Audiovox this week unveiled its RCA-brand "Infinite Radio" series of tabletop internet radios.
Each tabletop radio features regular analog AM/FM, USB Host, WiFi 802.11b/g, and direct access to a custom Web radio aggregation service and to Slacker’s personalized Internet radio service.
The RCA RIR200 retails for a suggested $99, but the $149 RCA RIR205 adds a companion “WiFi enabler,” a transmitter/receiver that plugs into a wired home-network router and removes the need to use WiFi setup software.
The interesting thing is that the Slacker service is embedded into these devices. Slacker has an API that allows the service to essentially be built into any internet connected device. This is just one example.
Check out a bunch more photos after the jump...
What's funny about this... or maybe not, for the satellite radio companies... is that Slacker has already found themselves in a clock radio device! Neither XM nor Sirius have had a complete tuner built-in to any clock radio product yet! XM has the Timex, which requires the addition of a mini tuner dock and cartridge (or a C&P antenna, if you don't care about not being able to wake up to XM), but it's not as simple as connect an XM antenna to the radio and go (again, unless you don't mind not having full functionality of the device). And I would imagine that if Slacker REALLY gains momentum, you'll find them in more WiFi enabled clock radios.
2008 looks like it's going to be huge for Slacker. Looks like the SDARS companies will have to play catchup (as if they didn't need to already) to stay ahead. Interactivity is the reason behind why I think Slacker will outsell XM and Sirius in the long run. Unless either or both company can jump on that bandwagon.
SDARS already have internet streaming ability, why would they not enable their services to work on devices like Slacker. XM and SIRIUS are missing a lot of opportunities with internet streaming, granted I know that SIRIUS is trying to sell more hardware (Stiletto 2), but they should also be working on clients for blackberry, Symbian S60 devices, and dare I say the iphone. All of these devices connect via wifi or 3G wireless networks, and will increase the rate of adoption for their services, beyond OEM and Retail. They need to make their services more accessible for consumers.
I want these companies (or company depending on the DOJ and FCC) to succeed, but they are limiting themselves to a fault.
Ryan doesn't like Slacker..he LOVES it!!
Questions about RCA Infinite Radio 205:
(A)The radio has a memory --- can it record based on clock timing?
(B)Does the radio have to be turned on for recording? If so, can it be put on MUTE and still record?
(C_if a special radio station is not on their list of available stations, can it be requested to have it included?
what times is this radio station on air????