Long Awaited Sirius XM iPhone App Available, Sans Howard Stern

You have waited patiently for 11 long months, been forced to read countless articles about its release, and even watched a home grown Sirius XM app that was ready to go 5 months ago get squashed like a bug but, all of that is over now… the official Sirius XM (SIRI) iPhone application is actually available today, for the first time, via the iPhone App Store.

At first glance there is a lot we can learn from the new SiriusXM.com iPhone information page, most importantly that they are offering a free 7 day trial for all new listeners and that the application itself is FREE, something we all knew would be important from the get go. That being said, there are quite a few things that I don’t think a lot of people were necessarily expecting.

The first thing that should jump out at readers is that the new iPhone application is only available in the United States. One would have to assume that this is because of royalty fees and regulations at this point, similar to those that have plagued the international availability of other Internet streaming radio but, it is disappointing to those people outside of the country who have been so eagerly awaiting the release.

The most shocking thing about the new iPhone app may not be the 120 available channels but instead, the channels which are NOT available. The list astonishingly includes MLB® Play-by-Play, NFL Play-by-Play, SIRIUS NASCAR® Radio, and Howard Stern! How could the person who Sirius XM cites as being responsible for bringing in more subscriptions than anyone else not be part of this application? As we sit and wait for more news, this is certainly something that will have both investors and subscribers alike scratching their heads in disbelief.

Update: The reviews are already coming into the iPhone app dedicated to Sirius XM on iTunes and it has not gone without notice that Howard Stern is not available. They are, shall we say, less than pleased.

For more information readers can visit siriusxm.com which has apparently, for the time being, been transformed into a stand alone promotional website for the iPhone application

Disclosure: Long SIRI

Comments

[relmar2003:]

MLB is not a surprise to you Tyler. Stop it. Either is NASCAR. NFL maybe for a fee, and Howard has mentioned on air you will be able to listen to him through the iphone. Quit trying to spread fear with kneejerk reporting. The apps out. Period, and its going to open a lot of revenue streams for the company. Seems to be some sort of partnership going on with the store/songs lists too. No mention of that was there in your little article. Talk to me when we hit .63 cents tomorrow.

Jun 18 03:27 AM

[MrMayhem4:]

Howard said so? Wheres the proof in that statement? I hope today doesn't see a ridiculous pullback because you cant get Howard...

Jun 18 05:26 AM

[MrMayhem4:]

Ive heard alot about you Relmar, especially since the movie. I believe you actually after rethinking and hope your right about Howard Stern. Music is the core of Sirius and nothing is going to be perfect regarding programming. I hope everyone can look past this.


On Jun 18 05:26 AM MrMayhem4 wrote:

> Howard said so? Wheres the proof in that statement? I hope today
> doesn't see a ridiculous pullback because you cant get Howard...

Jun 18 05:29 AM

[Thomass:]

Very upset if there is no Howard,it just turned something great, into disapointment.Oprah,but no Howard come on.

Jun 18 05:47 AM

[R A F:]

Fine article, Tyler, but there are also some significant technical influences (positive) of note in the current trading of SIRI: The stock has now crossed above its 200 day moving average and continues to build a bottoming formation that has been in progress for over six months. The short position (largest on Nasdaq) is excessive (175,742,756 shares as of May 29) and the trading patterns of the last two weeks do not indicate any meaningful covering of these shorts. With the SEC now finalizing the comment period regarding the possibility that the uptick rule might be reinstated (along with other possible restrictions on "naked" short selling, etc.) - current holders of short positions have every reason to be increasingly nervous. The current strengthening of the technical framework of this stock projects potential toward 1.00+ over the next six months, which should lead to sustained and increasing support on pullbacks over the near to intermediate term. Stay the course.

Jun 18 06:57 AM

[jmsithy:]

lol \ I dont think Howard stern is going to drive the stock up \ glad everyone is not looking at the big picture here \ It is just like seeking Alpha as well to put a twisted scare into the rising stock prise just like Brandon Matthews and his so called report how the stock is going to be dropped by the Russell3000 but on Satwaves he can mention that the rising stock price has to do with what he reported about chrysler reopenning 2 plants \ but yet he has not reported it on Seeking Alpha why?

you want to know why seeking Alpha and fools are all in the same boat when it comes to thinking they control the stock price.

