CES: XM ParkingLink, XM Weather Tracking, XM Satellite Video
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 6:36 PM
Tags: 2, XM
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...
First, understand that this NOT the standard XM WX Satellite Weather which provides much more "raw" information like NEXRAD radar, storm cells, wind speeds, surface temperatures, etc. This is a more consumer-friendly product that utilizes all that information and delivers it in a clean, easy-to-read interface.
The weather data can be overlayed on top of satellite imagery or navigation maps.
Different areas can be zoomed in on to provide detailed, personalized information.
This system delivers the same XM Weather Service as that for the Bushnell ONIX400. Obviously since this is a consumer product, pricing will be different than that of the current XM WX Satellite Weather service. Expect pricing to be "similar" to that of XM NavTraffic, but nothing solid just yet.
Since the vehicle weather service is bigger than that of the Bushnell, you can expect it to come to market sooner, in Summer 2007.
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Comments
What type of car was that in it looks sweet!
Posted by: Harris | January 10, 2007 7:05 PM
Looks like a Toyota/Lexus, based on the button font.
BTW, how many people will crash fiddling with all these features. And to think Nintendo was sued over those silly Wii straps...
Posted by: ET | January 10, 2007 10:22 PM
Im not sure here, and I could be way off, but the Vents on the sides of the unit look like they are from a new hyundai santa fe.
again, could be way off here...
Posted by: MarkS ? | January 10, 2007 10:23 PM
Lexus SUV (GX or LX)
Posted by: Josh | January 10, 2007 10:38 PM
It's a Lexus LX 470.
You can see a picture of the outside of the vehicle (and again, my apologies for not taken enough pics of this thing) here:
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/XM-CES-Booth-002.jpg
Posted by: Ryan Saghir ? | January 11, 2007 8:07 AM
XM video will kill the satellite radio service... not that it isn't nearly dead anyway.. I love my XM radio but I know that the video will end the "radio" portion.. the reason : bandwidth.. also sound quality, which right now is just slightly better then crappy, will likely be worse.. the sound quality is fine if you listen to it in mono and true stereo only.. but stretch the signal to a five channel system and see what I mean... even on a higher standard radio... stay in the satrad business XM and leave the failure of satellite radio/tv to your rival...
Posted by: mike | January 12, 2007 9:01 PM