In 2006 Audible and XM will introduce the first portable, handheld Satellite Radio devices that are capable of playing both the XM service as well as Audible's spoken-word content, which can be downloaded from the Web into the devices' memory. With the launch of these "AudibleReady/XM" devices, XM subscribers will be able to purchase audiobooks and other content from Audible.
Audible currently offers more than 70,000 hours of audio programs from more than 220 content partners, including audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, and magazine and newspapers publishers, for downloading and playback on computers, iPods and other MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices.
XM offers more than 150 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and talk radio content for the vehicle, home, and portable use.
In addition, Audible will offer certain XM talk programs via the Audible Web site this year, beginning with "The Bob Edwards Show" and "Opie and Anthony".
Also this year, XM will produce a new Audible audiobook program for broadcast on XM Satellite Radio that will consist of features, interviews, and news focusing audiobooks and other spoken-word listening available at Audible.com.
- Portions from an XM Satellite Radio News Release
