BlackBerry Users Can Now Stream 20 Channels of Popular XM Music and Comedy Content through Major U.S. Mobile Service Providers
XM NASDAQ: XMSR, the nation’s leading provider of satellite radio with more than 9 million subscribers, and QuickPlay Media, the leader in mobile TV and video solutions, today announced that XM Radio Mobile has selected QuickPlay’s OpenVideo™ as the first media management platform to make XM Radio Mobile universally available on select BlackBerry smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM). The service, which can run across major U.S. mobile service providers’ networks, enables consumers to get 20 exclusive XM channels of commercial-free music and 24-hour comedy programming for just $7.99 per month with an option for a complimentary 24-hour trial.
The XM Radio Mobile offering provides BlackBerry smartphone users with unlimited access to a wide selection of the most popular commercial-free music channels, including XM’s 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s decade channels, 20on20 (Top 20 Hits), Ethel (New Alternative Rock), The City (Hip-Hop/R&B Hits), XMU (Indie Rock), Watercolors (Easy Jazz) and Highway 16 (New Country Hits). Customers can also listen to XM comedy channels, The Virus (outrageous uncensored talk) and XM Comedy (uncensored comedy).
“Together with QuickPlay, XM Radio Mobile will provide BlackBerry users with access to a compelling selection of XM’s acclaimed music and comedy programming virtually anywhere they go,” said Vernon Irvin, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, XM Satellite Radio. “Today’s announcement reinforces XM’s commitment to making our industry-leading content available to consumers in ways that fit their lifestyles.”
All XM channels are easily accessed via a simple user interface with graphical icons for content genres and channels. While listening to one XM Radio Mobile channel, users can see the song title, artist and album, as well as what’s currently playing on other XM Radio Mobile channels. Subscribers can also multi-task as XM Radio Mobile can run in the background while the user accesses other data applications on their BlackBerry smartphone.
BlackBerry smartphones supported by the XM Mobile Radio service require BlackBerry Device Software 4.2 or higher and include the BlackBerry 8800 Series, BlackBerry 8700 Series, BlackBerry Pearl™ Series and BlackBerry Curve™ Series smartphones with a BlackBerry data plan on major U.S. mobile carrier networks. The service, and a complimentary 24-hour trial, is available via a downloadable application that can be easily accessed by visiting www.xmradio.com/bb from the BlackBerry smartphone’s browser, or by texting “XM” to 47201 and clicking on the download link provided. Subscribers can opt to have their purchase charged to their credit card or where available billed directly to their service provider.
“QuickPlay Media is thrilled to partner with XM, the leader in audio entertainment, to offer BlackBerry smartphone users the ability to easily discover and enjoy music and comedy from XM Radio Mobile, regardless of which U.S. service provider they subscribe to,” said Wayne Purboo, president and CEO, QuickPlay Media. “Additionally, we are proud to continue to expand our portfolio of services for the BlackBerry platform, including the first audio streaming service for BlackBerry, called QuickPlayer; and the first free video streaming service for BlackBerry, called VideoStreams.”
In addition to XM Radio Mobile for BlackBerry smartphones, XM programming is also available to consumers through a growing number of new platforms, including: on the Web through XM Radio Online; via podcasts at www.xmradio.com/podcasts or www.itunes.com; and through select GPS products.
XM Radio Mobile on BlackBerry is being featured at CTIA in the QuickPlay booth (#4544- Hall N3/N4) and in the BlackBerry booth (#425 – LVCC Central). Further information and instruction is available online via www.xmradio.com/mobile/blackberry.xmc or through the BlackBerry smartphone browser at www.xmradio.com/bb.
About XM
XM NASDAQ: XMSR is America’s number one satellite radio company with more than 9 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM’s 2008 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children’s and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.
XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2008. XM’s industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. XM programming is also available through XM Radio Online, the exclusive home on the Internet for XM’s commercial-free music channels; as downloads of original XM shows via podcasts from XM’s Web site or the Apple’s iTunes Store; and as streams of commercial- free XM music channels to AT&T and Alltel wireless customers through XM Radio Mobile. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com
About QuickPlay Media
QuickPlay Media provides content management and service delivery solutions for mobile television and video services. The QuickPlay OpenVideo™ platform offers maximum flexibility and streamlined application integration for mobile operators, media companies and technology partners. The platform powers mobile video services for 13 major mobile operators in North America and Europe, providing both live and on-demand content from more than 150 different media companies. OpenVideo works in many different mobile content ecosystems, seamlessly operating with major search, advertising, billing and user interface frameworks. QuickPlay Media Inc. has offices in Toronto, San Francisco and London. For complete information, please visit www.quickplay.com
