iTunes Podcasts & World Domination
by in The Lab on Tuesday, June 28, 2005
I trust you all downloaded your new iTunes update this morning? If not, I suggest you do an update. It’s worth it.
I like podcasts. For the last few weeks Ryan and I have been quite addicted to This Week in Tech. I’ve also grown attached to the slightly more technical and less fun MAKE podcast.
Up until now I’ve used the beautifully simple iPodderX application because of its nice interface, iTunes organization/integration and bitTorrent support. Sadly, however, iPodder’s reign has been seriously challenged with the release of iTunes 4.9.
I must say, I love the iTunes Podcast system. You first browse, sample (awesome) and ultimately subscribe podcasts from the iTunes podcast library within the Music Store. The library is surprisingly complete, housing tons of casts from many different genres.
Once subscribed, your casts are available in the new “Podcasts” category where it lists the latest files from the RSS feed. Just hit the button, ZOOM you’re downloading (just like the Wonkavator™ in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory).
Apple, why not just buy iPodderX? Throw them a bone. I can’t see myself ever using this elegant application again but I can’t help but feel that they have been robbed in some way.
I agree entirely.
The interface is beautiful. Apple does it again.
or why not go for iPodder [without the x] or FireANT [antisnottv.tv], both freeware podcasting appz, that are maybe less elegant than iPodderX but still do the job. and ant is very cute and works well with vlogs!
i think iTunes going for podcasting has very clearly two sides to the sword. on one hand it will help podcasting make it – majorly. but on the other hand it comes into it with the usual “we’re the big guys here” attitude. like why do my rss feeds that worked perfectly with all the other appz all of sudden stopped working with iTunes? trying crush the competition?
for me as a podcaster, iTunes is an evil i can’t live without because now i have to figure out how to get this to work, and spend a whole morning that i dont have.