Folks may associate a TV screen with satellite television -- and not satellite radio -- but Sirius XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) may hold the key to a revival of Google TV.
The satellite radio giant will make its streaming app available for Google's (Nasdaq: GOOG) fledgling Web-tethered television platform. Active satellite radio subscribers will be able to check out Sirius XM's premium content broadcasts as well as additional programming that it only makes available to its streaming customers.
Hearing Google TV -- instead of watching it -- isn't a new concept. Sirius XM isn't exactly breaking new ground with the app that will roll out later this summer. Pandora Media (NYSE: P), TuneIn Radio, and Clear Channel (OTC: CCMO) are some of the companies that already have Google TV-optimized applications.
However, it's the premium content that sets Sirius XM apart. The ability to stream Howard Stern or George Carlin's comedy channel around the home should expand the media company's subscribers that typically consume Sirius XM's content when they're behind the wheel.
It's a win-win. Sirius XM gets to expand the usage of its streaming service and Google gives couch potatoes one more reason to forgive Google TV's sloppy start two years ago.
Yes, Google TV has been portrayed as a flop. However, Google has been working hard to beef up its app partners. It also helps that the hardware is getting cheaper. Google TVs were too expensive two years ago, and Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGI) was originally asking for a whopping $299 for a set-top box. This time around, TV buffs will be able to get a VIZIO set-top adapter for less than $100.
Consumers will be understandably hesitant here. However, the access to Stern, Oprah, and cheaper connectivity tools makes Google TV as viable as it may ever be.
Running of the bulls
I remain bullish on Sirius XM's future. It should come as no surprise that I'm promoting the CAPScall initiative for accountability by reiterating my bullish call on Sirius XM for Motley Fool CAPS.
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