Are Sirius and Apple Going To Do Business Together?
Satellite radio is one of the hottest things out there now and especially now with Howard Sterns making a move Sirius in the near future Satellite Radio subscriptions will soar to new heights. But if Sirius and Apple were to make a Satellite iPod, so the masses can have a nice little gadget to carry with them everywhere and enjoy their music, this would be the icing on the cake for everyone. Sirius would increase their sales, Apple will too, and of course the music lovers will be loving this as well.
Rumors that Sirius and Apple Computer Inc. (Research) were going to announce next month at the Consumer Electronics Show or MacWorld a deal to bundle iPods with satellite radio have added to the sector’s buzz.
Sirius and Apple declined comment on the rumors, but analysts said it seemed technologically unfeasible right now.
“I don’t believe Sirius’ chip set is at the point where it can go into an iPod. It’s the size of a credit card, and an iPod would need a chip set the size of a thumb nail,” said April Horace, a Janco Partners analyst.
That’s not to say the industry is not thinking about it. After launching its wearable MyFi device in October, XM chief executive Hugh Panero said he believed one day a portable satellite player would be combined with a device like an iPod.
Now the question is; Is this some more some and mirrors to not get people about the possible upcoming product? We have seen it before with the iPod photo, didn’t we? I think that we will be seeing this Satellite iPod real soon.
December 22nd, 2004 at 2:23 pm
Hottest thing out there? I know exactly one person (of any age) that has it and nobody else I know seems to care. And that one person is on the road a lot so he appreciates the consistant channels. It does get some hype but that’s mainly because of the Stern deal.
And, chip set or no, I can’t see Apple building it in. Way too limiting (have to be in view of the satellite). I could see Apple adding WiFi and then offering some satellite radio content as either streams or podCasts directly to the pod or through iTunes. Want Stern, buy Stern .
December 22nd, 2004 at 2:58 pm
When Howard Stern announced that he’s going to Serius, I decided that I would get a Serius system instead of XM, if and when I decide to get a satellite radio in the first place.
Would I listen to satellite radio ? Well, one key for me would be whether they have much local programming. I’m one of those guys with a long commute who likes to listen to sports talk radio, which really has to be local to capture my interest.
Would I buy an iPod with satellite radio capability? Well, I already own an iPod. However, if Apple were to incorporate satellite into some sort of home entertainment box, a box that includes iTunes and satellite, that would get me interested. Something like an Airport Express combined with iPod and Serius. Now you’re talkin….
January 11th, 2005 at 5:37 am
You have a great site Tony. Your in-depth material is good reading. I will continue reading your material BUT….
could you please NOT have grey text and could you please get rid of that bloody figure (or make it half size). I’m half blind and have to have my screen resolution at 600 X 800. That figure is in the way of my reading. Your grey, or half coloured text, is too hard to read.
Apart from the above, just love your site.
Best regards
Toone