Apple and Sirius Satellite Radio Comments

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

LinuxInsider reports (http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/PlGya890DCE7HV/Sirius-Satellite-Radio-Apple-in-Talks-over-iPod.xhtml) on recent comments from Sirius Satellite Radio's Chief Executive Mel Karmazin about the possibility of Satellite Radio in MP3 players including the iPod.

Essentially, Sirius is interested in such hybrid device but that profit sharing details would be an issue, and that no deal with Apple has been struck.

Overall, this is not new information. Rumors of and iPod-Satellite Radio (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/12/20041216145940.shtml) first appeared in December 2004.

Sirius's CEO already (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/02/20050209132115.shtml) reported that they had been in talks with Apple/Steve Jobs back in February... but that the current feeling is that "they don't need to put a satellite radio in their box [iPod]".

[sjpetry]

I'd buy one, plus I need a new iPod. :)

I also wonder how small and how much it would weight. I wonder if it will be the size of the 40...or 60. :confused: :)

[dernhelm]

Just another CEO of a company desperately trying to get popular opinion on his side so he can tie his device to the wildly popular iPod.

Nothing to see here folks - keep moving...

Certainly not like no one has tried this tactic before - can't see it working any better than it did with that other music store that will remain unnamed...

[~Shard~]

This may be the reason I'm looking for to buy a new iPod, but I still wouldn't be completely sold. For me, the reason I have an iPod is so that I can listen to the music I want to listen to when I want to listen to it. I don't listen to radio, because why would I want to listen to someone else's music which I have no control over? At any rate, it'll be interesting to see how this story develops.

[aldo]

This may be the reason I'm looking for to buy a new iPod, but I still wouldn't be completely sold. For me, the reason I have an iPod is so that I can listen to the music I want to listen to when I want to listen to it. I don't listen to radio, because why would I want to listen to someone else's music which I have no control over? At any rate, it'll be interesting to see how this story develops.

Because unless you know every single piece of music out there, then you can always find new music via radio. It also doesn't require you to select songs -- sometimes I just like to let the DJs at the station do the work instead of me searching my collection and finding songs I like.

[~Shard~]

Because unless you know every single piece of music out there, then you can always find new music via radio. It also doesn't require you to select songs -- sometimes I just like to let the DJs at the station do the work instead of me searching my collection and finding songs I like.

This is true. I guess I'm just usually into the scene enough and have enough diverse sources that I hear about new bands, cool new tunes, etc. from friends, family, Internet, and other non-radio sources...

[JonHimself]

There are two things good that can come out of this, one of which is tied to the fact that i decided to buy Apple and Sirius stock (the Sirius stock is back from when Stern said he was moving) the second would be that it would give many people a reason to upgrade. Right now I have a 40gb and a Shuffle, the iPod photo does not really give me enough reason to upgrade. There are two things that would make me upgrade 1) Video iPod (whether it displays video or just has a video out to allow me to play it on a TV) 2) Satellite iPod. This would be great because it would save me from having to buy a satellite deck for my car. Since I more or less listen to my iPod exclusively in my car it would be that much better to add the satellite radio function to it. ESPECIALLY if its with Sirius and I can listen to Stern. And as many people have said, the ability to hear new music other than same 15 or 20 songs that get played over and over and over on the stations I listen to (edge 102, 97.7 and Q107 - all Toronto) would be more than welcome.

[aegisdesign]

Can't see it happening myself.

Satellite radio is very territory specific. We don't have it at all in Europe AFAIK although we do have full, free digital radio from the BBC via DAB and from other suppliers.

If Apple were going to add radio, they'd have added FM by now.

The Sat radio guys are only going to get it as an iPod addon otherwise Apple would have to start producing US-specific iPod hardware.

If anything, I reckon we'll see wifi in the iPod first to support podcasting. In the UK at least, the BBC and Virgin radio are now podcasting some broadcasts. Personally, I think Satellite radio and DAB will have a limited lifespan to be replaced by net based broadcasting in countries that have good wireless coverage.

[dongmin]

Because unless you know every single piece of music out there, then you can always find new music via radio. It also doesn't require you to select songs -- sometimes I just like to let the DJs at the station do the work instead of me searching my collection and finding songs I like.I'm still waiting for the day that when you're listening to radio (satellite, webcast, or conventional) and you hear a song you like, you can simply click a button on your 'player' and be directed to a place where you can view and buy the song. What a great promotion that would be. The only thing close I've seen is iTunes regularly offers a DJ mix for free, the songs of which you can buy individually.

