Sirius Canada held a preview this morning for its upcoming devices, including refreshed versions of its portable satellite radio receivers, a sound system with touch controls, and the company's first Internet radio.

As a follow up to the Sportster 5 that was introduced three years ago, the new Sportster 6 boasts a similar design and feature set, including the popular Replay function that can buffer up to an hour's worth of currently playing content. But it adds Sirius' PowerConnect Plus technology. For those who prefer the plug-and-play design, tapping into a satellite radio service via FM transmission in the car can often be cumbersome, especially in highly populated areas like Toronto or Montreal. When a unit with PowerConnect Plus is in the car, connected via 12V adapter and using FM transmission (which is built into the adapter itself), the technology helps to improve on reception, eliminating pesky interference in urban areas.

Additional features of the new Sportster include Song Seek for receiving alerts when your favourite artists of songs are playing; personalized sports ticker; rotary tuning knob; Sports Alert; parental controls; and an alarm clock. The Sportster 6 sports a glossy black finish, and will sell for an MSRP of $129.99 once it becomes available some time in the Fall.

The upcoming Sirius Sportster 6 adds the satellite radio provider's PowerConnect Plus technology for more reliable FM transmission.

Refreshed versions of both the Stratus and Starmate will hit stores this Fall as well, again with "6" and "7" numerals attached to their monikers denoting the entry-level unit targeted toward more budget-conscious shoppers (and general retailers), and the higher-end, glossy device geared toward major consumer electronics shops. In addition to the finish, the "7" versions of both devices add an auxiliary input and a remote control. Pricing will range from $69.99 to $129.99, with a $10 premium on the 7 versions.

For the home is the new Premium Sound System, which can be used with virtually any portable Sirius satellite radio unit via a universal dock on the front. Finished in glossy back, the tabletop system boasts sleek touch sensitive controls on the top, including a rotating virtual volume "knob": swirl your finger around the circle clockwise to turn the volume up, and counter-clockwise to turn it down. The unit has an auxiliary input for connecting other portable players and utilizing its speakers, plus a headphone jack. Shipping with a remote, it can operate on both AC power and batteries, the latter of which affords up to nine hours of continuous listening. While the unit will sell for around $130, Sirius says that we'll likely see a promotion around the holidays that will bundle a portable satellite radio with it.

Sirius' latest home dock, called the Premium Sound System, has sleek, touch-sensitive controls, including a virtual volume "knob" that you swirl your finger around to control sound levels.

Sirius' first foray into the growing Internet radio world is an alarm clock/radio called SYNERGi. With an Internet connection and of course the required subscription to Sirius' satellite radio service, the unit can play back music from Sirius' online portal. But it can also play back music from other sources through an auxiliary input. Sirius song information, including station number, artist, and currently playing tune, are displayed on a built-in centre LCD; there's no need to dock a portable receiver in this unit. Additionally, Sirius' online streaming satellite radio channel is compatible with partner products from the likes of Sonos, Logitech, and Grace Audio.

The SYNERGi is Sirius' first Internet radio; all that's required to listen to Sirius in the home is an Internet connection and an applicable subscription to the online version of the satellite radio service.

While the idea of portability has always been the strong suit of companies like Sirius and its competitor XM, consumers are more and more looking for products and services that afford a seamless experience everywhere they go; from the car, to the gym, to the home, to even up at the cottage. Sirius already offers existing subscribers online access to listen to select stations from virtually anywhere at no additional cost. Existing subscribers can also download and use the Sirius app to stream tunes to a mobile device (iPhone/iPod Touch, BlackBerry, or Android) via a mobile app, again at no additional charge. For those who aren't already subscribed to Sirius, or aren't interested in a full-fledged subscription, a standalone Sirius online subscription is $14.99, and can be accessed on a computer or through a smartphone (but not via a separate receiver.)

At top: Sirius Canada's Jeff Roman poses with the company's Sportster 6, which is set to become available this Fall for an MSRP of $129.99.

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