Pioneer Electronics has brought XM Satellite Radio and MP3/WMA playback capability together in one very portable package. The Pioneer Inno brings the best of both audio worlds together in a package that weighs only 4.5 ounces and slips easily into your pocket.
The Inno not only allows you to listen to XM Satellite Radio live but is also let you record your favorite music directly off XM Satellite Radio or from your computer (like your MP3 player). The Inno normally stores songs and audio tracks in the order they are recorded. The Inno gives you a number of playback options though. Tracks can be sorted by artist, category, channel, recording session or played in random play mode. The Inno has a 10-minute buffer which allows you to record off XM Satellite Radio even if the song has already started when you tune in (up to 10 minutes after the track starts).
The Inno also has a 20-track Tune Select memory. Tune Select finds your selected artists or songs being played on any XM Satellite Radio channel so you never miss your favorite song or artist. With Tune Select you can save your favorite artist or song when the track is being played on XM Satellite Radio. Once you have saved your favorites Inno beeps whenever any of the selected favorites are being played on another channel. Inno allows you the option of switching to the other channel to listen to your favorites. Favorite songs can also be bookmarked when you hear them so that you can purchase them later with XM + Napster.
Inno also features a Sports and Stock Ticker that provides on-screen updates on your favorite sports teams or stocks.
The Inno has a 1 GB internal memory. Pioneer indicates that the actual memory available to the user may be slightly less than 1 GB due to space used by the Inno firmware. The 1 GB internal storage allows an estimated 50 hours of XM Satellite Radio recording or and estimated 25 hours of MP3/WMA storage.
The Inno features a 1.7 inch, full-color screen. The screen measures 180 x 180 pixels and allows adjustment for brightness and contrast. Bass and treble controls allow adjustment of the tone to your preference. The Inno has a standard 3.5 mm mini-stereo jack for audio output. The Inno is equipped with a sleep timer mode with options for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minute shutoff.
Pioneer includes a home kit, ear buds, carrying case and XM + Napster software with the Inno. The home kit includes an AC power adapter, travel power cable, RCA audio cable, XM + Napster install CD, battery, remote home dock and home XM antenna. Two sets of interchangeable earbuds are included in the kit. The black carrying case is equipped with a belt clip allowing you to take your Inno on the road. Additional home kits are available so you can have a dock station and antenna at your office as well as at home. Pioneer also sells optional car kits allowing the Inno to be mounted in a car.
Battery life is estimated at 15 hours of playback time or 5 hours of live XM Satellite Radio. The Inno is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible. A built-in antenna provides reception when not at home while the included external home antenna boosts reception indoors. Pioneer lists the Inno’s weight at a mere 4.5 ounces. The overall size is 2.2 inches wide x 3.7 inches high x 0.6 inches deep. Pioneer provides a one year warranty on the radio and a 90-day warranty on the battery.
A XM Satellite Radio subscription is required to listen to XM Satellite Radio. The XM Satellite Subscription is not included with the Pioneer Inno and must be purchased separately.
The Pioneer Inno is an innovative product that all music lovers will want to have. The integration of truly portable audio with home and audio docking makes this a universal player. Pioneer lists the price tag at $300. If you are looking for an alternative to the popular portable media players on the market the Pioneer Inno may be it.
