Samsung has introduced a line of three new portable audio models that combine the content and capabilities of XM and a high quality MP3 player. The leading product in the line is the Samsung Helix XM2go player (MSRP: $399.99). It offers live XM reception for portable listening, and it stores MP3s, WMA files, and XM content for playback anytime. Plus, Helix has a revolutionary feature that lets the user "bookmark" songs heard on XM for online purchase from the XM + Napster service. The Samsung Helix will be available in the first quarter of 2006.
In addition to Helix, Samsung will offer a portable line of XMP3 digital audio players that receive live XM Radio reception when connected to a home docking station or car dock. The Samsung NEXUS players can store XM content, MP3s, and WMAs for portable listening. The Samsung NEXUS 25 player (MSRP: $199.99) stores up to 25 hours of XM programming, and the Samsung NEXUS 50 (MSRP: $249.99) stores up to 50 hours of XM content. Both will be available in the first quarter of 2006.
Pioneer Electronics has unveiled the Pioneer Inno (MSRP: $399.99), the next-generation portable XM2go satellite radio that plays live satellite radio "on the go". It plays MP3 and WMAs, and it has a time-shifting memory mode for storage and playback of XM content. The Inno allows the user to "bookmark" songs heard on XM, connect the Inno to a personal computer, and instantly purchase the songs from the XM + Napster online service. The Pioneer Inno will arrive at retailers in the first quarter of 2006.
Advanced Global Technology has introduced the Sportscaster. The Sportscaster (MSRP: $59.99) is a sleek XM receiver with a two-line display screen. It features a black glossy finish and compact size with unique functions and portable options designed for sports fans. The Sportscaster has 30 channel presets, including pre-programmed presets for XM sports channels as well as a special XM channel that provides continuously-updated text about when and where to find live sports broadcasts on XM.
Audiovox has unveiled the XM Passport (MSRP: $29.99). The XM Passport measures only 1.3 inches wide, 1.65 inches long, 0.44 inches thick, yet this miniature cartridge contains the entire XM radio tuner needed to deliver XM Satellite Radio to a wide array of XM Ready products, including home stereo and home theater systems, DVD players, mini/micro-shelf systems, car radios, clock radios, boomboxes, and the new Samsung NEXUS XMP3 digital audio player.
The XM Passport is inserted into a docking station connected to the product, or it is inserted directly into a port offered by the manufacturer, and it will deliver XM Satellite Radio to the product. An XM subscriber can easily move the XM Passport from one product to another, allowing the subscriber to receive XM Satellite Radio on many devices with only one subscription.
The XM Passport is approximately 40 times smaller than the original trunk mount XM radio tuners introduced just four years ago. The XM Passport will be available in spring 2006.
- Portions From XM Satellite Radio Press Releases
