XM gets into weather
XM and Bushnell team up to release the ONIX400.
XM Satellite Radio continues to branch out. It first went beyond its original remit of offering dozens of obscure radio stations with the introduction of XM NavTraffic, a service to drivers providing real-time information on congestion and traffic conditions. Now the company is getting into weather forecasting with its XM WX weather data service. The first standalone device to feature the new service will be the ONIX400, a joint collaboration between XM and Bushnell Outdoor Products that will let you listen to death metal tracks while checking the outlook for your weekend picnic.
The waterproof handheld device, which features a 3.5-inch color display, uses an embedded 64MB Micro SD card for data and map services, and users can check current XM playlists while checking the weather on a split screen view. According to XM, the ONIX 400 will deliver current and forecasted weather data, including detailed, real-time weather warnings.
Like XM radio and traffic, the WX weather service will be offered as a subscription service, although no details on pricing have been announced so far. Look out for the ONIX 400 to arrive sometime in the summer.