Sirius XM plans "Satellite Radio 2.0" receivers for 2011
updated 02:35 pm EDT, Wed August 4, 2010
Sirius XM teases new features for 2011 radios
Sirius XM during its results call this morning teased that it would have a major second-generation refresh of its satellite radio receivers next year. Nicknamed "Satellite Radio 2.0," their details aren't clear but should have "more choices" in terms of channels and new features. The radios will reach stores but should also reach cars with satellite-capable head-end units.
The most likely feature upgrade will be support for simultaneous Sirius and XM stations, if not a unified network. Sirius XM already has dual network radios on the market, but these need to switch between either Sirius or XM stations and need a bolt-on plan to access the full range of both. Satellite capacity has been an issue for the radio provider as it has had to wait for new satellites to launch and add room for the extra channels.
New mobile radios aren't expected in the future, as the ubiquity of smartphones with always-on 3G has made it more practical to focus on Internet radio plans and in-car peripherals like the XM SkyDock. [via Orbitcast]
