A forum post appearing on the "Stern Fan Network" this morning may reveal that the StarPlayr Sirius XM iPhone app is dangerously close to launch, as the informed commenter seemed anxious to explain delays. Recent screenshots offer a glimpse into artist cover art and lyrics during playback. A features list also reveals the app will include purchase links for downloading content from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music store. No further views into channel listings were provided beyond the original screenshots leaked back in early August.
"NiceMac LLC receives emails daily about the ETA. We are going through the proper channels to make sure this app does not encounter problems down the road. Nothing would be worse to put it out there and have it get pulled. Or people pay for it only later to have it come out for free. Or it works one day only to have it not work the next." Source: Stern Fan Network forum
The commenter confirmed, "The app is looking great" and later went on to say; "Something this big takes time. It is really about building relationships with other third party companies. This will ensure a win-win".
The StarPlayr website indicates that iPhone is their first priority, admitting that it's taken longer then expected getting licensing issues worked out for the iPhone client. The release of StarPlayr 3.0 for Mac OS X is scheduled to arrive by the first quarter of next year. iPhone and Windows Mobile clients are currently in development.
"As soon as the business side of iPhone version is ironed out, you'll be able to purchase StarPlayr for iPhone at the App Store." Source: StarPlayr.com
The buzz is extremely intense surrounding this highly anticipated iPhone app. Especially with cult of iPhone faithful who have been long time Howard Stern fans like myself, anxious to have the Stern show iPhone ready sooner than later. Or at least before Sirius goes under. There has been no mention of app pricing to date.
"I wish we could give you more information as to when this app will be released. Right now our lips are sealed."
More like partially sealed.
Current iPhone features include:
- StreamSmart™ Powered Sirius and/or XM Content
- Album Art
- iTunes WiFi Purchase Links
- Lyrics
- Favorites
Sirius XM is charging more so users can get CD Quality, but at the same time they are nixing 32 and 64 streams.
That is a Badddddd move.
Sirius XM upping the quality but at the same time is nixing low bandwith users such as dialup and users who have crappy Edge coverage. Some Edge areas are good but in Goat Boy land Edge can only handle 32k and lower.
Listeners need to write in to Sirius and ask then to not only add the 128k but keep the value added 32/64 bitrates for dialup and other low bitrate cell connections.
If users are paying now an arm and a leg. Give them back their other arms and legs that they already had and then give them some feet for the 128k.
32k, 64k, 128k should be the options.
not just 128k
Gooooat Boy!
Posted by: Goat Boy | January 30, 2009 at 03:11 AM
BABA BOOEY! here it comes!
Posted by: mark | January 29, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I am JJRousseau from SternFanNetwork.
This article is inaccurate. I do not work for or am in any way involved with starplayr or nicemac.
I posted Goodtime's words from his website and posted links to those words. This is pretty bad e-journalism.
Tsk-tsk.
Posted by: JJRousseau | December 29, 2008 at 12:35 AM