[Brigrat]

I would buy two! One for me and one for the wife. I am holding of on Sirius until they put it in a package small enough to have with me all the time. Since Sirius is the home of the NFL, Sirius is the only option for me! God I hope this happens!

[runninmac]

I'm still waiting for the day that when you're listening to radio (satellite, webcast, or conventional) and you hear a song you like, you can simply click a button on your 'player' and be directed to a place where you can view and buy the song. What a great promotion that would be. The only thing close I've seen is iTunes regularly offers a DJ mix for free, the songs of which you can buy individually.


That was what i was wanting. A way to buy music from the radio easily and secure. Also a random thing I want is to click the center button when playing something that will give me a shortcut to the album, artist, and realated songs.

[nagromme]

If Sirius works well only out of doors, and costs money every month, then it's not something I want adding size/weight to my iPod.

As a separate product for those who want it... go for it! Just don't make it standard unless it adds zero cost and size.

[tveric]

Please, please, someone explain to me how you could have a negative reaction to news like this. Satellite radio in the ipod? Let's see, combine an mp3 player that kicks the crap out of all alternatives with a radio that kicks the crap out of FM, all in the same small unit with the same easy-to-use interface - man, that is the biggest no-brainer since the iTMS.

I would instantly buy one and sell my current ipod on ebay.

[VicMacs]

i dont think this would be that great... unless they come real cheap, like at the same price of the higher order ipod, 450 tops

[aik0n]

Please, please, someone explain to me how you could have a negative reaction to news like this. Satellite radio in the ipod? Let's see, combine an mp3 player that kicks the crap out of all alternatives with a radio that kicks the crap out of FM, all in the same small unit with the same easy-to-use interface - man, that is the biggest no-brainer since the iTMS.

I would instantly buy one and sell my current ipod on ebay.

You forget one thing, though. Where would you put the antenna? Satellite radio is great and all (I have XM), but the problem you run into with it is you need that antenna and that antenna needs to see the sky (unless you're in a big city with terestrial repeaters). So, if you don't live in a big city (which most people don't), then you're out of luck indoors and outdoors you look like a fool with an antenna strapped to your arm.

[tveric]

It's Apple, man, they'll figure it out.

[Philsy]

Can't see it happening myself.

Satellite radio is very territory specific. We don't have it at all in Europe AFAIK although we do have full, free digital radio from the BBC via DAB and from other suppliers.

If Apple were going to add radio, they'd have added FM by now.

The Sat radio guys are only going to get it as an iPod addon otherwise Apple would have to start producing US-specific iPod hardware.

If anything, I reckon we'll see wifi in the iPod first to support podcasting. In the UK at least, the BBC and Virgin radio are now podcasting some broadcasts. Personally, I think Satellite radio and DAB will have a limited lifespan to be replaced by net based broadcasting in countries that have good wireless coverage.

A DAB receiver would be useful in an iPod, and would make more sense for Apple to offer a technology that it could sell in most of the world. The US is about the only country that is not adopting DAB.

[rikers_mailbox]

... but that the current feeling is that "they don't need to put a satellite radio in their box [iPod]".

bzzt. wrong.

Satellite radio is exactly what iPod needs... and iPod is exactly what satellite radio needs.

Sirius needs iPod: HUGE potential for subscriptions to podcast radio shows. Satellite radio is *already* subscription based, why can't DRMed copies (of shows you've already paid for) be podcast to you under that same subscription? iTunes is the perfect delivery system.

iPod needs Sirius: Not all people want to "manage" their music. (Not everyone has music to manage!) If Apple wants to expand their iPod userbase, this is a great way of doing so.

MP3 player + Satellite Radio. It's only a matter of time before someone else does it.

[Awimoway]

From a personal standpoint, Apple couldn't be more wrong. I use my satellite radio a helluva lot more than I do my iPod.

But I have to imagine I'm the exception and not the rule. Jobs is pretty religious about the whole simplicity thing (usually to our benefit, I concede). On the other hand, Apple's always looking for something new to convince everyone to upgrade from their perfectly functional iPods. Satellite radio would be much better than some of the more gimmicky changes of past generations. I think they go hand in hand.

