Sirius XM’s Jim Meyer announced today that “SXM 2.0” will roll out in phases starting at the end of the year with the release of two next- generation radios that will carry more channels and more functions.
SXM 2.0 will also “employ WiFi, Bluetooth and Internet to create exciting complements to our core radio services,” said Meyer during a conference call announcing Sirius XM’s Q2 financial results.
At least one automotive partner will announce factory integration of 2.0 in early 2012 and may roll out product in the middle of next year in time for model year 2013.
SXM 2.0 will also add pause and rewind and it will “let our IP subscribers easily time shift most of our channel by up to 5 hours,” he said.
The platform will also allow the company to make software changes to radios, including OEM radios in new cars, without requiring a hardware upgrade.
On-demand programming from Sirius XM should begin early next year.
The company said Sirius XM 2.0 will offer true personalization of content and those features will be announced in the first half.
Also, again, 2.0 will allow more programming, and the company plans to offer the most extensive line-up for the Hispanic market with the extra bandwidth, as well as other music and comedy channels.
