Windows Phone Thoughts: SelectRadio: Feature-Packed Internet and XM Satellite Radio Solution

"Users of handhelds with wireless capability and SelectRadio software now can listen live to thousands of Internet radio stations and XM Satellite Radio's online music, news and comedy channels. The software also lets users timeshift programs and set up groups of favorite stations for easy access, monitoring and navigation. According to the Internet and Multimedia 2005 Arbitron/Edison Media Research study, variety and control are leading reasons consumers listen to internet radio. Similarly, satellite radio listeners report that their best experience with the service is diversity of content and programs, according to a 2005 study funded by the National Association of Broadcasters."

Wow. If you're a frequent internet / XM radio listener, then you might want to check out SelectRadio. Aside from the usual channel scanning and listing functionality, SelectRadio includes two technologies that should enhance your listening experience. The first is HyperScan, which automatically seeks and filters certain artists (based on your preferences). The second is TrackSnap, which can capture a song from the beginning even if you tune into the song midway. In addition to the list of channels available from an XM radio subscription, SelectRadio includes a list of a thousand free ShoutCast stations. There are a lot more features available which you can learn more about here.

SelectRadio is compatible with Pocket PCs armed with Intel XScale PXA27x processors (no pun intended) and Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE/5.0, and will be made available in February at $35. However, there are a couple of things you might want to look at while you wait. The first is the "Rock Your Handheld" contest where US residents can go into the running to win one of three packs consisting of a $55.00 XM Radio gift card, a 2GB SD card, Shure's E2C earphones, a Belkin TuneCast II FM transmitter, a Sonic Impact Gen 1.5 speaker set, and of course, a SelectRadio license for your Pocket PC. The second is the SelectRadio beta, which you can sample for 45 days and receive a 20% off SelectRadio coupon upon submitting feedback by February 15.