But, the chance of reverse engineering the devices to stock your music library with recordings of digital radio are prohibitively high from a legal standpoint. (I'm not saying it's right, I'm just saying that the music labels spare no legal expenses.)

Besides, Jobs doesn't respond well to public pressure. Just ask Rob Glaser.

[cube]

This would be only for USA. Just put a worldwide AM/FM radio.

[Frisco]

Looks like Sirius is out maneuvering XM:
Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL Football, iPod?

I don't see XM trying to compete.

Steve if you don't do it someone else will.

[s10]

The iPod is already a radio, one that only plays YOUR music.
If I would listen to my iPod for 8 days continiously, I would never listen to the same song.

If you buy an iPod, you do so because you want to organize and listen to your music,only a small amount of people would want a radio added, FM and sat both have antenna problems, Sat is only in some parts of the globe...and would make your iPod significantly bigger...

No, I see no big interest for such a device, nor see I much in a Cellphone with iTunes.. I rather have an iPod with phone functions..but that's an other story..

[TomSmithMacEd]

What I've always thought to be a good idea to add to iTunes would be radio. (yes I know there is radio already) but not just little online sites. Set up something like Serius radio stations on iTunes (I don't know how pricing would work, or maybe Apple should do this outside of Serius and just set up their own stations) hae the stations be high quality, with a mix of all kinds of music. Then when the song is playing it shows what song it is and that you can buy it on iTMS.

[Roy Hobbs]

Looks like Sirius is out maneuvering XM:
Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL Football, iPod?

I don't see XM trying to compete.

Steve if you don't do it someone else will.


I think you have it backwards Sirus is the one trying to catch up to XM. XM just passed 4 million subscribers where Sirus is just over 1.5 million.

[jarednt1]

Sirius shot its self in the foot with the stern contract Sirius can not afford to pay him.

The only WAY there going to be able to do it is by raising monthly costs, which will go higher then XM.

Steve is not stupid, I don't think he would invest in this. Mainly because there is a great possibility Sirius goes bankrupt, or an even greater possibility XM buys them.

[Lacero]

Satellite radio's biggest threat is podcasts.

[~Shard~]

The iPod is already a radio, one that only plays YOUR music.
If I would listen to my iPod for 8 days continiously, I would never listen to the same song.

If you buy an iPod, you do so because you want to organize and listen to your music,only a small amount of people would want a radio added, FM and sat both have antenna problems, Sat is only in some parts of the globe...and would make your iPod significantly bigger...

This is similar to my earlier comment. I want to listen to MY music WHEN I want to listen to it - that's why I have an iPod. And I have seemingly more music than I could listen to in my entire lifetime, so this doesn't cause me too much concern, as I'll always have something to listen to! I never listen to the radio, and although I can see the benefit of having a favorite station and just having it on in the background, that's just not the way I operate. I have a constant influx of music from a variety of (non-radio) sources, and don't need to rely on radio to introduce me to new music - for others, I could see where this would be a nice benefit though.

If my iPod ended up having built in radio, it would be a "nice to have" I guess, but I question how often I would really use it when I already have 20 GB of my own music, constantly updating and changing, sitting on the same device already. :cool:

[KyleC]

Looks like Sirius is out maneuvering XM:
Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL Football, iPod?

I don't see XM trying to compete.

Steve if you don't do it someone else will.


umm try Opie & Anthony, EVERY MLB game, Nascar, XM MyFi (http://www.xmradio.com/myfi/index.jsp) , and 30 more channels.

[MarcelV]

From a personal standpoint, Apple couldn't be more wrong. I use my satellite radio a helluva lot more than I do my iPod.
For me, it's just the reversed way. I cancelled a week or 2 ago Sirius after I installed my Kenwood iPod adapter (iP500) in the car. I was tired of hearing the same song over and over on Hits1 and stream 9 (whatever the name was). But the kids will miss KidStuff and I will miss 45.

But that's where potcast hopefully will come in play. I really think Apple should join with them, but not with a hardware integration. Shows through podcasts, so I can download them onto my iPod would be a perfect answer, at least for their music streams. (I have to agree that it wouldn't make sense for the NFL and other live sport streams).

[aegisdesign]

This would be only for USA. Just put a worldwide AM/FM radio.

