When I first had the chance to play with the XM SkyDock back in August, I boldly stated that Sirius XM Radio "hit the ball right out of the park" with this latest device. I was enamored with the concept of being able to combine my iPhone and a satellite radio in a single neat package. That was then. The question is, does the sentiment still hold up?
This full in-depth review of the XM SkyDock satellite radio/iPhone dock comes to you after a week of hard testing to find out all the intricate details about it.
But, do I still feel the same about the SkyDock as I did two months ago?
In short, yes, I love it. But I have to caveat this by saying that the XM SkyDock may not be perfect for everyone. Read on (and please excuse the finger print smudges in the photos).
Installing the SkyDock
First impressions are always the most important, and the XM SkyDock is no exception. My first impression of the install was incredible. Out of literally dozens upon dozens of satellite radios that I've tested, this was the simpliest install I've ever done.
When the SkyDock showed up at my doorstep on my birthday (courtesy of Orbitcast's supporters TSS Radio) I was a little surprised. There are almost no wires in the box!
For anyone who has done a DIY satellite radio install, you feel my pain (and joy). In the box there's one wire for the satellite antenna, a small AUX wire that's not really necessary with their new PowerConnect FM transmitter (more on that in a minute), and a couple clips for fitting the dock to your iPhone. But that's pretty much it.
For the first time in a very long time, installing a satellite radio was simple again.
I do have one point of criticism though: the antenna wire supplied is significantly shorter than others I've encountered in the past. This required a bit more "creativity" when it came to routing the cord through my truck. But it also comes with the added benefit of not needing to hide the massive amounts of antenna cable that have been left over either, so some people will like this feature.
Using the SkyDock
What can I say? It's the best interface for a satellite radio yet. By separating the interface from the hardware, the SkyDock now benefits from Apple's touchscreen technology without any native hardware limitations.
Menus are easy to navigate, the touch sensitivity is accurate (it leaves a white mark to show you where you pressed - nice for eyes-on-road use), and a simple swipe of your finger lets you scroll through channel categories or individual channels with ease.
There's a couple glitches here and there - particularly when flipping from landscape to portrait modes (mine would get stuck). But it's nothing a simple software update can't solve, and definitely not a showstopper.
I also really like how responsive the SkyDock is. As soon as you are snapped in to the XM SkyDock and start the app - you immediately get audio. Other players like the Slacker App or Pandora have an annoyingly long start-up time, and as such I was surprised when the XM SkyDock fired up audio instantly.
Does the new FM Transmitter really work?
Without a question, it works great. The PowerConnect FM Transmitter is truly the best thing that Sirius XM could have developed.
Ever since mid-2006 when the FCC forced Sirius and XM to pull radios because of their super-strong FM transmitters, satellite radio has had issues with the do-it-yourself install. Now with the PowerConnect FM transmitter, the signal is sent through the vehicle's own electrical system surrounding the radio - making for an amazing signal.
Don't believe me? Give it a shot for yourself. I tested it in several vehicles, and had flawless performance for each one. Even if you buy the SkyDock and never activate the XM subscription, it kicks ass as an FM transmitter/iPhone charger.
iTunes Tagging
One of the newly introduced features for the XM SkyDock is the ability to tag a song for later purchase on Apple's iTunes. It's neat, sure, but not a big game changer in my opinion. Consider it a "nice to have" feature especially since you don't need to leave the device to purchase the song, but again, not a game changer.
The Verdict
Three words: simple, simple, simple. The SkyDock brings simplicity to satellite radio. If you are one of the millions who own an iPhone or iPod Touch and prefer a clean install, this is the radio for you.
There's is one drawback about the XM SkyDock that I think power-users would have an issue with: no timeshifting. If you've ever owned an XMP3, Stiletto 2 or any of the other dozens of satellite radios with pause/replay functionality - this is a feature that would be sorely missed.
But the tradeoff is simplicity. And for many people, that's where it counts. With the XM SkyDock it's just one device with multiple uses.
