As RealNetworks awaits the fate of its Rhapsody iPhone application, yet another music-oriented company is looking to tap into the iPhone’s popularity. SIRIUS Satellite Radio has introduced a $120 dock that transforms an iPhone or iPod touch into a satellite radio.
Dubbed the XM Skydock, the product will be on store shelves this fall. The Skydock powers up through a vehicle’s power outlet and pushes audio through the vehicle’s speakers using SIRIUS’ PowerConnect technology.
When an iPhone is placed in the Skydock, a user interface pops up on the iPhone screen that lets users change the channels. Of course, Skydock users need a $12.95-a-month satellite radio subscription to listen to the service.
Skydock Offers New Options
Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret, said the Skydock is a nice feature for SIRIUS XM subscribers that offers a convenient way to interact with content in a vehicle. But he sees obstacles for SIRIUS on the iPhone.
“The Skydock is definitely a value-add in the short term for customers that are already in the SIRIUS ecosystem through the iPhone app and don’t want to buy a satellite radio for their car,” Gartenberg said. “With the Skydock, they don’t have to buy a full satellite radio subscription or a radio.”
However, Gartenberg added, the SIRIUS iPhone app hasn’t received strong reviews. Typical complaints include a limited amount of content at a fairly high subscription cost. SIRIUS may need to rethink its iPhone strategy, he said, if it wants to drive Skydock sales.
A Serious Compromise?
SIRIUS launched its iPhone app in June to deliver exclusive sports, entertainment, comedy and commercial-free music channels to iPhone and iPod touch users. Users who download the SIRIUS app get access to exclusive, Internet-only showcase channels. Those include SIRIUS XM Bootlegs, SIRIUS XM Talk Showcase, SIRIUS XM Music Showcase, and SIRIUS XM Comedy Showcase.
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