But I don't think I've used AM in over 20 years and FM in 3 years. AM is dead as the Dodo and FM is going that way. DAB is the only way forward in Europe currently, at least until we have blanket wifi coverage which probably isn't more than a couple of years off.

I know the USA is kind of third-world technology wise for mobile comms but I don't see why the world outside the USA should get stiffed with technology from the dark ages.

[cube]

But I don't think I've used AM in over 20 years and FM in 3 years. AM is dead as the Dodo and FM is going that way. DAB is the only way forward in Europe currently, at least until we have blanket wifi coverage which probably isn't more than a couple of years off.

I know the USA is kind of third-world technology wise for mobile comms but I don't see why the world outside the USA should get stiffed with technology from the dark ages.

You misunderstood. I want all markets to get AM/FM.

[Piarco]

I use to think like a lot of folks with an iPod, why would I want a radio when I have 20+GB of music? There will always be something on there for me to listen too....
But then recently I've been listening a lot to the radio to and from work, somedays using my phone and other days just sticking to the iPod. Apart from the whole "new music" exposure that is possible from radio, I like the morning and drive-time show's on Radio One as they are nice, light and fluffy - and just right for going to and from work. So, even for occasional use, I would quite like a radio on an iPod. A nice DAB tuner....mmmmm

[kirk26]

This would be a good move for Apple and Sirius. This will help Apple sell more of their iPods which are currently bland and falling behind in features from other competitors.

[Lancetx]

umm try Opie & Anthony, EVERY MLB game, Nascar, XM MyFi (http://www.xmradio.com/myfi/index.jsp) , and 30 more channels.

NASCAR just signed a multi-year deal with Sirius, so when their current deal with XM runs out, they're leaving. Sirius has XM absolutely beat in sports since they have the NFL, NBA and NHL. MLB is all XM has to hang their hat on in that department. As for the XM MyFi, that's why Sirius wants this iPod deal so badly, as it would certainly be a much bigger draw for consumers than the MyFi ever will be.

Either way though, Sirius has big issues as to how they're going to pay for all of these big money deals they've made for the NFL, NASCAR, Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, etc...

[neildmitchell]

Id buy an iPod that had satelite radio. The radio stations in the SF Bay Area suck! Down with Clear Channel and the others!

[Lancetx]

This would be a good move for Apple and Sirius. This will help Apple sell more of their iPods which are currently bland and falling behind in features from other competitors.

So bland and stale that they only have 80+% of the mp3 player market and are anticipated to sell 5.5 million more of them this quarter. No, Sirius needs this to happen much more than Apple does and Steve knows he has them over a barrel. The only way they'll ever negotiate a deal with Sirius is if Apple gets the lion's share of the deal.

[takao]

i seriously doubt it as well ... satellite radio is not available at all over here ... makes a lot more sense as additional accessory

[~Shard~]

Id buy an iPod that had satelite radio. The radio stations in the SF Bay Area suck! Down with Clear Channel and the others!

This is a good point, the radio stations here suck as well - and perhaps that's why I don't listen to radio. Perhaps if I had satellite radio with a lot more options and variety it would be different? Hmm, tough to say actually. When I listen to music it's either through iTunes on my Mac or through my iPod when I'm on the road - and that's when I'm listening to the music I want to listen to. So I'm not against the whole satellite radio thing, and I think it's cool, I just don't see myself listening to it specifically on my iPod - but to each his own!

And that being said, I'm a big fan of the BBC Radio One Essential Mixes (I have digital copies of all 600+ mixes since 1993!) which is aired on the radio, however I always just record them and listen to them later in iTunes/on my iPod. But in that respect, yes, I guess I do listen to a bit of radio. ;)

[Piarco]

snipage..

