecasts, gas prices and movie time information for more than 100 cities across the United States and Canada. At a glance, traffic incidents and traffic flow are displayed directly on the map indicated by different colored lines and traffic icons. The navigation systems automatically integrates with the MSN Direct data allowing users to route to gas stations and movie theaters of choice with a simple touch of the screen.

As an added benefit of the integrated SD card slot, Pioneer’s systems are ready for updates and additional POI information. Using a PC application from Pioneer, users with compatible PCs can create and store new points of interests onto an SD memory card for the navigation system to reference. This is especially helpful when users want to add their personalized POIs.

Beyond Integration

The Pioneer AVIC-F navigation systems can be fully integrated into nearly any car with a double DIN dash opening. With up to 32,768 customizable illumination colors, users can establish a refined factory OEM look and feel.

For safety and convenience, each unit is equipped with a camera input and back-up trigger. These systems will automatically display images from a separately purchased camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The feature is extremely useful in large automobiles where it can be difficult to see behind the vehicle.

The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier AVIC-F90BT will be available in June 2008 for a suggested price of $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.

Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is http://www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment(TM).

(1) DivX and MPEG4 playback not available through USB and SD card slot.

(2) MSN Direct is a subscription service that delivers traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather data, and more to personal navigation devices to over 100 cities in the United States and Canada. After the initial trial subscription included with the AVIC-900BT and AVIC-F90BT, an optional subscription service fee is required for MSN Direct services. -0-

               Pioneer AVIC-F Series Navigation Systems
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
Features                            AVIC-F700BT AVIC-F900BT  Premier
                                                            AVIC-F90BT
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3D Landmark Icon                         -                     Yes
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Built-in MSN Direct Tuner                -          Yes        Yes
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5.8-inch WVGA LCD Touch Panel           Yes         Yes        Yes
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Built-in Bluetooth Technology           Yes         Yes        Yes
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Conversational Voice Recognition        Yes         Yes        Yes
 for Bluetooth
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Audio/Video Direct Control for Ipod CD-IU230V   CD-IU230V     Cable
                                      required    required   Included
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Conversational Voice Recognition        Yes         Yes        Yes
 for iPod
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DVD Video Playback                       -          Yes        Yes
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iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on DVD       -          Yes        Yes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on CD       Yes         Yes        Yes
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iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback from        Yes         Yes        Yes
 USB Memory Devices or SD Memory
 Card
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Back-Up Camera Ready                    Yes         Yes        Yes
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XM and Satellite Radio Capability       Yes         Yes        Yes
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HD Radio Capability                     Yes         Yes        Yes
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Hi-Voltage Preouts                       -           -         Yes
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50W x 4 High Power Amplifier            Yes         Yes        Yes
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Availability                          June 08     June 08    June 08
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Suggested Price                        $850        $1100      $1200
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After the Justice Department decision the FCC has been getting a lot of pressure from the parties that are interested in seeing this merger fail as the FCC is the last stop for the merger before Sirius is allowed to buy XM for the estimated 4.59 billion dollars. The NAB has to be the biggest opposition to the merger with it backing the interests of just about every AM/FM station there is.

The concern is that the merger would drive costs of hardware so far down, and programming so far down that there wouldn’t be much of a reason to listen to the commercial-ridden mediocrity that is broadcast radio anymore. Of course that’s not how the NAB states it, but the honest truth of it is that if the AM/FM stations were offering up even remotely competitive content there’d be little to no reason to pay a monthly amount just for commercial free radio, but they aren’t and satellite radio is simply amazing. So, I personally hope this merger goes through and things are looking up for the two companies.

[via Reuters]

It has a 7.1 channel HD receivers, HD video distribution system, and can disperse music in up to 12 different zones. There is a Control4 system for home automation control, an in-wall iPod dock with content navigation and control, and a 400 disc DVD/CD changer with a management system.

There is also a Blu-Ray disc player and AM, FM, XM, and Sirius tuners. The confusing part is where it only has 160GB of storage space on the music server, everyone in the industry is trying to pack in as many terabytes as humanly possible to satiate their customers and Sony comes to the table with a 160GB, something I could find in my iPod. There is of course some customization available, base price for one of these rackmounted systems is $40k and tops out at about $85k, enjoy.

