The possibility of an Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Sirius XM (NASDAQ:SIRI) partnership to turn all of the iPhones and iPod Touches (over 40 million of them) out on the street into fully-developed satellite radios with a simple accessory dock, seems highly probable – according to a report by Sirius watcher Satwaves, who cites sources familiar with the situation.
Sirius XM, the company that has faced numerous financial anomalies over the past few years, and who already has an iPhone app (launched on June 18) that only permits streaming of a limited channel lineup, is set to unveil the iPhone/iPod Touch accessory docks next Wednesday, August 26th. These accessory docks, which could turn every iPhone and iPod Touch into a full-fledged satellite radio, would be called “SkyDocks.”
Sirius XM, notes Satwaves, will be hosting a special invitation only media event in New York that day (Wed, Aug.26) to show off their new products to be available this holiday season. The event is also expected to include the unveiling of a new FM modulation technology which, as Satwaves explains, works off of the cars electrical system. This technology would make the new iPhone/iPod Touch accessory docks virtually plug and play — even in vehicles without iPod integration or an audio-in auxiliary jack.
The introduction of the “SkyDocks” represents a huge opportunity of Siri. With over 40 million iPhones and iPod Touches out on the street, a deal with Apple would give the company the ability to expand its market by riding on the massive popularity of the iPhone and iPod. This will most certainly bring Sirius XM to the masses.
Back in 2005, Sirius expressed interest in partnering with Apple to put its satellite service on the iPod. But Apple CEO Steve Jobs didn’t reciprocate at the time. Maybe this time will be different.
I can’t wait until DirecTv adds their digital television package to Sirius Backseat TV. Were not just talking about music being able to be streamed worlwide. With DirecTv now owning 40% of Sirius XM, it’s inevitable. It’s just a matter of time before all of the other phone vendors join in with their phone.