XM's XMp3 spotted, promises multi-station recording

XM's in-development XMp3 portable radio has been confirmed along with one of its key features, courtesy of a new Popular Science issue that has inadvertently revealed the device in advance. Apart from its reduced size versus the Pioneer Inno and earlier handheld satellite radios, the XMp3 will have the unique option of capturing five separate channels and downloading a song from each of them at the same time versus the one of past devices. The feature would let the owner listen to a live event without missing favorite broadcasts on other stations.

Little else is known about the XMp3 other than its use of a color display and a dock that will likely let it serve as a radio at home; the product title also hints at traditional MP3 player functionality. No pricing or a launch date has been set, although the magazine appearance points to a launch before the end of the year.