Since many of you automotive enthusiasts out there are also satellite radio fans, an iPhone/iPod app that streams Sirius / XM stations live just may be exactly what you’re looking for. Lugging around a portable satellite radio while traveling, at home, or at the office really bites. Until now streaming live Sirius/XM channels has required sitting down in front of a computer, but not anymore.
For Apple owners, the day of Sirius / XM streaming has arrived. iPhone users should be able to stream anywhere they have a decent 3G signal while iPod Touch owners will need a wifi connection. We tried this app out on a 2nd gen 32gig iPod Touch.
Despite working well, the biggest caveat of this app is that although you can download it for free from the app store, Sirius/XM requires subscribers to upgrade to its premium streaming tier in order to use it. That’s another $3/month for folks with an existing account and a whopping $12.95/month for non-subscribers.
This monetary squeeze has left many with a bad taste in their mouth. After shelling out $12.95/month for service as it is, who wants to pay another $3 just for the novelty of being able to listen on their iPhone/iPod? For those without an account, the idea that they would be asked to pay the same price as a full subscription is just as absurd considering the streaming lineup has been neutered from what you’d find using a full-fledged receiver. Oh and lest we forget, no Howard Stern.
Maybe that’s why the Sirius / XM Premium Online app so far has only managed a 2 out of 5 star rating in the app store from over 82,000 votes.
Our conclusion
A great addition to the iPhone or iPod touch of a satellite radio addict but with extra subscription costs that don’t add up, it’s a big “so what?” for everyone else.
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July 30th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Man oh man…I keep reading all these posts about how 3 bucks is not worth it on top of 12.95. I often wonder who the author is speaking to.
I didnt hesitate to jump on the 3 buck bandwagon. I love how I can just put the phone in my Bose desktop system and enjoy my long day at the office with the variety of satrad.
Of course Im a fan of Mel, of course Im a fan of Satrad…but seriously not everyone is broke.
I get it that there are plenty of people having a bit of a struggle right now, but there are many that are not. Personally none of my friends are, and actually not really anyone I know.
I am truly sick of everyone bitching about the price. Money is not always a factor, people choose to spend the money on things that make them happy. Gucci shoes or 3 bucks for peace and serenity throughout my day? No question, Ill just buy faragamo instead.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
OH, it just dawned on me, you are writing to an audience that spends there day blogging about the stock moving a penny.
I get it now…
July 31st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Jimmy, sounds like you’re not too connected to what’s going on in the economy right now for most folks. Good to hear you and your friends are doing well.
I agree- people spend money on what makes them happy. Food, however, makes me and most folks happier than satellite radio. If it was included in the subscription price, or even if Sirius/XM offered a discount for online only subscription, we would have come to a different conclusion.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
There is a DVD movie out about the whole Sirius XM/Mel K. story called: Stock Shock.
Very good flick and explains stock market manipulation as well. Stock Shock is at amazon.com and stockshockmovie.com
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 am
Let’s see….. I take my 10 year old to the movies 1-2 times a month (Harry Potter last week) @ $8 a ticket each without any snacks that’s a minimum of $16 a month for roughly 2 -4 hours of entertainment. I’d say 24/7 music, news, talk radio for $13 is a way better deal and I don’t even have to drive anywhere to get it.
95% of the country is not starving and can afford to treat themselves to a WHOPPING 53 CENTS A DAY in entertainment/relaxation/information/etc. for the whole family.