Remember Interoperable Technologies? They're the company that is actually working with both SIRIUS and XM (gasp!) to create a dual-service receiver that supposedly is nearing production. Well, Interoperable Technologies has gone and filed for a patent to operate a dual-service receiver via a cellphone/PDA.
As I understand it (and, mind you, I'm no lawyer), the patent creates a method to activate and control a satellite radio receiver via Bluetooth (or possibily other wireless protocols). It also allows for the methodology to transmit back to the satellite provider your usage statistics. Oh, and probably most importantly, it specifies the ability to create a "portable satellite radio subscription" - meaning that while you're at home, you can listen to your home receiver; then when you get in your car, you can listen to your car's receiver. All controlled via this single cellphone/PDA device, and presumably under a single subscription.
It's important to note that this is not a patent to listen to satellite radio via a cellphone/PDA, instead it's a method to control your satellite radio receivers via a cellphone/PDA.
I really like the concept of a transferrable activation method. As noted in the patent application, an "exemplary embodiment" of this would be the use of public satellite radio subscriptions:
Such public subscription radios may be located, for example, in places such as restaurants, coffee houses, hotels, and like places where a series of individuals are likely to be for relatively short periods of time. The subscription radio service provider may elect to charge a user for activation of each public subscription radio or for the ability to be able to activate any public subscription radio.
Walk into your hotel room, activate the room's satellite radio receiver, and you won't miss any of your favorite shows.
Read the full patent application here, or check out this PDF version which includes diagrams and flowcharts.
[via Satellite Radio TechWorld]
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
I gotta say that this is a pretty darn good idea. I actually like the idea that the company can keep track of my listening habits so that they know more accurately what stations people listen to. This is one of the nice things about TiVo. I *want* them to know what I watch so I have a voice in what shows stick around.
I really like the activation idea too. It is nice to see a technology patent with some good ideas in it!
When do we get to see these products? :)
There's already a method for a portable (XM) subscription: The Mini-Tuner (aka Connect-and-Play). And the Mini-Tuner is a hell of a lot smaller that any phone or PDA...
After careful study of this diagram over the last three days, and after meeting with my top advisers, I have come to believe that this is either a drawing of a Hamilton Beach toaster, or the linear expression to the " Legbone's connected to the hipbone " song.
I love that song.
senhuW vcxsdfg54345fbcv5464