Sky-dock reviews-

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ravens#1

ravens#1

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Sep 20, 2009
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If anyone has obtained this new product can we get some reviews on here???

My interest is- does it utilize satelite or the Att network through the I-phone???

Or both??? Can you choose depending on coverage(signal issues)...???

Anything of interest would be apreciated...
 
DAB

DAB

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I have it on pre-order, so soon as I get it and if no one else beats me too it I will do a review.

I already have the Skydock software installed on both my iPhone and iPod Touch. I already have XM antennas installed in both my vehicles from my XpressRC installation, so I am ready!

The skydock is pure satellite! The sat chipset is in the dock and the iPhone/iPod Touch just create a software interface that allows you to control it. The question for me remains, is this still going to have the no background playing limitation, since it is actually the sat radio chipset playing the music and not the iPod Touch or iPhone?

Check out my screen captures in the following thread: http://www.digitalradiocentral.com/...-iphone-app-released-now-screen-captures.html
 
Goodeye

Goodeye

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Ya you still can't play in the background thats a limitation on the iphone and iPod touch itself.

that is unless you had a jailbroken ipod touch or iPhone then you can download a program that will allow you backgroun run apps.

Otherwise no.
 
geosync

geosync

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Looks like a pretty slick add on to me. I don't have an i-phone, but if I did, I'd love to have this for my vehicle. Easy setup too. Can't wait for your review DAB.
 
DAB

DAB

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Goodeye said:
Ya you still can't play in the background thats a limitation on the iphone and iPod touch itself.

that is unless you had a jailbroken ipod touch or iPhone then you can download a program that will allow you backgroun run apps.

Otherwise no.
Click to expand...


I will wait to make that call until someone that has one reviews it. You are likely right, but then again since the radio is actually the DOCK and the iPhone is just being used to control it that may not be the case. Remember the audio comes from the dock, not the iPhone or iPod Touch. There was someone who said they have an FM dock that the iPhone can control and it continues to play even if you get out of the application.
 
Goodeye

Goodeye

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Yes but it's the app that controls the dock and makes the tuning changes etc. Not trying to argue. But Apple is VERY VERY VERY much against apps running in background. Minus their own of course.

If it runs in the background without being on a jailbroken iPhone/iPod i will be very very surprised and this would probably be a turn in Apple's no background apps policy. Take it from me someone who is is currently developing apps on the iPhone, It's just not possible in the iPhone SDK is set up so you can't enable that by any means. Apple has made sure of that, only way currently it's do-able is through jailbroken means

EDIT: Now that I am thinking about it though It would be kinda possible, Lets say the iphone you tune into Howard 100, exit out of the app, The dock itself might stay tuned to howard 100 for you but the app would clearly no longer be running. Which upon loading up (I downloaded the app probably will get the skydock for xmas and will leave sirius get xm with best of sirius but i digress) everything would be back to normal, would give the effect of backgrounding but not really.


Let us know when you get yours!
 
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DAB

DAB

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Goodeye said:
Yes but it's the app that controls the dock and makes the tuning changes etc. Not trying to argue. But Apple is VERY VERY VERY much against apps running in background. Minus their own of course.
Click to expand...

Actually it just interfaces with the dock, but I do not think it actually controls in terms of audio. So, once you use the iPod/iPhone interface to set it to a channel, then moving away from the application may not impact the dock's sat chipset. Most applications use the iPod's audio interface and this is where Apple gets you and doesn't allow to play in the background. However, with this dock like the fm dock that someone mentioned on another forum, continues to play even once the application is closed because the audio isn't coming form the iPod or iPhone, but the dock itself. It will be interesting to see!
 
DAB

DAB

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Well it has been confirmed by some users on another forum that it does indeed quit playing when you switch out of the application. I've not been one of for jail breaking, but this idiotic limitation that Apple insist on is getting old.

It really won't impact me that much, because I'll just take my iPod Touch and leave it in my vehicle for use with the XM Dock, so I'll be able to use my iPhone to do whatever I need without impacting my ability to listen. I still think this was doable, but of course SXM probably didn't try to push the envelope on this in order to get it approved.

Apple really needs to get beyond their bull shit on this issue.
 
IdRatherBeSkiing

IdRatherBeSkiing

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DAB said:
Well it has been confirmed by some users on another forum that it does indeed quit playing when you switch out of the application. I've not been one of for jail breaking, but this idiotic limitation that Apple insist on is getting old.
Click to expand...

