I've been getting bombarded with emails about the new ReGo, so rather than typing my little fingers off, we're going to have a little Q&A session. Hopefully this will answer all the questions about the upcoming Xact ReGo (Record-and-Go) device you've been losing sleep over.

Q: What kind of features will the new ReGo unit have?
A: For those who didn't see them at CES, here's the Xact ReGo XTR5 Plug & Play Features:

* 6-line screen display
* MP3 & Sirius Playback
* Trans Flash Card Slot - capacities that range from 64MB to 1GB (not included)
* 4 Hour Recording Built-in Flash for Sirius Download
* Illuminated Keypad and Control Buttons
* Backlit Display
* S-Seek
* Program Alert
* Parental Control
* Satellite Updated Real-Time Clock Stereo, Line Level Audio Outputs
* 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Jack with Volume Control
* Wireless remote control
* Built-in wireless FM modulator with variable frequency settings
* 18 presets
* Integrated headphone output and volume controls
* Wearable, Car, home and universal docking kits available
* 2 Boom box options (1 model with MP3 CD?s/CDRW and a digital AM/FM radio tuner with 10 presets)

Q: Is it 'wearable' or not? I keep hearing conflicting information on this.
A: Note that in the feature list it mentions that a wearable docking kit will be available. This explains the confusing language we've been hearing between whether it's a plug-and-play unit, or a wearable unit (like the XM2go devices). The battery-pack that will fit to the XTR5 ReGo will be much smaller than the XTR1's 'power pod' and the antenna is incorporated into the top of the headphones - therefore giving it 'wearable' attributes (but out of the box, as we understand it, it's not a 'wearable' device).

Q: How much is it going to cost?
A: From the information we've gathered, the ReGo will be priced around $300. For a device with this many features, can't say that's unreasonable.

...and the most asked question (c'mon, gimme a drumroll):

Q: When's the ReGo coming out???
A: The ReGo will be released in Spring 2005 (late April, beginning of May). Start saving your lunch money kids!

We got a quick peak at the Pioneer unit yesterday, but weren't quite sure what to make of it amidst all the CES frenzy. The Larry Pesce mentions trunk mounted solutions, specifically the SiriusConnect unit at the Press Event and we started to tie things together.

Now we know the whole deal.

Today at CES, Sirius Satellite Radio unveiled the SiriusConnect receiver. The new product utilizes SIRIUS? next generation technology to offer a single-piece system that is compatible with SIRIUS-ready headunits from manufacturers such as Alpine, Audiovox, JVC, Kenwood, Eclipse and Pioneer.

The SiriusConnect receiver will also interface with XM-ready headunits from Alpine and Pioneer that are up to three years old, making it easier for consumers to chose the content provider that best meets their needs and tastes. (NICE)

The new system combines a receiver with a translation device all in one unit, which is significantly smaller than current receivers, as well as with those offered by competitive systems.

The SiriusConnect design combines a standard trunk mounted tuner with a translator that is specific to each brand of Sirius-ready in-dash radio. This greatly simplifies installation. The SiriusConnect will be packaged with an antenna for easy purchase and inventory management and is currently shipping to support Alpine and Pioneer branded head units.

Pricing will vary depending on the specific brand interface. Sirius also expects the SiriusConnect to be compatible with additional satellite-ready brands throughout 2005.

Click to see a big photo of the Alphine SirusConnect unit. The Pioneer Unit can be seen here (no big photo yet, but you don't really need one).

Looking to buy one? Get the SIR-ALP1 SiriusConnect Tuner System here for only $79.

Unveiled at CES today, the Pioneer SIR-PNR1 is a new tuner for SIRIUS that is compatible with satellite-ready head units and most IP-Bus head units from Pioneer.

The new SIR-PNR1 tuner will come equipped with all installation hardware, including the SIRIUS antenna, for the MSRP price of $120.

The Pioneer SIR-PNR1 will be available at retail stores beginning this month.

View Press Release

XACT Communications announced today that it has unveiled the ReGo, a portable Sirius Satellite Radio receiver that records satellite radio and plays MP3 files through a compact flash card.

Here's the only photo we have of it right now.

With the XACT ReGo, you'll be able to record up to 4 hours of live programming and play it back anytime. You can also store up to 1GB of music on flash cards that can be edited on a home computer then plugged into the ReGo's flash card slot or by simply hooking the ReGo up to your PC via the built in USB port.

No word as to how the unit will be powered considering the size of the current XACT Xtr1 'portable' battery pack. Also no mention as to whether this will debut the 3rd Generation of Sirius chipset. The current 2.5 Gen chipset is manufactured by Agere Systems.

UPDATE:
More information on the ReGo has been released - check it out here.