XM Snap hits FCC, may support Android phones
updated 12:05 pm EDT, Thu September 9, 2010
XM Snap may be a dock for Android smartphones?
A new piece of hardware from Sirius XM Radio has been spotted undergoing testing in an FCC filing. Called the XM Snap (XSN1), there is little known about the technical aspects of the device, but it appears to be some type of a vehicle dock that will allow another device, such as a smartphone, to control the satellite radio interface. The only image shown by the FCC is a technical diagram, showing off buttons or plugs on top.
The FCC describes the device as a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) receiver that will transmit content between the 88 and 108MHz FM bands. It can also connect using an audio cable, FM Direct or cassette player adapter.
There is more discovered, however, as e-mails sent between XM and FCC reveal it will also have a 3.8GHz VCO control for the transmitter and will be used with a digital device that has other functions than simply controlling the transmitter. There is talk of this device being a dock for Android-powered smartphones, but this hasn't been confirmed so far.
Other technical specs and images will be revealed by the FCC on October 18, which could mean the dock will be released in time for the holidays. [via OrbitCast]