[via ubergizmo]

Basically the biggest issue is that up until now terrestrial radio services (AM/FM) haven’t really seen satellite radio as too much of a threat, but now they are worried that if the two companies merge they’ll actually have to earn their audience again. But Clear Channel isn’t dead set against the merger, in fact with some conditions they are more or less ok with it, those being as follows: first, the FCC should cut the amount of spectrum available to the new satellite radio giant that would be formed, second, they should bar them from getting into local broadcasting, so that at least local radio stations will still be needed for local news, traffic, and weather, and third, they require the company to start integrating HD Radio receivers into all of their receivers.

That last one is the one that interests me the most, because I’d love to see HD Radio get some widespread distribution and integrating it into satellite radio receivers would definitely get that done and would be a value added feature for the satellite receivers prompting current subscribers to upgrade and likely prompting a wave of new customers. That third point is also being backed by iBiquity Digital who develops HD Radios and the HD Radio Alliance who is obviously a major proponent of HD Radio.

[via ArsTechnica]

First off, I have a Helio Fin with a 3MP cam, and a Moto Q with a 1.3MP cam with flash, the Palm Centro, in my opinion, took a better picture than either of the other two. That amazed me.

Then I started playing with some of the Sprint specific services, I don’t know why I ever even thought about using AT&T in the past, first off I was able to watch an episode of Grey’s Anatomy that I missed right on the device. Actually I didn’t watch the whole thing because I didn’t really miss it, but I watched part of it just to prove to myself that I could in fact watch TV on this little phone.

Mostly I have been listening to the radio stations and other music channels that you can stream through the device, there are so many of them, you start with probably close to 100 audio only music streams and among some of those lists there are music video channels. After that, you can purchase, for a monthly fee, more channels including a set of 20 from Sirius. So as you can imagine, I have been listening to music on this thing since I got it. Sadly I didn’t get any headphones with mine, and it uses the smaller jack, for which I don’t have an adapter or any headphones that fit, but the quality, and volume of the built in speaker more than makes up for it, it really is amazing. I could literally hear music from 2 rooms away after I turned the volume up to max, and it was still understandable; there was some crackle in the highs when I cranked it up, but other than that, it sounded great.

Email was a breeze to set up using the custom Sprint Email application, there was another pre-installed email application, but I didn’t even bother testing it because the Sprint one was so easy, and it was free. For instant messaging there was another built in app that handled Microsoft (I think it was Live, I still call it MSN in my head), Yahoo, and AIM, once again, pre-installed, free, and great, it was easy to set up, and is easy to use, in fact it was almost exactly like using any of those apps on your desktop.

I don’t know how many of you have ever used a fairly recent version of Palm’s OS but I’ll go ahead and admit that I have never used a single Palm device in my life before, so I was like a kid in a candy store playing around with everything and trying to see what everything did. It’s easy to navigate and easy to use, I like the Palm OS. Now I downloaded a ringtone and wanted to set it to the default and I wanted to change the color scheme of the OS, the only hard part of either operation was finding the menu where those options were, but after I did that it was easy to change.

Now for the hardware, the touch screen is nice, I was jealous of my friend’s iPhone because he had touchscreen everything, well, now with this device, so do I. I can even dial numbers with the touchscreen, really the only thing you can’t do with just the touchscreen is type alphabetic characters. I haven’t really had much use for the stylus as I have managed to do just about everything with my fingers. Now for the keyboard, I’ll admit, I am Jimmy Fat Fingers himself, so typing on it hasn’t exactly been easy, I have come to the determination that the keys aren’t too small, there just isn’t any spacing between them, and that’s what makes it hard. However, as long as I haven’t been trying to multitask typing and anything else, as long as I have been paying attention, it hasn’t been too bad typing on it, and a keypad that requires you to pay attention to what you are doing isn’t an entirely bad thing, especially when it allows Palm to pack so much into something so little.

The microSD card slot is easy to access, even if you don’t have finger nails, you can remove the battery cover and gain access, but if you do have tiny razors on the end of your fingers, you can open it without removing the battery cover. The IR port is just on the side, I can’t readily think of any time I have every used an IR port except for that one time a network printer went off the network and the only other way to use it was through IR, but that’s it. The mute switch on the top, and the two volume buttons on the side are nice, I especially like the mute switch, I have never had a phone with a switch for that, its always been in the menu somewhere. I have classes a couple days a week, so being able to shut my phone up with just a switch, I think I could get used to that.

