Sirius’s SkyDock App Debuts on iTunes

By Brandon Matthews

We at Satwaves have been excited over this for months, and with good reason. We believe that many are underestimating the potential of the SkyDock. It should go without saying that for obvious reasons, the new device will appeal to Satellite Radio enthusiasts. The SkyDock is different, in that it opens a much wider door to the world of Satellite Radio to Apple (AAPL) iPhone and iPod Touch owners. There are already over 40 million compatible Apple devices in the hands of consumers, and that number is ever increasing. To put that number into perspective, 40 million units represents approximately 4 full years of new car sales. The only difference being that the SkyDock works in all cars, not just some of them.

Now it appears that the most anticipated satellite radio hardware launch in the history of Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) is officially underway. The Sirius XM SkyDock has been spotted on Best Buy (BBY) shelves across the country, as online retailers such as the Satellite Radio Superstore accept pre-orders in anticipation of receiving their shipments, it appears that an early SkyDock release is imminent. The release date had been set for October 18, 2009, and yet they are finding their way onto store shelves already.

The SkyDock works in conjunction with an app from Apple’s iTunes store. Speculation was that the app would be released on October 12, 2009. Not surprisingly, the app has been released Friday and is now available through iTunes. Apple discussion forums around the web have lit up with discussion of the new satellite radio device that works with iPhones and iPod Touch’s to produce exclusive live content from Sirius XM Radio as well as boasting live sports and stock tickers.

XM Radio has provided a video on their website which demonstrates just some of the features of the new offering from Sirius XM, as well as an interactive link that many will find useful. I recently received a hands on demonstration at Sirius XM’s media unveiling its new radio lineup, and I can attest that no video can properly demonstrate the wide array of features and easy to use display.

XM SkyDock Video

Position: Long SIRI

Comments

[Jerrold Wil...:]

So far the reviews on Itunes for this has been great! Of course the major reason for the iphone original app was given so many bad reviews was the lack of Howard Stern. Now this Sky Dock gives every iphone/ipod touch the ability to get Howard Stern, baseball, etc...When they sign up for the best of XM and premium online, they can get Howard Stern in the car and at home on the internet. The only negative posts are those that complain about paying for subscription....Well those people are just idiots that want everything for free....They can listen to FM or Pandora...bunch of losers....Stop complaining...This is Premium radio!! If you can't afford it...Ok, that's too bad...Its not Sirius xm's fault! I hope you don't waste your money on coffee and donots every day...Well, the media covered how poorly the Iphone app was recieved...Will they report how well people like the functionality of the SkyDock app. I just hope they offer a promotional sale to kick this off!!!hmmm...they should have millions of email addresses they can email about this dock and offer a promotion to them!!

Oct 11 07:43 AM

[siriusaldo:]

great gift, my girls already ask me to buy them skydock for Christmas

Oct 11 08:51 AM

[siriuslee:]

All i can think about is advertisement, advertisement, advertisement. I know that cash on hand is low but if this is pushed correctly it could be huge. Christmas around the corner, now is the time to put the word out to everyone. Heck even the snuggie looks good on TV. Jerrold- You can't get a coffee OR a doughnut for the price of Sirius per day.
Long Sirius and love it!

Oct 11 09:03 AM

[R A F:]

This is clearly a great product and a great step forward for Sirius XM.
As all successful businesses know, the development of an innovative new product is only step one in the entire strategy leading to success: An equally powerful marketing plan and implementation is also required to put this over the top. The SkyDock really presents this opportunity to the company to reinforce its already impressive turnaround and now it is up to the marketing team to accelerate this process.

Oct 11 10:19 AM

[fishluvrain:]

A good marriage. Iphone users can listen to Sirius Radio, when they hear a song they like and want to buy for their own library they can do so right then. Always keeping the personal supply of music fresh.

Oct 12 02:53 AM

[fishluvrain:]

I wonder if Sirius is pursuing deals with other smart phone manufacturers. Could the SkyDock be tweeked that way too? Apple should not be the only partner in this avenue.

Oct 12 03:00 AM

[Scooterpod:]

Hang in tight, this should be a fun ride for longs.

Oct 12 08:43 AM

[Neal Barkett:]

Brandon, again I'm asking the question, can anyone in any country with internet access (and a credit card) that is aware of Sirius Xm become a subsciber or is their limitations of some sort in certain countries?

Oct 12 08:49 AM

[Sirilover:]

Short interest is down huge again in the most recent reports.

Oct 12 12:26 PM

[connorport:]

Yes. Blackberry World phones will be next on the agenda. Millions more potential subs wouldn't be overlooked. Blackberry apps are usually not far behind and are getting very good. Look for an announcement in the next month or two at the latest.


On Oct 12 03:00 AM fishluvrain wrote:

> I wonder if Sirius is pursuing deals with other smart phone manufacturers.
> Could the SkyDock be tweeked that way too? Apple should not be the
> only partner in this avenue.

Oct 12 04:32 PM

[connorport:]

Countries that control content (like China) cannot get access yet.


On Oct 12 08:49 AM Neal Barkett wrote:

> Brandon, again I'm asking the question, can anyone in any country
> with internet access (and a credit card) that is aware of Sirius
> Xm become a subsciber or is their limitations of some sort in certain
> countries?

Oct 12 04:34 PM

[zedmore:]

60 by the end of the week...........then 70's by Nov. $1.00 in 3-4 months..........

Oct 12 05:07 PM

[zedmore:]

Resign howard...........we'll get there quicker.....!!! like to see some play on the Sky Dock during the baseball World Series........this is BIG!!!!

Oct 12 05:16 PM

[Neal Barkett:]

Connorport, thanks for the answer.


On Oct 12 04:34 PM connorport wrote:

> Countries that control content (like China) cannot get access yet.
>

Oct 13 12:40 AM

[JohnDoski:]

They need to do TV, radio and internet commercials. They need to get the word out on these products. I didn't know much about them until I invested and looked into it myself. It would be better to educate people without them trying. Promote, Promote, Promote!

Oct 14 05:23 PM

[Bill S. Friend:]

At what point will SIRI offer sat. wifi worldwide? I could cut out my cable company, my cell company and have an awesome on demand menu of video and music. Does anyone know the time frame and is that the SIRI end game?

Oct 19 09:50 PM