And that being said, I'm a big fan of the BBC Radio One Essential Mixes (I have digital copies of all 600+ mixes since 1993!) which is aired on the radio, however I always just record them and listen to them later in iTunes/on my iPod. But in that respect, yes, I guess I do listen to a bit of radio. ;)
Holy Crap!! Really?!?! Every one since '93?!?! Don't suppose you happen to have a doc with all of the DJ's and track listings close to hand? I've been listening to the Essential Selection since, well, before Pete Tong was in charge, and the Essential Mixes make up the soundtrack of my late school and Uni life.... if only Radio One every get around to making them available on iTunes, I know I'll be purchasing a whole bundle :D

[~Shard~]

Holy Crap!! Really?!?! Every one since '93?!?! Don't suppose you happen to have a doc with all of the DJ's and track listings close to hand? I've been listening to the Essential Selection since, well, before Pete Tong was in charge, and the Essential Mixes make up the soundtrack of my late school and Uni life.... if only Radio One every get around to making them available on iTunes, I know I'll be purchasing a whole bundle :D

I have pretty much all of the tracklistings, and I do have a listing of every single mix and who the DJ was, yes. If you're interested in getting a hold of some copies, just PM me / e-mail me and I can send you my archive spreadsheet. And I should correct myself, I believe there are 4 mixes I am missing from 1994, and that's it. ;) But the rest, yah, I could burn them as MP3s on CD/DVD for you, even do up audio CDs, whatever you'd like.

As I said, let's take this offline - contact me and we'll work something out. I always like spreading great music. :cool:

[raphaelbrennan]

Apple would love to have satelite radio, they just want a great deal

[wdlove]

I happy to hear that Steve isn't planning to include the Sirus Radio. Radio is thee last free access to entertainment, why ruin a good thing. I hate the idea of paying for Cable, especially when the reception on many channels is poor. So I plane to hold stead fast on not paying for radio.

[Jesus]

I have pretty much all of the tracklistings, and I do have a listing of every single mix and who the DJ was, yes. If you're interested in getting a hold of some copies, just PM me / e-mail me and I can send you my archive spreadsheet. And I should correct myself, I believe there are 4 mixes I am missing from 1994, and that's it. ;) But the rest, yah, I could burn them as MP3s on CD/DVD for you, even do up audio CDs, whatever you'd like.

As I said, let's take this offline - contact me and we'll work something out. I always like spreading great music. :cool:

Can I get a piece of that??

Jesus

[~Shard~]

Can I get a piece of that??

Jesus

As I said, I'm more than willing to sort people out with these great mixes. As not to risk spamming the Forums though with me "advertising" my Essential Mix collection, as I told Plarco75, just PM me or e-mail me and we'll chat further about things. I look forward to hearing from you and working something out! :cool:

[tom5304]

There's one element in the satellite radio scene that I haven't heard mentioned here yet: the notoriously spotty reception of Sirius. I didn't know about Sirius' reception problems until I experienced them myself, and then a little internet research revealed that Sirius has a dirty little secret, which is poor indoor reception.

I had XM for over a year, and it would catch a solid satellite connection from the middle of my room. In that respect, XM had reception equal to FM radio.

I recently tried Sirius, and there was not one place in my room where I could receive consistent reception without periodic drop-outs. I called Sirius technical service, and they said their satellite antennas need to be on the roof of the house to get consistent reception. Funny, they don't mention that in their advertising...

If I can't receive Sirius when it's pointed in the right direction on my window sill, using a standard antenna, there is zero chance that Sirius could get reception on an iPod that was anything smaller than a brick. Anyone interested in a bigger, heavier iPod? Didn't think so.

For me, Sirius has better programming than XM. But if I can't receive it in my home, which is out in the open with no obstructions, all that great programming is useless to me. There's no way an iPod-sized Sirius unit could ever work, so there's no use in even dreaming about one.

[Awimoway]

Have the stations be high quality, with a mix of all kinds of music. Then when the song is playing it shows what song it is and that you can buy it on iTMS.

Nothing would drain my bank account faster. Advertising and entertainment would achieve complete harmony. I'm not sure if I like that or not, but it'll probably happen someday (not necessarily by Apple, though).

[Awimoway]

NASCAR just signed a multi-year deal with Sirius, so when their current deal with XM runs out, they're leaving. Sirius has XM absolutely beat in sports since they have the NFL, NBA and NHL. MLB is all XM has to hang their hat on in that department. As for the XM MyFi, that's why Sirius wants this iPod deal so badly, as it would certainly be a much bigger draw for consumers than the MyFi ever will be.

I suppose it would be easy to reply that Hyundai owners are not the kind of people we should be basing the entertainment and consumer electronics markets on, but I thought this was a pretty interesting story about Stern actually hurting Sirius' chances:

From CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/05/13/hyundai_stern/)

Hyundai customers say 'no' to Stern.
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - A surprising number of Hyundai customers said they didn't want Sirius Satellite Radio installed in their vehicles because they objected to Howard Stern, according to an auto news Web site. ... Hyundai ultimately decided to go with XM.