If you're a power-user who simply needs to take your satellite radio recordings with you, then stick with the XMP3 or Stiletto 2. If you like a clean and simple look, with the convenience and flexibilty of the iPhone interface - then check out the XM SkyDock.
Check out more photos below...
Special thanks to longtime Orbitcast supporters TSS Radio for providing the XM SkyDock for review. Please consider supporting them as they've supported us!
Installing the SkyDock
First impressions are always the most important, and the XM SkyDock is no exception. My first impression of the install was incredible. Out of literally dozens upon dozens of satellite radios that I've tested, this was the simpliest install I've ever done.
When the SkyDock showed up at my doorstep on my birthday (courtesy of Orbitcast's supporters TSS Radio) I was a little surprised. There are almost no wires in the box!
For anyone who has done a DIY satellite radio install, you feel my pain (and joy). In the box there's one wire for the satellite antenna, a small AUX wire that's not really necessary with their new PowerConnect FM transmitter (more on that in a minute), and a couple clips for fitting the dock to your iPhone. But that's pretty much it.
For the first time in a very long time, installing a satellite radio was simple again.
I do have one point of criticism though: the antenna wire supplied is significantly shorter than others I've encountered in the past. This required a bit more "creativity" when it came to routing the cord through my truck. But it also comes with the added benefit of not needing to hide the massive amounts of antenna cable that have been left over either, so some people will like this feature.
Using the SkyDock
What can I say? It's the best interface for a satellite radio yet. By separating the interface from the hardware, the SkyDock now benefits from Apple's touchscreen technology without any native hardware limitations.
Menus are easy to navigate, the touch sensitivity is accurate (it leaves a white mark to show you where you pressed - nice for eyes-on-road use), and a simple swipe of your finger lets you scroll through channel categories or individual channels with ease.
There's a couple glitches here and there - particularly when flipping from landscape to portrait modes (mine would get stuck). But it's nothing a simple software update can't solve, and definitely not a showstopper.
I also really like how responsive the SkyDock is. As soon as you are snapped in to the XM SkyDock and start the app - you immediately get audio. Other players like the Slacker App or Pandora have an annoyingly long start-up time, and as such I was surprised when the XM SkyDock fired up audio instantly.
Does the new FM Transmitter really work?
Without a question, it works great. The PowerConnect FM Transmitter is truly the best thing that Sirius XM could have developed.
Ever since mid-2006 when the FCC forced Sirius and XM to pull radios because of their super-strong FM transmitters, satellite radio has had issues with the do-it-yourself install. Now with the PowerConnect FM transmitter, the signal is sent through the vehicle's own electrical system surrounding the radio - making for an amazing signal.
Don't believe me? Give it a shot for yourself. I tested it in several vehicles, and had flawless performance for each one. Even if you buy the SkyDock and never activate the XM subscription, it kicks ass as an FM transmitter/iPhone charger.
iTunes Tagging
One of the newly introduced features for the XM SkyDock is the ability to tag a song for later purchase on Apple's iTunes. It's neat, sure, but not a big game changer in my opinion. Consider it a "nice to have" feature especially since you don't need to leave the device to purchase the song, but again, not a game changer.
The Verdict
Three words: simple, simple, simple. The SkyDock brings simplicity to satellite radio. If you are one of the millions who own an iPhone or iPod Touch and prefer a clean install, this is the radio for you.
There's is one drawback about the XM SkyDock that I think power-users would have an issue with: no timeshifting. If you've ever owned an XMP3, Stiletto 2 or any of the other dozens of satellite radios with pause/replay functionality - this is a feature that would be sorely missed.
But the tradeoff is simplicity. And for many people, that's where it counts. With the XM SkyDock it's just one device with multiple uses.
If you're a power-user who simply needs to take your satellite radio recordings with you, then stick with the XMP3 or Stiletto 2. If you like a clean and simple look, with the convenience and flexibilty of the iPhone interface - then check out the XM SkyDock.
