Samsung to Build MP3 Players with XM

Satellite radio service XM announced on Tuesday that it would partner with Samsung to introduce MP3 players with satellite radio capability by year's end. The players would use XM's Connect-and-Play technology and come with a home accessory kit to allow access to the satellite radio.

"XM's award-winning programming and technology provide us with a unique opportunity to offer products that empower consumers and fundamentally change the way people listen to music," D.J. Oh, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics of America, said in a statement.

The devices would also allow the user to record XM radio content when it is connected to a home or car accessory kit. Unconnected, it would act as a normal MP3 player, but would also allow playback of recorded content, as well as MP3 or WMA files.

The only other device to allow recording of XM content is Delphi's MyFi, however it does not have MP3 capability. XM's terms of service state that recording of service content is prohibited unless through an approved device.

With the Samsung players, users would be able to select certain songs to download after hearing them on an XM radio channel.