So are you going to tell me that Pandora is better than Sirius XM why they dont have Howard Stern as well... drive in your Car if you want to Hear Howard because you have a XM radio anyways. People going for the Apps they might not even Have Sirius / XM anyhow, not being able to listen to Howard has no effect.

If Howard stern drove the stock price you would think this would be at a dollar by now.

I am not worried..

Jun 18 06:57 AM

[jmsithy:]

Hey Tell Jmsithy. with the 8 comments and the George Bush pic I said Hi and I will let you know when I am a Millionare

Thx Mr. Stupid (AKA Frank AKA Jmsithy.)

Jun 18 07:08 AM

[Rev Marshall:]

Stock after hours is already at 0.43 Hope to see it go even better today. Howard is NOT the only reason why I hae a radio and is NOT in the top 10 reasons why I own thousands of shares...

Jun 18 07:25 AM

[JohnnyR:]

Howard Stern is a loudmouth ass who I don't have programmed in my car. He and Lindbergh are equally offensive- Sirius is about the music.

Jun 18 08:01 AM

[relmar2003:]

Howard talked about the app before. Yes, he sure has. I bet its .99 cents more. You heard it here first. Just working out the new contract first. Its on the table, im sure. Howard isnt stupid. Chance to flex his muscles here, thats all. NASCAR and MLB may never happen. NFL probably will too, for .99 cents, or something.

Jun 18 08:41 AM

[thebasa:]

Pockets Tumes Radio App continues to work on the 3.0 firmware for ALL Sirius XM stations, including Howard

Jun 18 09:46 AM

[User 311657:]

Are you kidding me!!!! We waited for sooooooooo long for this app and they finally release it without the Howard Stern channel? Like him or not, he's a HUUUGE part of SiriusXM's success. I've been giving these guys the benefit of the doubt for many months, but this is just ludicrous!! These guys operate like a dinosaur. Come on SiriusXM - shake things up guys - think like a startup. These guys can't get out of their own way.

Jun 18 09:56 AM

[Jmsithy.:]

Volume really high today.

Most are selling while stock is up.

I used to listen to RELMAR but he's been wrong so much lately.

Where are you Mr. Stupid? You seem to know a lot about what's going to happen.

I plan on buying back at .33 but maybe less if Mr. Stupid tells me to do so.

Jun 18 10:38 AM

[Jmsithy.:]

without H. Stern this app will be a dud.

No one will buy.

stock will creep back down now with this horrible news.

Jun 18 10:40 AM

[Gregg:]

I've got 5 subs with this company so I'm not a regular basher.

BUT - This has to be one of the biggest mishaps the company has ever made. Stern available to stream online if you're on a computer but not on the Iphone??

I'm truly stunned.

Can't wait to hear why.

Jun 18 11:24 AM

[gazeux:]

Opie & Anthony
Ron & Fez
XM 202 Sirius 197!

Seahorses.
Forever.

Jun 18 11:30 AM

[elcopone:]

Very disappointing. With no Howard and an extra cost you have to question the strategy. Making the app just another way to get Siri would open up more revenue than adding a charge. It would be a better strategy to charge one price regardless of how how you listen so that you can attract more subscribers. The App would then be just another selling point.

I have to tell you, as both a Sirius subscriber and shareholder, I'm starting to lose my faith in Mel K. The whole Sirius and XM seperate packages/marketing seems disjointed and confusing. There doesn't seem to be a long term strategy in place. They should have just shut down XM totally, simplify the packages, consolidate the marketing into one message. As it stands right now it's just confusing. Who do want to be Mel? Sirius or XM? Do you want to charge by the content or my the way it's delivered. Pick a strategy and trying to be both just doesn't work.

Jun 18 11:32 AM

[Jmsithy.:]

SELL ON THE NEWS. Just talked to Relmar and he's even saying to SELL.