Check out more photos below...
Special thanks to longtime Orbitcast supporters TSS Radio for providing the XM SkyDock for review. Please consider supporting them as they've supported us!
I'm still wondering about this.
I own a Stiletto2, and an extra first-gen iphone. Do I treat this as a stream subscription, or an additional radio at $8/month?
It would be an additional radio.
That said. I second this review in saying that this device has the best FM transmission I have ever heard.
Mat, while there is a streaming application that works with the iPhone and iPod Touch, the Skydock application and Skydock setup require a full satellite radio subscription. The Skydock simply includes the sat chipset and is the radio; the iPod Touch and/or iPhone simply become the touch screen interface to control it.
So, you can add it as a secondary sub provided you have XM. If you have Sirius, you would need to do a full XM subscription. Remember the Skydock works on the XM network!
Thanks Ryan for the Review! Almost as good as my own! hehehe ;)
Great review! Although I'd like to hear more about how the dock behaves when you get a call on your phone or if you hear the callers voice over the speakers of your car. Does the xm portion of the software shut off when the phone rings.
Can this be played in the office somehow?
Good review - I have one question. Do you have to remove your iphone jacket/protective case to use the SkyDock? That could be a drag everytime you want to use it in the car.
Can't wait to use it in Hawaii. The state is dragging their feet in approving Sirius's license. Radio companies here are nervous as hell.
Great review. Thanks!
Appreciate the fact that lack of timeshifting was brought up. Big drawback in my mind. Hopefully they'll be a 2nd gen skydock that includes it.
Wouldn't it be simple for them to just stick a memory card in it for timeshifting???
My only issue is the fact my cig lighter is in my armrest. Not sure how I'd plug it in.
Really? I am a Sirius subscriber, and they would charge me full price? This company does great content, but it is by far the shittiest, most convoluted business plan and strategy in the known universe.
It's not that hard to become a simple, customer appreciated company. Apparently they know how because they do the exact fucking opposite thing every time.
@Gregg: I wonder if the timeshifting is a limitation with Apple, more than a technological limitation. I would even be happy with timeshifting of TALK content, and forgoing music pause/replay if that's where Apple has a problem.
@SiriusinHawaii It depends on what kind of iPhone case you have. The XM SkyDock comes with adjustable grips that are compatible with many aftermarket cases - but sometimes those cases can be mighty thick. So it depends on what you have.
I read that this may have the capability to play other radio apps (Pandora, Slacker, Wunder Radio, Pocket Tunes). Does it?
My biggest gripe with this is the lack of location flexibility. I use Sirius in my home more than in my vehicle and my FM transmission/reception is shoddy in my vehicle regardless. This would answer all of the vehicle problems audio problems, but severely hinder my ability to listen to it indoors (unless I got a DC > AC converter and auxiliary cable to a set of speakers, but that's too messy).
@Ryan Saghir, great review! I feel similar to you on the new hardware. I do think it is well worth the money especially when you look at other iPod/iPhone vehicle docks (most decent ones are $60-90 USD) so a few extra bucks could net you a far superior sounding dock. I'm truly amazed at the sound quality as I have a XMP3 direct connected to my factory head unit in my vehicle. I actually had a "better" more "full" sound comind from the SkyDock then my XMP3! I was shocked.
@Travis Hudson, you really need to hear how this FM transmission works... It is truly clean and sounds absolutely direct. Also, I feel your pain for the inhome use as I would like a SkyDock Home package so I can use the iPod/iPhone for a single solution for live listening. I hope one day that we will see some recording function integrated, but for now I think that it is a really strong leap forward for Sirius XM. It is truly taking advantage of the "most used" personal audio platform. Hopefully SiriusXM develops similar products for the Microsoft Zune or Other popular phone/personal entertainment devices.
