Last week's decision by the Department of Justice may have a domino effect for other major satellite players in the coming year, says GigaOM.

They point to satellite operators including Iridium, Globalstar, ICO Global Communications, TerreStar Corp. and Mobile Satellite Venture which are all trying to operate or build out networks. But with a shortage of spectrum for some, these may choose to follow Sirius-XM's lead, and join forces.

Given the spectrum owned and the types of satellites launched, Tim Farrar of TMF Associates feels that the likeliest deals would be between ICO and TerreStar; Inmarsat and MSV; and Globalstar and Iridium.

Does the Sirius-XM deal set off an opportunity for other satellite mergers in 2008? I'm less inclined to think so.

Simply by observing the length of time it took the DOJ analyze the situation, combined with the upcoming possible political shift in power, and you'll realize that Sirius-XM came in just under the wire with this decision. If a less M&A-friendly Democratic administration is elected to office, these types conditionless satellite mergers would likely be put on hold for the near future.

[GigaOM]

The XM NavTraffic real-time traffic service will be available in the brand spankin' new 2009 Infiniti FX. Indeed, all Infiniti vehicles for the 2009 model year will feature XM standard and XM NavTraffic when equipped with a navigation system.

XM NavTraffic is also offered as a standard feature on the Infiniti M, EX, G, G Coupe, M and QX models when equipped with a Navigation System. Click the jump to see interior photos...

The 2009 Nissan Maxima, which makes its debut today at the NY Autoshow, will offer XM NavTraffic as a standard, factory-installed feature when equipped with Nissan's Hard Drive Navigation system.

All XM NavTraffic equipped models come with a 3-month complimentary subscription.

XM NavTraffic is available on Nissan Murano, Armada, Altima, Altima Coupe, Altima Hybrid, and Pathfinder, as part of packages equipped with a navigation system. NavTraffic will soon be available on the 2009 GT-R.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima interior, dubbed the "Super Cockpit" by Nissan's design team, also features a number of technologies (in addition to the Hard Drive nav system with XM NavTraffic) including a RearView Monitor, Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

Click the jump to see interior/dash photos...

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The second-generation 2009 Acura TSX, which will be unveiled today at the 2008 New York Autoshow, will integrate the new XM NavWeather real-time weather tracking service with "Threat Matrix" technology as part of a multitude of technological features found in Acura's Technology Package.

Acura's Technology Package adds XM NavWeather alongside the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, and AcuraLink - which provides real-time traffic powered by XM NavTaffic. The new TSX will also, and obviously, offer XM Satellite Radio.

XM NavWeather (which we first saw on the Acura RL at the Chicago Auto Show) integrates with the TSX's Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on-screen, and gives the driver the option to easily re-route around a storm's path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States.

And while XM NavWeather's "Threat Matrix" technology sounds rather perilous, it's main focus is to disseminate a large amount of data and provide it to the driver for "eyes on road" use. Threat Matrix tracks nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, then scales and customizes this detail to the driver's specific location and route.

The new Acura TSX comes with a USB port, AUX jack, and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, while the Technology Package adds on a 10-speaker Acura/ELS premium sound system with DVD-audio designed by Grammy Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner.

Click the jump to view photos of XM NavWeather in the new TSX...

The all-new 2009 Ford Flex, on display this week at the 2008 New York Autoshow, will feature a myriad of class-leading technologies including Sirius Satellite Radio, the latest version of Ford SYNC, voice-activated navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen display and data services through Sirius Travel Link.

The Flex utilizes a contemporary design that the company labels as "polarizing." So polarizing, in fact, that Ford is not predicting sales metrics or defining a profile for the Flex target buyer.

"Flex is a radical departure," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director, Design, The Americas. "At first we were uncomfortable with the way Flex could polarize, but its ability to compel an opinion, good or bad, was fascinating. It inspired us forward with courage to create a breakthrough design."

Technological Features:
The 2009 Ford Flex includes the latest version of Ford SYNC (which now has 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports), voice activated navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio and Sirius Travel Link.

Sirius Travel Link will provide users with a suite of data services including real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations - all on an 8-inch touchscreen display.

Meanwhile, Sirius Satellite Radio is heard through a 700-watt, 10-speaker Sony audio system with 5.1 surround sound. Ford's voice-activated navigation allows for voice control of the entire system including GPS destination entry, climate controls, Sirius Travel Link, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The Flex goes on sale this summer and will be on display at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

Follow the jump for additional interior images of the Flex. Orbitcast will be live from NYIAS today, so expect more photos soon...