This is not good.

Jun 18 11:48 AM

[CGP:]

Sirius made a mistake here. I noticed the jump in price on the open and subsequent drop afterwards.

This is like the great car deal you see in the paper, until you read the asterisk. I'll bet HS and the sports channels are why this announcement was such a long time coming, there was a lot of wrestling going on behind the scenes.

It seems with all the tiers being put in play they're overcomplicating this. Most consumers can deal with two maybe three different service level options, after that they start to tune out and to them it's not worth the trouble. If they want significant new subscriptions it has to be more of a simple yes/no decision.

I'm starting to sense they don't have their act together.

Jun 18 11:50 AM

[NOFOOLME,TX:]

This is good ,i will buy a i phone now,you need to stand back so you can see the whole forest and how it 's going to spread from customer to noncustomer who will become a customer ,So they will have something to talk about to their family and friends,THIS IS GOING TO GROW EVEN MORE ,WHEN HOWARD GETS ON BOARD.

Jun 18 12:20 PM

[BigVinnie:]

Yeah sorry to say that you have no clue what you are talking about. Even if one subscriber becomes a sirius/xm sub. Sirius/XM pays very little to nothing in acquisition costs. There is no advertising needed, there are no docking stations that need to be built, and there are no vehicle contract acquisition agreements either.
It's not the subscriber base or fee's that sirius charges that is killing the EBITDA, it's the acquisition costs. Having the IPHONE as a peripheral device to the consumer, free's up that acquisition cost that would be normal to sirius if there was a receiver to be sold. Can you say cha-ching! Can I also get a bababooie for an extra .99 cents at the app store..


On Jun 18 10:40 AM Jmsithy. wrote:

> without H. Stern this app will be a dud.
>
> No one will buy.
>
> stock will creep back down now with this horrible news.

Jun 18 12:49 PM

[Bababooie:]

The insiders have to sell shares today! it's been filed with the SEC. The flood of shares will cause the SP to drop. Basic economics tells you as the availability goes up the price goes down.


On Jun 18 11:50 AM CGP wrote:

> Sirius made a mistake here. I noticed the jump in price on the open
> and subsequent drop afterwards.
>
> This is like the great car deal you see in the paper, until you read
> the asterisk. I'll bet HS and the sports channels are why this announcement
> was such a long time coming, there was a lot of wrestling going on
> behind the scenes.
>
> It seems with all the tiers being put in play they're overcomplicating
> this. Most consumers can deal with two maybe three different service
> level options, after that they start to tune out and to them it's
> not worth the trouble. If they want significant new subscriptions
> it has to be more of a simple yes/no decision.
>
> I'm starting to sense they don't have their act together.

Jun 18 01:07 PM

[peteeh2:]

The long awaited app is finally released without the biggest driver for subscriber growth included. I have tried to be extremely patient with Sirius/XM and their management missteps but this might be the biggest bonehead move yet. Just unbelievable.

-An extremely disappointed subscriber/shareholder

Jun 18 01:28 PM

[agamemnonn:]

this whole thing is funny....perception is funny...you guys can twist this information around and around but at the end of the day, XMSIRI is not going bankrupt and the company is prevailing in one of the worst recessions in history. This is just another step in the rebuilding process, so what about Howard Stern, music was there before him and it will be there after him so do not give up so quickly. In addition, if they can keep him on board with his huge salary, im pretty sure they will be in business for quite some time. Also, technology is so fickle , no one knows how things will turn out or what devices people will flock to in the next 5 to 10 years so Im sticking with my 30000 shares and fuk it, its totally worth the risk....$1 will eventually hit so i dont care, im only in my early 20's and this stock will be a quick dust off or an early retirement...LONG SIRI..short sellers will perish

Jun 18 02:21 PM

[jmsithy:]

This stock would of been down reguardless if howard was there or not. This stock has done nothing since March but gained .15 for six months which is unexceptable / Looks like the only way we see an improvement is when the SCC and the Obama Administration puts in effect of the uptick rule because of all this rapid short selling. I can only be in for 1 more month hope to see if it will at least go up from here all we say was more of the same short selling Technical BS this will not go below .30 and be .33 to .35 for another 2 to 3.

