Sirius XM debuts SkyDock; control satellite radio with iPhone, iPod touch

Sirius XM Radio on Wednesday introduced its XM SkyDock, a device that allows iPhone and iPod touch users to control and listen to live satellite radio in their vehicles.

Designed for use through an existing vehicle audio system, the SkyDock has a built-in XM tuner controlled by a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store.

With the XM SkyDock, subscribers can listen to programming such as Opie & Anthony, MLB Home Plate, the PGA TOUR Network and Howard Stern from their car.

The device will also charge an iPhone or iPod touch while in use.

With the app, you can tag songs heard on the radio for later purchase from the iTunes Store. You can also get music and sports alerts as well as tickers for sports and stocks.

So how's it work? The SkyDock uses "PowerConnect" technology that involves an Aux In cable and a "stalk" so you can manipulate the radio via an iPhone or iPod touch (landscape or portrait). It's compatible with all iPhones and iPod touch models on the market right now, so long as they have iPhone OS 3.0 or later installed.

The XM SkyDock will sell for $119.99 and will be available this fall. The app will be available at the same time.