Sirius/XM Merger Gets DOJ Approval!!

Well, it finally happened. The first step towards a New World Order in broadcast radio is upon us. The DOJ has approved the Sirius/XM merger and now it's off to the FCC for approval. According to the DOJ:

"After a careful and thorough review of the proposed transaction, the Division concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that the proposed merger of XM and Sirius is likely to substantially lessen competition, and that the transaction therefore is not likely to harm consumers..."

Personally, I'm looking forward to a merger. I've been a Sirius subscriber since it launched in my area, and have subscribed to XM off-and-on for many years as well. I'm a fan of Sirius' programming more than XM's, but I have found a few channels on XM I'd like to subscribe to as well. XM and Sirius will offer a couple different subscription packages from which to choose, ranging from...

Navigon Gets Fresh (Maps)

Navigon continues to impress me with their out-of-the box thinking. One of the most painful things for a GPS navigation owner to absorb is the map updates. Updates typically occur every other year or so, but prices can range from $100 all the way up to $500(!). The $500 was a real shocker for me. My previous navigation had maps from the year 2000 when I finally pulled it out last year to start my new build because I couldn't see the point in paying that much for a update when an entire new system cost only $200 more.
Well, Navigon feels your (my) pain and is introducing a new subscription-based map update program. The Fresh Maps program covers 12 high-quality map updates over a three-year period, and includes updates for both maps and POIs. But the best part is the price: only $79. The only downside is the program only works with newer models (7100, 5100, and the 2100/2120 Max series so far), but my hats off to Navigon for making navigation a more affordable, better experience.

Source: GPS Review via Gadgetell