Back in June we learned that the FAA is looking to upgrade their air traffic control system, and XM Satellite Radio has teamed up with Raytheon to bid on the deal. The Raytheon/XM bid is unique because it utilizes the XMWX weather service to provide real-time weather data as a added benefit for pilots.

The FAA estimates it will spend $15 billion to $22 billion by 2025 on the satellite technology alone, and another $14 billion to $20 billion in spending on new avionics, cockpit electronics linked to the satellite technology.

And the decision could come as early as next week.

If Raytheon/XM win the bid, it would be quite the coup considering that both Lockheed Martin (the nation's largest defense contractor) and ITT Corp are also bidding for the massive 30-year contract. But it may also open up the door for satellite radio to be a "standard feature" in commercial airlines, though XM hasn't explicitly said this.

XM is already providing satellite radio entertainment to jetBlue and AirTran, as well as to United Airlines (including United's amazing first-class "suites"). But if the FAA contract goes to Raytheon, theoretically it would be possible to receive XM in all airlines.

"In many cases, the pilots -- or their passengers -- could be listening to XM radio while they're using our weather systems," said Roderick MacKenzie, XM's vice president of advanced applications. "A single receiver can let the pilot keep tracking the weather and keep the passengers entertained."

Sounds like a winner to me.

[Boston.com]
Thanks skipp!

Andretti Green Racing's partnership with XM Satellite Radio has more to do than just talk shows and sponsorships. AGR used XM WX Weather for up-to-the-second intelligence during the rain-soaked Indy 500 as part of their arsenal of tech tools.

While other teams were relying on local weather forecasts to layout their strategies, AGR was using streaming real-time weather data delivered trackside to their team computers. The weather data is overlaid ontop of a GPS map, which then can be viewed in multiple formats. As a result, AGR can adjust downforce, tune the engine, adjust gear ratios, and plan a more informed tire strategy based of various weather data.

"With weather forecast to be a major factor in this year's Indy 500, we're happy to have XM Weather technology available as an additional strategic tool," said Kim Green, co-owner, Andretti Green Racing. "Racing is both science and art, and successful racing requires the absolute best combination of both."

And this same style of continuously updated weather info will soon be available to us everyday folks (in both GPS nav systems as well as in personal handheld form).

"XM is offering the first system that alerts you to real-time weather threats on the road ahead," said Stuart Cox, senior vice president, advanced applications, XM. "You're not just getting the temperature and the forecast for a city. You get the weather that will impact your specific journey, and this information is constantly being updated."

[WhoWon]
Thanks Matt!

I crawled around the XM "Infotainment" vehicle which showcased a lot of XM's latest capabilities, and to my regret I didn't snap off nearly as many shots as I should have. The reason being that I was so into it that my camera was left by my side while I was awed by this technology.

Either way, here's what few shots I have. Though they don't do it any justice.  

First up is XM ParkingLink, which was unveiled at last year's CES, though it appears that the interface has been improved.

Right now it's in beta in select cities, XM is partnered with Standard Parking to integrate the sensors into their parking spaces. With these embedded sensors, you can literally see how many parking spots are available at surround parking lots in your area.

Note the color coding so you can quickly see what lots are full while driving.

Then there's XM's Satellite Video capabilities. I say "capabilities" because the XM infrastructure can currently support video, but they just haven't seen a business model to make it a worthwhile effort yet.

More pics, and a tour of XM Weather Tracking (not the official name), available after the jump...

Just a few more details on the Bushnell ONIX 400 portable GPS/XM/XM WX swiss army knife device.

The ONIX 400 will provide current and forecasted weather data, including detailed, real-time weather warnings. It's not just NEXRAD radar overlayed over the map. The ONIX 400 will be the only outdoor device that provides personalized, localized weather content delivery integrated within the GPS map environment.

The handheld features a split screen allowing users to check out what XM content is playing while viewing weather data. The waterproof portable handheld unit is ergonomically designed to fit into the palm of the hand for easy use in any type of weather.

The ONIX 400 has the ability to layer weather information on the screen along with aerial and satellite photos and topography maps for the ultimate in real world navigation.

Other features include enhanced sports scoreboard with user interface, sports statistics and scores; an extra large 3.5" full-color LCD screen (320x240 pixel resolution); an embedded 64Mb MicroSD card for data and map services; and rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

Details on weather-related service pricing will be available at product launch. The ONIX 400 will be available in the summer of 2007.

XM Satellite Radio will unveil next week a new personal weather tracking system for GPS navigation - the first of it's kind - at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week.

The system tracks real-time weather conditions, plus provides a near-term weather forecast, between your current location and your final destination. Instead of simply giving you general weather conditions for a region, the satellite powered system focuses on the weather on your individual route.

The weather system is expected to be introduced in the summer of this year with XM's weather partner Baron Services.

"XM is offering the first system that alerts consumers to real-time weather threats on the road ahead," said Rod Mackenzie, VP of Advanced Applications at XM. "You're not just getting the temperature and the forecast for a city. You get the weather that will impact your specific journey, and this information is constantly being updated. It's a major breakthrough in providing consumers with comprehensive, personalized weather information."

