iTunes Podcast support

Steve Jobs' announcement at the D3 conference yesterday that the next version of iTunes will contain a podcast directory is interesting.

Version 4.9 of iTunes, due within 60 days, will include the Podcast directory and the subscription manager. Using RSS, iTunes will automatically connect to the Internet and download new audio files—and then transfer them to a connected iPod. Decrying the current state of Podcasting as "really hard to do so far," Jobs said he plans on simplifying the identification and downloading of audio.

While it wasn't hard to guess that iTunes (as well as Windows Media Player) would eventually support podcasting, MarketWatch says:

"Current plans call for podcasts to be free downloads," wrote Mena Trott, co-founder of Six Apart Inc., and also in the audience. "Users will submit their podcasts and Apple will be hand picking the content it makes available to iTunes users."

That's a little worrying. What will be the selection criteria? Apple is going to become the censor? What a weird thing for them to suggest.

Anyway, this will put pressure on MSFT to get podcasting integrated into WMP quickly. Hopefully this will help to make podcasts more accessible to the mainstream. Now we just need to keep building a stable of compelling content.

Speaking of which, if you've got an idea for a show you'd like to do TPN, shoot me an email.

Comments

[Phillip "molly" Malone]

Very interesting.
I am actually about to purchase an iRiver H320 for my birthday. I believe it is closer to being integrated to Windows Media Player but to be honest have fully got up on this yet.

I actually can't wait! Have read some great reviews on it and the feature that signed the deal is the ability to load pictures directly of my cameras memory card. This will be great when out and about and use my 256mb up.

Anyway, getting off track a little.

Molly
PS. Hows post production of the VC show going?

[Phillip Molly Malone]

Read all the stuff, and guess the question is: Have you guys done the right business thing and contacted Apple about giving them access to TPN content? Surely with the number of iPods bought and iTunes installed, this would be a huge deal for you guys (even if you are a little skeptical of the way Apple is doing it. Also your model might be more easily understood by Apple.

Just a thought. I guess even if you were in discussions, you mighten be able to say.

Molly

[Cameron Reilly]

:-)

Thanks Molly! I don't think Apple is officially taking submissions yet, but yeah, we're looking for a friendly introduction into the powers that be. Seems like Mr Curry was actually chatting with Jobs at the conference, so we need to step up!

[Steve]

Wow... I've always been a Microsoft supporter dispite their general lack of trust from the wider Internet community, but I can say quite confidently that, at this point in time, I'm trusting Microsoft a lot more than I am Apple - it would seem that Apple is becomming the next big thing to be cautious around...

[mike Seyfang]

Show ideas - youbetcha.
Contact you I will.
Mike

[Toby Mack]

I too am worried about who does the selecting of podcast to list in their iTunes directory. My podcast clips my never meet what they want to present depending on who kissed who's butt.

I ran into this once before in the broadcast industry.

About six years ago I created a comedy series called:

Jonathan Boss Agent fourteen and a half ......licensed to commit justice and in service to his country brings terror to those with hearts of evil.

At that time is was slated for radio broadcast but the enviornment in the broadcast industry changed and it was never used. With the advent of podcasting the series has found a home. I hope you enjoy it.

The URL to my feed of Jonathan Boss and other comedy clips can be found at:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/FlashItUpBlog

Best regards
Toby Mack