If you put a gun to their heads, put their nuts in a vice grip, and threatened to make them watch Hanna Montana and 2 1/2 Men.... and then proposed to them the idea of being customer friendly.... I guarantee you that they would rather you squeeze the trigger, tighten the vice grip, and then turn on those two piece of shit tv shows rather than show ANY CONCERN FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I am so disgusted with these people I can't see straight. Without a doubt, the most SHIT ATTITUDE, SHAMEFUL, utterly PATHETIC disregard and disdain from a company towards its own customers that I have ever seen. A great technology and terrific product; unfortunately the service sucks, and the management is ABYSMAL!!! They are damn lucky everybody hasn't cancelled, because they sure as hell have done everything in their power to compel subscribers to do just that.
@Edgewater Joe Yep, all audio from the iPhone gets piped through the SkyDock. So that means Slacker, Pandora, Pocket Tunes, plus your own iTunes library - they all are "supported" by the SkyDock.
I'm really glad that Sirius XM decided to allow that. If this was a few years ago, I'm not so sure they would have done the same thing....
The only problem I have is the adapter is really tight fit, and rips the inside out of the socket.
Thanks for the review.
This is not for me. The lack of recording capability is a dealkiller. I'll stick with my Inno.
It is, however, perfect for two other family members. The 'Powerconnect' is a great idea.
......on a related note, I notice that these things are being sold at Radio Shack stores. Previously Radio Shack only sold Sirius hardware. That is a significant move. I only hope that somehow the Radio Shack employees have been trained to be able to answer the customers' questions. They need to know that the Sirius hardware is for football and the XM hardware is for baseball.
That does it! I'm gettin' me one!
This thing sounds like a big step for the company but I still have some issues. For starters why no Sirius version? I have Sirius right now and I'm not going to go through the trouble of switching to XM just to be able to use the SkyDock. Another major gripe of mine and perhaps some of you might feel the same is the potential complexity/confusion involved with the two iphone apps. One lets you hear limited channels (no Stern) and the other is only for use with the SkyDock. If they could consolidate both of those and get one app with Stern/sports/music etc.. on the iphone it would be an easier and less confusing transition. I am quite aware of the issues with the sports and Stern mobile rights but am trying to look at this from an average consumers point of view.
As it stands I would purchase an iphone myself right now if I could get some sports and Stern on the fly, but in order to do that I need to be in my car with the iphone, so to me it is a basically an attractive solution for the car only.
Also, as some had asked above, what happens when you get a call? while using the Dock?
@Copa: The Skydock is compatible with XM and Sirius. I have a Sirius subscription and picked one up last night. I just called them and replaced my existing Sirius radio on the account.
Is there a picture of the antenna and how easy that would be to setup?
Everywhere I have been looking says all you can get is the Best of Sirius on this unit. Even Sirius themselves said it's an XM only radio. Did you just give Sirius your ID # and presto? I would love this setup.
Stupid F'n merger.
The Itouch/Iphone application for Slacker doesn't support caching of chnnels like the blackberry and Slacker portable radio does. This is a major deal breaker for me. I don't give a crap over the interface, I use aux inputs.
It will be a complete sub at $8.99
As long as you have a window and an AC/DC adapter, you can use the SkyDock in a office.
Working example: http://tiny.cc/2sycy
Great for the home today on NFL Sundays with the Best of Sirius package.
I was wondering if the stalk is removable? I have a custom mount that I would rather attach it to. Maybe a pic of the back would answer my question? Thanks!
Is the stalk removable? I have a custom mount I would rather attach it to.
I just got this for my wife and and quite blown away! The install was easy because the antenna was already run for a recently deceased Roady XT. The interface is fantastic and the power connect sounds much better than the built-in FM mod in the Roady XT (her Volvo XC-90 does not have an aux input and uses a useless MOST optical system). My wife thinks it's fantastic as well. Very easy to use, and the tagging/iTunes feature will be great for her.
I'm so impressed, I may replace my aging XM Commander with this!
@ Tstar1234 - The cradle is not removable from the stalk, from what I can tell, so using a custom mount is not likely to work.