Its that time again! Its time to introduce all of you to the newest, latest, greatest toy that allows you to get all of XM Satellite Radio’s glorious programming.



Over the past 6 months or so, many of you may have counted out Delphi from the satellite radio market since we did not see anything out of the company during the introduction and launch of the new Pioneer and Samsung XM2go lines. Delphi chose to pass on making a clone of those devices and instead used the extra development time to combine the best features from the Skyfi 2, Myfi and Inno/Helix lines.



Its not a Myfi2, it’s a Skyfi3!

The Skyfi3 is a slick, solid-feeling monolith with just about the largest display offered in any portable plug and play satellite radio receiver measuring 2.8” across. First thing you will notice and appreciate is that the huge crisp screen can be viewed horizontally or vertically, simply by pressing and holding the display button, in or out of any cradle.



This is a great feature for allowing you to find the most suitable mounting location in your vehicle for the unit with the included car kit cradle. The Skyfi3’s car cradle grips the unit so even on the roughest roads, it should stay put. The car cradle has a numeric key pad for direct entry of channels or presets, as well as an auxiliary line input for any additional audio device you would like to run into your sound system. Simply press the Mode button and it will go through the three modes of Live XM, AUX input, and My Music (stored content). The mode buttom also doubles as the power button when held down for a few seconds. The volume control is on the side and right under it is the HOLD button so all functions are locked out when you toss the unit into your pocket for portable use.



The unit marries the Skyfi 2 with the Myfi by allowing users to store up to 10 hours of XM content, and also to pause live programming while listening for at least 30 minutes. It should also be noted that currently, the 30 minute pause buffer stays in memory even when the unit is powered down. Next time you power up, the last 30 minutes of your listening can be accessed. Within this buffer, you can also fast-forward and rewind within an event, not just jump to the beginning of it.

Just like with the Inno/Helix, you must maintain a subscription to XM Satellite radio and have the unit receive at least 8 hours of live XM every month to keep your stored XM content accessible.

10 hours of stored XM content not enough for you? Don’t worry. Delphi was thinking of you when they added a MicroSD slot to the Skyfi3. The Skyfi3 can handle up to 2GB Micro SD cards and play back WMA, WAV, and of course MP3 files from the card. I want to remind you that although you can create playlists that mix XM content with your own MicroSD content, you cannot off-load XM content onto the memory card.



Judging by the name, Skyfi3, you would think that the unit closely follows the plug and play Skyfi product line, and it does, but it is also VERY portable, just like the Myfi and Inno/Helix. Although the unit does not have a built in antenna, it does however come with an internal battery, which will allow anyone to listen to up to 8 hours of pre-recorded content… right out of the box! Add to the Skyfi3 the optional Standard Wearable Kit, and you have a portable XM radio that runs 90 minutes when listening to live XM broadcasts. The Premium Live Wearable kit which includes a “fat” battery, will last 7 hours in live XM mode (more than Inno/Helix) and up to a whopping 40 hours for playback of pre-recorded content! Now that’s enough music for a few days.

You can also count on Skyfi3 having all the previous great XM features such as Artist Tuneselect, Stock quotes, and even sports scores. The unit has a USB port that allows for data transfer to the Micro SD memory card and future firmware updates.

How big (small) is it?

Its 65% smaller than the Skyfi 2. How big is that? See for yourselves. Skyfi3 is definitely larger than the Inno/Helix, but keep in mind the large screen it boasts has to fit onto something. As for weight, I didn’t have a scale, but including the built in battery its around 4-5 ounces, which is a lot lighter than you initially think when you see the size of it. Construction is solid and the unit looks sleek. Definitely cool enough to toss into your shirt pocket.





Which is better? Inno/Helix or Skyfi3?

Always a good question, and always best to think of what you are looking for. After playing with the unit for a bit and analyzing the differences, I can tell you that if you want a portable only, I still give the Inno/Helix the advantage simply due to overall size. The fact that the antenna is built in to the Inno/Helix, isn’t the real issue since I push for people to use the antenna/headphones whenever possible anyway for best reception, and Skyfi3 will have those available as well.

BUT! And this is a big one… If you are a vehicle user and want portability as well, Skyfi3 will be your best friend. The huge screen makes all the difference in the car. Also, the 30 minute live/pause buffer carried over from Skyfi2 is huge when it comes to listening disruptions like phone calls, drive-thrus, passenger conversation, etc. Never mind that the Skyfi3 comes with a car kit, and built in battery for portable use all for $229 starting in December 2006.

Additional car kits and home kits will also be available for purchase at http://www.myradiostore.us/xm-radio-receivers/skyfi3-skyfi-3-sa10224-delphi.html – where else?

For those of you wondering about compatability with other, current accessories, here's the deal; it is NOT compatible with any Skyfi or Skyfi 2 power supplies, home kits, car kits or boomboxes. It is NOT compatible with any cradls or antenna headphones for current XM2go units. It IS compatible with the 5 volt power supplies that XM2go and Roady XT uses.

A more in-depth review will be coming in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!


_________________
www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More!

Last edited by Ziggy on Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:31 am; edited 2 times in total

Thanks, Ziggy. I know what I want for Christmas now.
_________________

for ALL your SiriusXM needs!

I didn't really understand, does the SkyFi3 use a "new" style of docking connector or does it use the same as the MyFi or Inno/Helix. Also can XM content be stored on a MicroSD card or ONLY MP3/WMA's.

Thanks,
N.N
_________________

No color screen, not compatible with other SkyFi products, big screen but overall bland display. I think I'll pass.....

I won't be replacing my Inno with the SkyFi3... but the RoadyXT that currently goes between car and work is looking like an ideal candidate for replacement. 10 hours would be more than enough recorded content for occasional portable listening (read: for recording blocks of music to listen to at job #2)... and the MicroSD slot (which I can already fill with a card that I used in an old cell phone) lets me take some of my other music with me (after I convert it from AAC to either MP3 or WMA).

This is looking like a VERY nice receiver.

Z - Is the portable kit a larger battery and antenna/headphone combo? If so, that's pretty sweet. The car cradle with the presets is great -- the Sirius Stiletto has that as well -- perhaps they will make one for the Inno/Helix.
_________________
Helix in office & everywhere
Commander in Saab 9-3
Roady XT in Volvo XC-90
SkyFi2 for the kids
Retired: Sony PNP, Pioneer, SkyFi, MyFi, Roady & Roady2
XMPCR (unopened, unactivated -- just because)

looks like a nice replacement for my Roady or maybe even my Sky-fi II

Any news on a boombox or other accessories for the Sky-Fi III?
_________________
FRPWHB

Support XM411. Buy your XM gear at

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beamish:
I would gladly trade the color screen for something larger and more legible in the car

---