Sirius Says Approached Apple on Adding Service

02/09/2005 3:50 PM, Reuters


Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. said on Wednesday it has discussed with Apple Computer Inc. the possibility of adding its service to Apple's popular iPod music player.

However, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs did not see the need at this point to combine the functions, a Sirius spokesman said.

Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin revealed the discussions to media, entertainment and technology professionals at McGraw Hill's 2005 Media Summit in New York on Wednesday, the spokesman said.

Analysts have long said that satellite radio is likely to converge with music players and other portable devices down the road.

Satellite radio rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. in the fall introduced its own portable satellite receiver. Sirius plans to launch its own portable satellite-radio device later this year.