Culture

XM introduces portable satellite radio

The Delphi MyFi handheld is a bid to boost demand for XM's services beyond car owners. Photo: XM portable satellite radio

Reuters

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Nov. 26, 2004 8:00 a.m. PT

XM Satellite Radio Holdings on Tuesday introduced a handheld portable version of its satellite radio, hoping to boost demand for its service beyond it primary audience of automobile owners.

The Delphi MyFi, which was developed with automotive parts and consumer electronics products maker Delphi, contains a rechargeable battery, a built-in antenna and on-board flash memory that allows users to pause and record more than five hours of XM programming.

The device will sell for $350 starting in early December at major chain store retailers Best Buy, Circuit City and online sites, XM said.

MyFi's launch will be backed by a television advertising campaign featuring singer Elton John. The company declined to disclose the size of the campaign.

XM and its smaller archrival Sirius Satellite Radio provide nationwide music, talk and sports programming for a monthly fee, and are rolling out new products and programming to build up subscribers.

Earlier this month, Sirius set a five-year, $500 million deal with shock jock Howard Stern to air his popular program on its service. XM responded by signing a $650 million deal to broadcast Major League Baseball games for 11 years.

XM Satellite has about 2.5 million subscribers and expects to reach 3.1 million subscribers by the end of the year. Sirius' subscriber base exceeds 700,000.