free podcasts

Become an Instant Podcaster (for free)

Podcasts can be a lot of fun, not to mention time-consuming. Avoid the no-time-to-’cast blues with some instant podcast tools.

In this week’s installment of Freeloader Friday I have a batch of online tools that will make podcasting as quick as reading this post.

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iTunes 4.9 released with much hyped podcast support…not quite there yet

22136344 140b2283dd o iTunes 4.9 released with much hyped podcast support...not quite there yetApple today announced it is “taking Podcasting mainstream” by building everything users need to discover, subscribe, manage and listen to Podcasts right into iTunes 4.9. iTunes users can now easily subscribe to over 3,000 free Podcasts and have each new episode automatically delivered over the Internet to their computer and iPod.

The new Podcast Directory in iTunes 4.9 features over 3,000 free audio programs, making it one of the largest Podcast directories in the world. iTunes 4.9 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available immediately as a free download from www.itunes.com. The new Podcast menu is available starting today via a free iPod software update for all Click Wheel iPods and iPod minis.

It should be noted that Apple’s podcasting reception is still a bit fuzzy: text entries are being confused with actual podcasts, some images aren’t linking, podcasts delivered by BitTorrent seem to be totally unsupported and getting podcasts on your iPod shuffle might be a bit of a pain. Podcasting support just seems to be tacked on–iPodderX is still the way to go.

Note:A thread and poll have been started to discuss this story. Please feel welcome to join in.

Radio to crash the podcasting party

In an effort with Los Angeles based Bridge Ratings, Loyal Ears has designed a turn-key application that will use radio’s reach of 285 million listeners to bring free or pay podcasts to the masses. The technology provides radio stations with a platform for free podcasts with sponsorship opportunities or an on-demand model with download revenue. Armed with monthly research from Bridge Ratings, Loyal Ears will also offer a highly valuable advisory service offering new ways to advance commercial podcast efforts. Loyal Ears plans to roll out their client stations in April 2005.

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