As more of their compeditors (Palm Pre for example) allow it, they will be forced to eat their policy and allow it. Of course it will be marketed as the greatest invention by Apple since sliced bread (iBread) and likely be called iMultiTasking or iShare or iSomething.
 
DAB

DAB

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IdRatherBeSkiing said:
As more of their compeditors (Palm Pre for example) allow it, they will be forced to eat their policy and allow it. Of course it will be marketed as the greatest invention by Apple since sliced bread (iBread) and likely be called iMultiTasking or iShare or iSomething.
Click to expand...

The Palm Pre has been an utter failure, I doubt with the horrid sales figures they've had thus far that it would impress Apple much to do anything. However, I think these new batch of Windows, Android and even RIM based phones may impact them, but only if they can compete. Thus far none of these devices have even come close and so Apple feels they really haven't much in the way of competition and continue their ways. I personally don't give two shits what they call it as long as they eventually allow it. We know it can be done with a simple update. The thing is they have forced this jail broken business by sticking to their guns on this stuff. I don't have any beef with Apple marketing clearly they are the envy of all these other companies.

The Skydock software will clearly have some limitations and it won't be for everyone. However, for the millions that have iPod Touchs and iPhones this really will be a great solution for sat radio.
 
IdRatherBeSkiing

IdRatherBeSkiing

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Oct 11, 2008
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DAB said:
The Palm Pre has been an utter failure, I doubt with the horrid sales figures they've had thus far that it would impress Apple much to do anything. However, I think these new batch of Windows, Android and even RIM based phones may impact them, but only if they can compete. Thus far none of these devices have even come close and so Apple feels they really haven't much in the way of competition and continue their ways. I personally don't give two shits what they call it as long as they eventually allow it. We know it can be done with a simple update. The thing is they have forced this jail broken business by sticking to their guns on this stuff. I don't have any beef with Apple marketing clearly they are the envy of all these other companies.

The Skydock software will clearly have some limitations and it won't be for everyone. However, for the millions that have iPod Touchs and iPhones this really will be a great solution for sat radio.
Click to expand...

Has it? It seems to be the rage up here. As soon as my contract comes up I intend on getting one simply to combine my phone and my ancient Palm Pilot. Too bad its not selling.
It looks like a cool device.
 
S

syphix

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Picked up a SkyDock today, and I'm loving it. Other iPod car docks range from $59-$99, so to have a slick, XM radio interface built-in is a plus. I can find myself listening to podcasts and mp3's MUCH more often now.

Only "con" I have is possibly unique to my vehicle: the dock bounces a LOT in my Jeep Cherokee. Better shocks and a smoother ride would probably solve this, but I'm looking to find a way to make it not shake so much while at highway speeds.
 
geosync

geosync

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Nice. When I first saw the pics I thought the stalk seemed a bit long. I can imagine it shaking around in most cars.
 
DAB

DAB

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I will have mine tomorrow afternoon!

I am sure if it shakes too much that I can come up with a solution for that. In fact there maybe an app for that already! LOL

I had a dock before that plugged into the cig lighter that use to shake a bit and how I resolved it was on the back side of the dock, I stuck a tiny piece of velcro on it, and one on the dash where it was close. So once I plugged it in, I would then push against that velcro and it never moved.

If there is a will there is a way! :)
 
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Rev. Jim

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Yesterday I picked up a Skydock at Best Buy. It took less than 10 minutes to set up and activate the subscription. I added it as an additional subscription.

I've only used it for one day, but I am extremely happy with the product. Set up via AUX plug, the sound is crisp. When I tested the FM capabilities, I was a little disappointed with the Skydock - too much crackling and it sounded like I was listening through a tin can. The software is easy to navigate and set up; even the ticker is readable ( the choppiness of the ticker on other plug and play units always bothered me).

Right now, the only big negative is due to the smaller size of the Skydock is the placement of the unit in my car, a PT Cruiser. The power plug is lower on the dash and in order to change channels or press "tag," I have to look down for a few seconds; not the safest action when driving. This is, of course, more of a PT Cruiser problem (why did they put the cigarette plug so low) than it is a Skydock problem.

In the future, I hope XM somehow makes a home dock for the unit and if, by the grace of God, some sort of remote could be paired with the software, thus making driving a little safer.
 
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