The promised SiriusXM 2.0 experience looks to have arrived. At least on iOS platforms, such as my iPhone. While the satellite radio provider has always provided access to a broad range of programming, they’re now delivering the sort of end-user control typically provided by online streaming services like Pandora or Slacker. SiriusXM’s first cut is also online, versus the airwaves, but rumor has it upcoming automotive radio hardware will be similaly equipped – leveraging Internet connections via car or cellphone in some way. And it’s these types of digital features that extend their competitive edge (for a fee) over traditional terrestrial radio.
Regarding the features themselves, as you can see above, “Start Now” is the headliner which allows you to join a radio show in progress… yet listen from the beginning. Likewise, “TuneStart” means you’ll join a Channel mid-song. Perhaps most compelling are the new abilities to pause programming and skip tracks, both backwards and forwards. Although, there does appear to be a limit of skips per channel within a given time frame.