FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
September 29, 2006
Sirius Introduces New Portable Stiletto 100
This week, Sirius Satellite Radio’s much awaited portable music player and recorder, The Stiletto 100, is finally available to the masses. As Sirius heats up the already flaming competition among MP3 players, iPods and XM’s portable satellite devices, the fate of traditional radio is in question now more than ever before.
Most critics say that portable satellite radios pose an increasing threat to terrestrial radio because of their ability to record and store copies of songs from a live audio stream. The Stiletto comes equipped with a “love” button that can store up to 10 hours of music. When listeners hear something they “love,” they can record it to the Stiletto’s 2-gigabyte memory at the touch of a button. The Stiletto also allows users to schedule the automatic recording of 100 hours of audio content in up to 6-hour blocks, so no one has to worry about missing their favorite acoustic tunes on “Coffeehouse” overnight.
The introduction of the Stiletto marks Sirius’ first iPod-sized radio receiver, and is even smaller and more streamlined than XM’s “Inno” and “Helix” portable devices. Another feature that sets the Stiletto apart is its Wi-Fi capability. If a listener happens to enter a building where the Sirius signal is blocked, the Stiletto’s Wi-Fi capabilities link to Sirius Internet Radio to ensure a relatively uninterrupted audio experience. The device also comes equipped with the ability to pause, rewind and replay up to 44 minutes of audio, a 2.2 inch full-color display, and a “GameAlert” feature, which notifies listeners when the score changes at their favorite games. Retail price is about $350.
So it seems that the Stiletto has thought of everything –- users can even store their own MP3s and “bookmark” songs to purchase later via the Yahoo Music Jukebox. Many say new portable satellite radio devices like this one will draw in a much younger market. Six years ago when satellite radio launched, the 18-24 year old demographic didn’t bite. Some argued it was the monthly subscription cost that kept the younger market at bay, but it soon became clear that the younger demographic prized one thing above all else when it came to music: mobility.
What do you think? Now that satellite radio has wheels will terrestrial radio suffer? Or will iPods and regular AM/FM radio continue to prevail?
Posted by Kathryn Tuggle at September 29, 2006 4:19 PM | Category: technology + computers |
5 Comments
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I have had Sirius for about 7 months, and YES Howard stern led me to it. AT first I thought it was a gimmick, but after 1 week of NO COMMERCIALS, and many diffrent choices. I decided this is the way to go. The stilletto is the next step. With citys developing Wi-FI connections it seems only logical that traditional radio has seen the end. HD Radio isnt really anything worth while...I dont need 6 channels filled with commercials. MOBILITY IS KEY. And when the RIAA and radio broadcasters finnaly realize they CAN NOT keep up with technology, maybe they will learn to embrace rather than shun.
Same thing as the above poster....I joined the day before Howard made his debut on Sirius thinking I'm paying $13/month for uncensored Stern (already worth it). But as you listen to music in the car without commercials, have all this extra programming besides Howard....it's absolutely fantastic. I don't even feel the $13 a month (basically like going to a fastfood place twice). Now, if I forget my satellite radio when I leave the house in the morning, I turn around and go back and get it. This is even more so the case if I'm going on long trips across states.
AM/FM radio is horrible. There are some channels that literally play the same 10 songs every hour and have 20 minutes of commercials mixed in between. The problem with iPods is getting exposed to new music (I'm constantly hearing new music I like but had never heard of before) and having live sports and news is great too.
Sirius is the future.
I have had Sirius for about 6 months and yes one reason i got it was the Stern show. But I have heard so much more new music than i ever would on regular radio. It is well worth the price. I have bought much of the new music i have heard. Like the above it is much better than the same 10 songs every hour. Sirius is the best.
I dont like a people who loves the Stern show.
you will still have AM/FM for the masses for a long time.