Below the two volume buttons is a side button that just about every other application on the device wants to map itself to, no not really, just the email app and the voice command app. I gave it to the voice command app, I have definitely seen better implementations of the voice command service, namely on my Helio and on the Moto Q, I love the voice command on both of those, the voice command app that’s available for the Centro, well it really kind of sucks.

Lastly the camera, its nice, its easy to use, and you can do stills and video with it. I have yet to try video with it though. I did take a still, and like I said at the top, I thought it was better than any other handset I have ever had. Even better yet, the lens is easy to clean. I know that with previous phones I have had, you put them in your pocket, and the lens gets covered with lint, well some of those phones had lenses so recessed you had to have a Q-Tip to get it clean, which sucked when you wanted to take a picture. Below is a picture I took with the Palm Centro (great beer by the way).

Well, that’s it, I love it so far. I can’t give it a perfect score, because the keyboard is kind of hard to use, but its up there. Personally, I would give it a 4, almost a 4.5, out of 5. I really do think that the lack of spacing in between the keys on the keyboard may be this things only downside. For less than $100 with a 2-year contract, you could do a lot, and I mean lot worse than this, in fact I don’t think there is currently a better handset on the market for the same price point as the Palm Centro.

You won’t even need to bring those DVDs along if you have the new SCV1 Backseat TV from Sirius. The satellite TV for your car brings you three channels targeted at the younger crowd, Nickelodeon, Disney and Cartoon Network.

The kit includes just about everything that you’ll need to entertain your children for hours, except the monitor(s). If you don’t already have a monitor for your vehicle, you’ll need to purchase one. The kit will retail for around $300 this fall and will be available as an add-on in the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.

Getting Sirius about Satellite TV in the Car [via coolestgadgets]

So normally a decrease in size isn’t enough to warrant and entirely new product, so what features came with the diet? Enhanced WiFi is the first, then there is a new microSD card slot and better library management.

Possibly the best part is the ability to tag a track and then purchase it later. There is a “love” button that lets you tag certain tracks that you love for later listening when they are on again. You can also schedule and capture up to 100 hours of music or talk. The Stiletto 2 will be paired with a pair of Altec Lansing (I personally love anything they make) antenna headphones with 30mm drivers.

Sirius Unveils the Stiletto 2 [via Gearlog]

We did a review of some of their older equipment a while back, you can find that here. Since then they have added a pair of speakers to their lineup and that’s pretty much it. The big news comes in the form of this being one of the first Linux-powered devices to be granted the right to play Sirius.

I used to have Sirius radio, and I loved it, some things financially ceased to workout, and, due solely to the nature of the service, it was on the top of my list of things I could do without. I have never used the Sonos system before myself, but our editor seemed pretty impressed, and I am a big fan of Pandora Internet Radio which you can also stream wirelessly throughout your house using this system. The hardware runs about $1000 for a basic two room setup, Sirius is free for thirty days, then, I assume it reverts back to its usual pricing, which varies from a month to month plan all the way up to the occasional lifetime membership.

Linux-powered device gains Sirius playback [via LinuxDevices]

It is also looking like current receivers from either provider will be offering up both their initial provider’s channels and a few from the other company. So, for example, Sirius receivers should be able to play a few of XM’s channels after the merger. But receivers released after the merger should be able to play the full line from both providers.

I know the National Association of Broadcasters has been shedding a negative light on the whole matter, saying it’s bad for the consumer. But I think these concerns were echoed in the FCC meetings and has been the cause for plans for such a reasonable deal. Is $6.95 plus the initial hardware cost worth never having to hear a commercial on the radio again? I think so.

A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius [via autoblog]

It might, however, be a case of what’s not said being more important, as Gene Kimmelman of the Consumers Union suggests:

“The heads of XM and Sirius want consumers to believe that prices won’t rise after a merger, but that’s probably not the case. By highlighting a price freeze for the old package of services, they leave the impression that’s what consumers will pay for the new, combined offerings. But they haven’t really said what the new prices will be”

That points to a potential hike for anyone wanting to take advantage of whatever new features are rolled out post-merger.  Gene is also loathe to trust the satellite radio companies to fairly manage the situation of their own accord; having seen the evidence, I’d be reluctant too.

