Pioneer Ships Sirius XM Wearable XMp3

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 10/15/2008

The XMp3

New York — Sirius XM and Pioneer Electronics announced availability of the next-generation Pioneer Inno wearable satellite radio receiver, now called the XMp3, at a suggested retail of $279.

The new 3.1-ounce portable is the first satellite radio receiver that can record several stations at once for storage in memory. It also has a programming guide that displays broadcasts on each channel up to two weeks in advance to help users discover new music and broadcasts.

Users can schedule up to five channels of XM recording on the XMp3 for 75 hours of stored sports, talk and music programming. The device also automatically records an additional 30 hours of content, so when the user is not in range of a satellite signal he can switch to recorded content.

Another feature is DVR-like recording of up to 30 minutes of live programming that lets users rewind, pause or fast forward through his selections. MP3 files can also be stored on the device and it has a micro-SD card for additional MP3 storage.

According to the XM2go Web site, the device appears to access XM programming as well as the option of Best of Both programming offering full XM plus select Sirius channels. It does not appear to offer Wi-Fi.

The new programming guide lets users schedule shows to record in advance and the device has a music manager that lets users create custom playlists of favorite XM recordings and their own MP3 files.

The XMp3 predecessor, the Pioneer Inno ($399) was one of the first satellite radio headphone MP3 players. The Inno is also the subject of two lawsuits by record labels and music publishers that are in the process of being settled. At the heart of the suits is the Inno’s DVR-like feature because it lets users retain individual recorded songs in memory.