Mr. Stupid Where are you Oh yeah you are talking about yourself in the 3rd person

" Jmsithy.: Comments (11) FollowVolume really high today.

Most are selling while stock is up.

I used to listen to RELMAR but he's been wrong so much lately.

Where are you Mr. Stupid? You seem to know a lot about what's going to happen.

I plan on buying back at .33 but maybe less if Mr. Stupid tells me to do so.
Jun 18 10:38 AM |Report abuse| Link | Reply 0-1

Jun 18 02:36 PM

[jmsithy:]

We end up where it began .33 nice short selling folks

must be nice to drain this stock

MR. STUPID

Jun 18 03:53 PM

[jmsithy:]

you forgetthat the world will come to an end in 2012 so yes you are late in your life


On Jun 18 02:21 PM agamemnonn wrote:

> this whole thing is funny....perception is funny...you guys can twist
> this information around and around but at the end of the day, XMSIRI
> is not going bankrupt and the company is prevailing in one of the
> worst recessions in history. This is just another step in the rebuilding
> process, so what about Howard Stern, music was there before him and
> it will be there after him so do not give up so quickly. In addition,
> if they can keep him on board with his huge salary, im pretty sure
> they will be in business for quite some time. Also, technology is
> so fickle , no one knows how things will turn out or what devices
> people will flock to in the next 5 to 10 years so Im sticking with
> my 30000 shares and fuk it, its totally worth the risk....$1 will
> eventually hit so i dont care, im only in my early 20's and this
> stock will be a quick dust off or an early retirement...LONG SIRI..short
> sellers will perish

Jun 18 03:55 PM

[Jerrold Wil...:]

I am not a big Howard Stern fan, although I do listen every once in a while. Do people forget that before the merger XM existed with about 8 million subscribers and they did not have Howard Stern!!! All of a sudden everyone only has satelite because of Howard Stern? Howard is big, but at best 10 - 15% of people have satelite becuase of howard. I don't know the numbers, but I believe before the merger XM had more if not just about the same number of subscribers as Sirius. Since the Merger, has the company sky rocketed new subscribers due to Howard? NO!!!Millions of people with XM in their cars that were not cut on should have subscribed now that Howard is available on best of Sirius. The got about 400,000 or so. Howard fans, stop believing the Hype that Howard is the only reason people have satelite. More people hate Howard than Like him..He would be an added bonus if he is on the app, but millions could care less if he is or is not!! get over it!. The app is the top free music app by apple.with no Howard!!!There are 120 chanllels other than Howard that many people love! These people make it sound like Howard by himself is worth $12.95...I guess to some he is, people pay about that for Howard TV...lol. This app will do great with or without Howard Stern. Take this scenario, a big Howard fan wants to hear Howard and he has an Iphone and a car. He has put off satelite because he or she doesnt spend much time in the car to justify the cost. He can sign up with the app, pay $12.95 for Sirius XM on his ipod. Ok, No Howard, but now he can call Sirius as an existing customer and get a basic car unit for about $20.00 and pay a total of about $16.00 for car and ipod use with Howard in the car and on the computer!!while at work or traveling with ipod he has the other 120 channels to stay entertained! still a good deal! Maybe this is Mel's thinking to get people to have not just the iphone app, but iphone app and satelite. Only a $3.00 difference per sub..

Jun 20 03:58 AM

[Roxieanne:]

Tyler, go to the internet and look at the come ons for the various market letters.

First they give you a little sampling by naming 3 stocks. Then the next is a full subscription for say 60 days------and yes you may cancel. Then the next is the year subscription-------all for the purpose of reading their analysis---their opinion--- right or wrong.

Siri is unique in this market----they don't need to give away the whole smear of stations as a sampling via the Apple application.

That's marketing, that's sampling the market------and yes I think SIRI/XM did it right.

Jun 21 02:55 AM