What I didn’t know was that two of the primary clauses from the initial licencing back in the late nineties was that XM and Sirius wouldn’t merge and that the standards they used would be interoperable.  Rather than the current situation where buyers of, say, an XM radio who want to swap to Sirius’ service are faced with redundant hardware and a big bill for new equipment, you were supposed to be able to continue using your radio and just switch subscriptions.

It makes for a poor comparison to the DMB Digital Radio service available here in the UK, and – on a broader level again – the wealth of internet radio stations as accessed via computers or standalone media players (such as the TerraTec NOXON iRadio I reviewed last week). 

The Consumers Union have called for a delay in the merger until these questions about consumer choice and value for money have been answered.

Consumers Beware [eHomeUpgrade]

Sirius Stiletto 100 Reviewed (Verdict: I Am One Disappointed Fanboy) [Gizmodo]

Seemingly this baby’s got back:

flickr gallery [via Orbitcast]

Meanwhile, the closest things we have to the SIRIUS Stiletto are a few high-resolution images and the video below. Christmas won’t be the same without the Stiletto. Please accept my apologies for delivering this bad news on a Friday afternoon.

Oh my god, say it’s true! Wired mentioned in passing that the SIRIUS Stiletto “packs Bluetooth!” Just when I thought this sick portable satellite radio couldn’t get any better. I’m preparing pink slips for all of my iPods in anticipation for the new arrival!

Aside from Wi-Fi and a satellite reciever, the slim Stiletto 100 packs Bluetooth, meaning that might let users link to other Stiletto users without draining much power — unlike the MusicGremlin and (apparently) the Microsoft Zune, which use power-hungry ad-hoc Wi-Fi connections.

So why am I so excited about having Bluetooth as an option on the Stiletto? Music sharing and file transferring to and between laptops and pc, Advance Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) allows streaming music wirelessly via BT to a compatible headset, and it’s not a power hog unlike WiFi.

Finally, a Sirius IPod Threat [Wired News, via Orbitcast]

Pre-order the SIRUS Stiletto satellite radio for $349.99 at CRUTCHFIELD and tss-radio. NOTE: it will not be available until late September or early October.

Behold the first ever-real life shot of the Stiletto! It’s cradling on top of the Soloist; featuring NXT’s flat speaker technology. This is one accessory definitely worth purchasing to go with the new Stiletto! The Soloist will come with three cradles, one for the Sportster 4, one for the iPod and the last is for the Stiletto (maybe). If only the Soloist allowed for the iPod and Stiletto to dock side by side; now that’s impressive!

Price and availability is still unknown, so you’ll need to check back later.
New Stiletto Picture [via Orbitcast]

Just a quick recap, the new Stiletto 100 and 10 will ship in September and October, respectively. Both models offer the same touch-sensitive wheel, easy-to-read color display screen, 100 hours of MP3 and WMA files for the Stiletto 100, WiFi, two lithium-ion batteries, one large and a slimmer version. The full-size battery allows four hours of live satellite radio listening and up to 20 hours of pre-stored-content listening, while the slim battery has only half the listening time. Damn, that was a mouthful. Any questions?

Pre-order either model at TSS-Radio and let them know Vincent at SlashGear sent you.

SSG and GSI [via Gizmodo and Orbitcast]

The Stiletto 10 will only have 10 hours of storage and doesn’t have WiFi – priced at $249.

Sirius unveils its first ‘live’ portables [via Dealerscope]

The Sirius Stiletto 100 is a serious portable device with a bigger screen and an easy-to-use click wheel (similar to that of the iPod). Other cool features include up to 100 hours of music (MP3/WMAs), audio via WiFi connectivity. There are two batteries included with the packaging. One standard, and one extended life, which offers 4 hours of live Sirius reception, 14 hours of WiFi reception, and 22 hours of stored playback time. Yes it does sound confusing right now, but things should be cleared up closer to launch – I hope.

This premium player comes with a premium price of $399.99; and Crutchfield just confirmed that the Stiletto will be on their website on September 1 (holy smokes that’s my BIRTHDAY!). So Sirius/Crutchfield, if you’re reading this I sure could use the Stiletto for my birthday review should you have an extra laying around. There’s also a rumor that Circuit City and Best Buy will also have a few units in stock this month.

Sirius Stiletto 100 – FOUND [via Orbitcast]