uSirius StarPlayr App Fails Apple Approval

UPDATE: NiceMac Developers Discontinue iPhone App

CHARLOTTE, NC - Developers NiceMac, LLC, creators of uSirius StarPlayr, the Sirius/XM Satellite Radio app for iPhone have released an official statement that their application could not be approved by Apple. We originally reported that the uSirius app was submitted to Apple for approval almost a month ago on February 1st. 

"As of yesterday, the uSirius StarPlayr Application for iPhone still had a status of "In Review" with Apple. Late last night, we became aware that the application could not be approved at this time." The NiceMac team wrote in their press release.

Rumors began to surface over the past two days that there could be some copyright concerns on the part of Sirius/XM that may prevent the StarPlayr app from being cleared by Apple. In a brief phone conversation with one partner at NiceMac, I sensed that attitudes remained extremely optimistic that StarPlayer will eventually make its way into the iTunes App Store. That optimism was expressed to uSirius supporters along with a heartfelt thanks from the NiceMac team.

"As fans, we are committed to continuing to work with all parties involved as necessary in any capacity required to see this product to market. It is our goal, as it has always been, to release this application at as low of a price point as possible, if not free of charge," NiceMac wrote to their loyal supporters.

"We thank all of our supporters and users of our current offerings, as well as those who have been patiently waiting and Beta testing while we work to bring uSirius StarPlayr for iPhone to market."

Unfortunately for thousands of cult of iPhone faithful this recent news will only amount to another round of hurry up and wait. While the app can be resubmitted to Apple for approval at anytime, for now it's not likely uSirius StarPlayr will become immediately available to iPhone users. Which amounts to a fate worse than death for a few million anxious Sirius subscribers.

Sales of uSirius for the Windows Mobile platform have continued to remain steady at the $9.99 selling price in spite of any issues bogging down an iPhone launch. I'm hoping that this current set of circumstances is only a minor delay. The truth is out there. I want to believe.

[Read official NiceMac Press release] 

UPDATE: The NiceMac Team are encouraging everyone to avoid sending hate mail to Apple or other involved parties. Communication bashing the companies involved could damage relationships required to get uSirius Starplayr to market.

Sending positive emails and messages of support to all those involved is absolutely encouraged.

Comments

[Lydia]

Mel Karmazin and Howard Stern need to get this app fast-tracked ASAP! I hope they are aware of the situation and how this app could help with their revenue problems. Since the company wasn't forward-thinking enough to come out with this app on their own, they should embrace NiceMac's version NOW and not lose any more time! It's killing me that Ralph is enjoying a beta version while I can't! : o

Do the NiceMac folks have any idea how soon the app's apparent copyright issue(s) will be resolved and when we might be able to, at last, stream SIRIUS XM on our iPhones (which is one of the first things I tried to do, via Safari, when I got my iPhone 3G back in July)?

Thank you so much for your efforts, NiceMac! Do you have (or can you create) a mailing list to alert people when the app is finally in The App Store? I'm one of the people here who searches the store for it every day. Would rather keep the disappointment to a minimum and just get the good news when it's available. : )

[bob]

How exactly would this help SiriusXM's revenue problems?

You already need to be a subscriber to use it.

I seriously doubt many will go out an buy an iPhone and subscribe based solely on this app, at least not enough to make any difference.

[Chris]

I bought an iphone just to get this app. Can anyone recommend the email addresses to contact apple/sirius at so our voices can actually be heard?

[E]

I was waiting for this to be approved. I have three Sirius accounts, I will now cancel two and give them this as the reason. When Sirius/XM pulls their head out of their ass an helps get this approved, Ill reactivate some accounts.

[Glen]

Disappointment is an understatement. I just upgraded my Sirius XM account in anticipation of this app - shame on me. I should have waited. I am enjoying my Kindle app for the iPhone though. Seems like a similar opportunity except that Amazon saw the light (more book sales at the expense of a few less Kindle sales). This is the trade-off Sirius XM must consider, but in the end should be good for them and the consumer.