Terrestrial radio killer

Hacker delivers
XM, Sirius to cell phones
Software and web developers have found ways to tap into XM and Sirius' websites to stream music channels onto Windows-enabled smartphones and other devices. Most, according to the Reuters story, have given their work away for free to other fans since late last year. "I'm not always near a PC, but I already have a cell phone," David Bressler, who wrote a piece of software to listen to Sirius in his office, which blocks satellite radio signals, told Reuters. "I like Sirius, I promote Sirius to everyone I talk to." So far, only a few of Sirius' channels are available on one wireless provider's network, Sprint Nextel. XM has threatened to take legal action. In early February, a law firm representing the company sent a cease-and-desist letter to a developer, citing infringement of its trademark. Sirius lawyers are also on the case. "We don't want to get into any trouble," said Wayne, the developer of PocketXM Radio, who decl ined to give his full name for fear of retribution. He said his software, subsequently renamed Pocket Satellite Radio, is no longer for sale. It had been sold at a website registered to Wayne Jiang, based in Texas. On Internet message boards Bressler has turned down offers to accept fees for his software. "If Sirius wants the application and wants to develop it further, it's all theirs," he said.