Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday released its newest version of the popular iTunes digital music management software, which now includes the ability to download alternative audio shows called podcasts.
Imagine listening to your favorite talk show on a spur-of-the-moment bike ride. Hearing movie reviews in line at the box office. Catching the 11:00 news at 6:33. Imagine never again missing the unmissable. Choose the time. Choose the place. Choose the show. Save for later or listen now. Podcasting makes it possible. iTunes makes it easy.
In a press release, Apple said version 4.9 of iTunes, the companion service to the popular iPod music player, will allow users to subscribe to over 3,000 free Podcasts and have each new episode automatically delivered over the Internet to their computer and iPod.
Podcasts, or sound files and audio content such as radio shows, have surged in popularity since late in 2004, and will work on any digital MP3 player. The phenomenon allows users to create and upload their own audio programs on the Web, which then can be downloaded to multimedia players at a later date.
Radio Is Finally Free
Podcasting is radio your way. Defy programming schedules and listen to whatever you want, whenever you want – and on your iPod – wherever you want. Podcasts are radio-style shows – some from major media, others from passionate individuals – delivered over the Internet to your computer. Unlike streaming audio, which requires you to listen in real time, podcasting lets you control how and when you hear your favorite shows.
Cast of Thousands
Until now, searching for podcasts was like scanning for radio stations in a strange city – except you’d be browsing thousands of podcasts in a teeming metropolis called the Internet. And if you wanted to subscribe to a podcast, well, you needed additional software to keep everything up to date. There had to be an easier way. Enter iTunes and iPod, with built-in podcast support.
Welcome to the Golden Age of Podcasting
Now you can easily find and subscribe to free podcasts from one of the largest directories on the web – the iTunes Podcast Directory. Featuring over 3,000 free podcasts from favorites such as ABC News, Adam Curry, ESPN, KCRW and more, the Podcast Directory puts all the best podcasts in one place. Once you subscribe to a podcast, iTunes automatically checks for updates and downloads new episodes to your computer. When you sync your iPod, all your podcasts come along for the ride. You get on-demand radio, delivered automatically. All from the world’s best digital jukebox.
Separately, Apple said it would combine its iPod and iPod Photo lines, creating a single line of high-capacity music players that all feature color displays, with the ability to view photos on the screen.
Apple.com
