2007 SEMA - Slacker radio waves or ripples?

A California company recently started quietly offering music fans an alternative to terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and even their MP3 players. By combining elements of all of the above, Slacker gives visitors to their Web site the option of listening online to "stations" in a wide variety of musical styles ranging from alternative to classical.

Where it gets interesting is that Slacker also lets listeners indicate whether they like selections in the mix and will take songs off an individual's playlist permanently if they don't. They also provide the option of controlling how often to repeat songs you do like by choosing from four levels of favorites. Slacker executives say their computers will even figure out what sort of music listeners like based on their choices and politely work in cuts from other artists for your potential listening pleasure. Users can also search for songs by artist and build their own streaming libraries.

The company says they have worked out formal licensing agreements with record labels to ensure the companies get paid, further distinguishing the service from many so-called online radio stations. After going live in March, Slacker says they currently have more than one million users. The official launch comes in November, when an advertising campaign kicks in, and a Slacker mobile device about the size and shape of an MP3 player hits the market at prices starting around $200. The device can stay in touch with Slacker when traveling through a WiFi connection, and it can keep your favorites in memory for when you're out of range or on a plane. After the November launch, there will be an automotive kit for the mobile device with a car antenna to receive the signal on the road.

The bad news? This month Slacker will start taking advertising and a premium subscription will cost $7.50 per month. Basic service will remain free.

The good news? For now, everything is free. 

Rock on. 

—Jim Travers

Research iPods and MP3 players.

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