XM's and Baron's WxWorx devision (pronounced "weather works") offers weather services for airplanes, boats, and emergency responders.

We first spotted the elusive Bushnell ONIX400CR when it was honored with the 2007 CES Innovations Award, but at the time there was little details available on the unit. All we knew was that it was a handheld XM-Ready GPS/Weather tracker. Satellite Radio TechWorld even discovered a related patent application back in early October, though it veiled in secrecy.

Orbitcast has obtained the specs to the ONIX 400CR, and this looks like one incredible device. It looks like Bushnell is aggressive going after Garmin by providing XM, XMWX Weather Data, and GPS with Satellite Imagery all in a single handheld device - and it's priced well below the competition.

Here's the features: 

• Large 3.5” full color screen (320 x 240)
• Aerial & satellite photos can be downloaded from Bushnell web site for real world navigation
• Access to live XMWX weather feeds including animated Doppler radar, severe storm tracking & warnings
• Screen layering (including weather)
• Safetrack™  battery conservation mode
• Option of XM satellite entertainment packages available
• Customized user profiles
• Designed for outdoor use
• Ergonomic design
• Waterproof, rugged rubber armor (IPX7 Standard)
• LCD screen readable in direct sunlight
• Imbedded 64MB Micro SD card
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• USA & Canada Base Map
• SiRF GPS Chip Set

The Bushnell ONIX400CR will go for an MSRP of only $499 (half that of the Garmin 376c and a fraction of the cost of the Garmin 396c). The Bushnell ONIX400CR is expected to be available in February 2007.

One interesting thing to note is the use of the "XM satellite entertainment" moniker. This is something that I thought was reserved for satellite video, but I could be jumping the gun on that.

In an effort to entice pilots to upgrade their aircraft panels, Avidyne is running a promotion from April 1st to June 30th that offers the first 12-months of a XMWX subscription for free.

Oh sure you get NEXRAD, METARS and TFRs, not to mention other alphabet soup services, but considering an XMWX subscription runs about $30/month, that isn't a bad deal at all. What you see here is the EX500 with a 5.5" diagonal, high-res moving map display that can show flight plan info plus the datalink weather service. It's got other options, but I really don't understand them. Any pilots in the house?

[Aero News] 

The Garmin GPSMAP 3005C is targeted towards the serious boater or fisherman who wants to have cutting-edge GPS and optional weather data at their finger tips. While it's hard for me to consider a $1000+ unit "affordable" I'm also not a serious boater, so what the hell do I know.

What I do dig is that this waterproof unit has two optional XM Satellite weather accessories to choose from. First you can get the XM WX Satellite weather receiver (GDL 30), so you can geek out with your fishing buddies showing off your NEXRAD goodness while kicking back a few tallboys. Or, you can be the real uber-angler with the GDL 30A Weather/Audio receiver that allows for both the XM WX Satellite weather goodies, plus XM Radio that you control via the user interface. Dope.

Specs:

Manufacturer: Garmin
Available Date: Now
MSRP: $1066.65
Size: 7.8?W x 4.7?H x 3.0?D
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Screen Size: sunlight-readable, 5-inch Diagonal, 256-color, 640x480-pixel VGA display

Accessories Included:
? Basemap: Worldwide Marine
? GPS 17 WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel sensor with 30-foot cable
? Power/data cable
? Bail mounting bracket
? Unit cover

Accessories Sold Separately:
? GDL 30 Marine Weather Satellite Receiver ($642.84)
? GDL 30A Marine Weather + Audio Satellite Receiver ($857.13)
? GSD 20 SONARtransmitter remote sounder; dual-frequency, 500 watts RMS ($266.65)

Orbitcast was the first to show you the XMWX enabled Garmin GPSMAP 376c for your car or boat, but somewhere admist all the excitement we missed the Garmin GPSMAP 396C and 3005C. First, let's cover the 396c though.

This thing is a portable GPS navigation system for aircraft, boat and car featuring integrated XMWX Satellite Weather services and XM Satellite Radio audio capabilities. The water resistant WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver uses a GXM 30 Smart Antenna for XM audio and data services to display real-time weather information overlayed on top of your map. Very cool, but not for those living paycheck to paycheck as this thing will run you $2,695 MSRP.

You can run this baby for 5 to 15 hours (depending on backlight settings) off it's rechargeabale lithium-ion battery, and she'll give you voice-prompted road guidance when you connect her using the power/speaker cable. The only bummer, which I truly truly hate, is the proprietary Garmin data cards that are used for transferring pre-programmed map information and other goodies. I understand it's an extra buck for Garmin, but those data cards suck.

Anyway, here's the specs you're lusting after:

Manufacturer: Garmin
Available Date: In stores now
MSRP: $2,695
Size: 5.7?W x 3.2?H x 1.9?D
Weight: 14.2 ounces with battery
Screen Size: 3.8?Diagonal, 480 pixels W x 320 pixels H
Accessories Included:
? GXM 30 smart antenna ? delivers XM WX and XM audio services
? Yoke mount
? Cigarette lighter adapter
? AC adapter cable
? USB-to-PC interface cable
? Low-profile remote GPS antenna
? Carrying case
? MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager CD-ROM