Everyone I know who subscribes to SIRIUS|XM satelite radio in the U.S.A. loves the service.
It’s a brilliant idea.
Mostly, however, the new technology and the messy merger of the original two companies has been bungled.
SIRIUS paid over $500 million to lure shock jock Howard Stern to the new service. I don’t even like Stern. That money was wasted, in my opinion.
My guess is that some new technology will come along in the next few years and take away all their customers.
Too long delayed was an app for smart phones to deliver the service to wherever you happen to be at the time. No longer would you be tethered to your receiver. It’s finally here.
Click PLAY or watch a demo of the new app on YouTube.
This video was published by SIRIUS.
The reviews are far less enthusiastic:
Many of the reasons folks sign up for Sirius XM are missing from its iPhone and iPod touch application. For starters, Howard Stern, MLB and NFL aren’t available on the Sirius XM iPhone application.
Color me not interested. All that waiting for an iPhone, iPod Sirius XM app and you get hit with a big letdown. …
Sirius XM neuters its iPhone app: Howard Stern, MLB, NFL out
Another less than enthusiastic reviewer:
… A first run through the app reveals the ability to stream 120 channels of satellite radio over Wi-Fi, 3G or Edge. That’s where the thrill begins and ends. If you already have Premium Service access for Sirius XM, then there’s nothing to lose with this one trick pony. Other than the time you’ll squander trying to buy music from iTunes through the app one song at a time. The process is more painful than a root canal and dumber than a box of hammers.
I suggest you steer clear of paying a subscription fee to hear Sirius XM via iPhone until the company gets passionate about providing a true satellite radio juggernaut for iPhone that will put Pandora and Flycast to shame. …
I might try it, anyway.
I did enjoy my week in a rent-a-car with Sirius radio.
Rick McCharles 