Engadget has uncovered, in some vigorous FCC digging, that a new MyFi has come across the desk at the Commission.

Unfortunately little is known about the device because XM has requested short-term confidentiality on such goodies like internal/external photos, manuals and technical info regarding the "coupling device." Other items like schematics and parts lists that may contain "trade secrets" are wrapped in the veil of long-term confidentially. Thankfully, the short-term confidentiality only lasts for 45-days, so we should know more about this badboy by December-ish.

Now, judging from the fact that its the same part number as the 1st gen MyFi (SA10113), I'm willing to guess that this is just an updated version. More than likely to have something to do with FM transmitters or something boring like that.

Then again, XM could be updating the beloved device with beefier internals (such as a more powerful Inno-like antenna) and preparing the MyFi as its low-end (read: affordable) handheld receiver. All the while prepping a badass uber-handheld complete with a sweet touchscreen interface for us to fawn over in the year ahead. Mr. Nate Davis did afterall drop some hints about a new portable coming next year. Oh the speculation!

[FCC Documents via Engadget]
Thanks TV Genius!

Integrating directly with your sat-ready car stereo meant the need for both a tuner-box and a smart adapter/cable. If you upgraded your car stereo, chances are you needed to get a new adapter.

That is, until now.

Introducing the XM Direct 2. Shipping now and available for an MSRP price of $129.99, the XM Direct 2 is a fully upgradeable (“flashable”) solution. In other words, it'll never become obsolete.

The XM Direct 2 supports more than 100 car stereos just by flashing the software via the USB port. Simply download and update to the latest software. And as the latest head unit technology continuously evolves and new manufacturers add XM capability to their radios, you'll be good to go.

Now most people generally aren't up to flashing, wiring and installing tuners, which is why professional install is recommended. But the reality nowadays is that many people are opting for professional installs anyway. For folks who want to have a clean XM installation with the most flexibility, this is truly the way to go.

The XM Direct 2 also has an expansion port, allowing you to connect other devices like CD Changers or iPod adapters right into it.

Oh and one more thing, it's not a static built-in tuner anymore either. The XM Direct 2 rocks out now with the XM Mini-Tuner cartridge (about the size of a 9-volt battery). Pop it out, and your XM subscription can go with you from your car to your pocket instantly.

For most people car stereos should be heard, not seen. If you want a clean install, with absolute flexibility and portability, your wait is over.

It amazes me what counts as a "review" in an age when information is abundant and, let's face it - valuable. And if we were to give a dollar amount to CNET's review of the just released XpressRC... it wouldn't be worth the $0.02 that the author continually throws in.

This is how the "hands on" with the XpressRC opens up:

"Generally speaking, my love for satellite radio is nonexistent. Sorry to say, I just don't see a reason to spend that kind of money ($12 per month) to listen to a host of shows that can usually be heard on the radio and music that copies what we hear on local radio for free."

...and so it begins.

The reviewer, Don Reisinger, goes on to talk about "the pains" of using satellite mobile products, though he does throw us a bone for the beauty of its color display. Oh goody. Don also likes the preset buttons, because he's miraculously found how "you can save all of your favorite shows" with those same presets. Alas, poor Don finds fault with the control knob (though gives no real reason), and dislikes the small power button employed on the device.

Thankfully, it's the pause-rewind functionality that wow'd Don. Yes, that's right, the same pause-rewind functionality that's been in satellite radios for years. In fact, he found that this functionality "sets the XpressRC apart from its competition" -- welcome to 2004, Don.

"Generally speaking, I usually don't endorse satellite radio as an alternative to podcasts or terrestrial radio..."

'nuff said.

[CNET]