The irony is that if enough of these people had known who Opie and Anthony are, they probably would have been even less inclined to get XM.

[mark.knowles]

I would buy two! One for me and one for the wife. I am holding of on Sirius until they put it in a package small enough to have with me all the time. Since Sirius is the home of the NFL, Sirius is the only option for me! God I hope this happens!

Suppose there is a five minute segment of radio you like to listen to on your commute that always starts at 7:35 am (I can think of one), just when traffic is getting tight and you don't like to fiddle between the iPod and the radio (and that radio is satellite). Why not have a time programmable playlist handle that? This is just one small example of what a hybrid iPod could do. I also think the people who suggest being able to immediately buy a radio song from iTunes are also thinking ahead. However, whether satellite radio has legs internationally will probably be the deciding factor in Apple's decision of whether to make a hybrid.

[wdlove]

But I don't think I've used AM in over 20 years and FM in 3 years. AM is dead as the Dodo and FM is going that way. DAB is the only way forward in Europe currently, at least until we have blanket wifi coverage which probably isn't more than a couple of years off.

I know the USA is kind of third-world technology wise for mobile comms but I don't see why the world outside the USA should get stiffed with technology from the dark ages.

I haven't listened to AM radio in years either. Do listen to FM Radio five days a week. On the weekend I listen to my iTunes or CD's.

What is the difference with mobile comms. outside the US?

[joel8x]

Looks like Sirius is out maneuvering XM:
Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL Football, iPod?

I don't see XM trying to compete.

Steve if you don't do it someone else will.

Howard Stern = Has Been (seriously - the guy is only going to do 4 days live instead of 5 - a sure sign that he's just cashing in on his past glory)

Martha Stewart = ???? $7 Million a year for cooking tips? What a stupid move! Plus she has that new Apprentice show and all of her other businesses to run - when is she going to have time to put together a <i>good show</i> everyday?

NFL = Cool if you like football.

iPod = never going to happen. The Sirius technology is so flawed which is why all of their players are so huge compared to XM's. They should have spent money on R&D before signing these huge price tag franchises. Now they are scrambling to latch on to existing technology to deliver their content which they can't even afford. They are running themselves into the ground very quickly and I would be surprised if they ever gained enough market share to really compete with XM, who is very close to turning a profit while Sirius loses money with each new subscriber (right now they spend more per subscriber for retention than the subscribers pay them in fees).

If Apple was interested in one of these companies (which they are clearly not), Sirius would be the wrong one.

[swissmann]

I don't think I would use the satellite feature if my iPod had it. It holds so much music as is - and I have control over what I am listening to I don't see much of a need for a radio broadcast.

[tom5304]

One thing that keeps me interested in satellite radio is the un-random random shuffle on my 4g iPod Mini. I have a collection of 3,000+ songs, with about 600-800 loaded on my iPod at any given time. When I play my songs on shuffle, the same songs keep popping up very early in the shuffle. Even more un-random is the artist selection in shuffle. My shuffle virtually ignores several artists, and plays others at a way-more-than-random rate.

If I have 700 songs in my random shuffle, there should be a 1 in 700 chance that any one song will play each time a song ends. And no, I don't have any songs listed as favorites, so that's not it. The iTunes shuffle just isn't even close to random, so, playing songs on my iPod becomes boring very quickly with the repetition. Thus my interest in satellite radio. Sirius may have a problem with repetition, but their library is a lot bigger than 700 songs...

[Kid Red]

Please, please, someone explain to me how you could have a negative reaction to news like this. Satellite radio in the ipod? Let's see, combine an mp3 player that kicks the crap out of all alternatives with a radio that kicks the crap out of FM, all in the same small unit with the same easy-to-use interface - man, that is the biggest no-brainer since the iTMS.

I would instantly buy one and sell my current ipod on ebay.


Exactly, I'd buy my first iPod if it played not only mp3s but was also a satellite radio turner. The UI is there, slight mods and the turner hardware and it's ready to go. This would be huge for Apple because they'd sell iPods to the satellite radio crowd as well. I can't fathom why anyone would react negatively to this. If you don't want to buy one (like the cube, the mac mini, the original iPod) then don't??