Datasheet
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Par t I: Podcasting on a Worldwide Frequency
new software on your system, or maybe you just like to be different. Hey,
that’s okay! You too can be a podcast listener:
Doppler: Designed exclusively for the Windows platform, Doppler (http://
dopplerradio.net) has a strong contingent of dedicated users who are
perfectly happy with the features it offers. Additionally, it seems to be a
pretty rock-solid piece of software, and it’s available for free.
Songbird: Songbird (www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/
Audio-Players/Songbird.shtml) is another Windows-only application
that takes an interesting approach to podcatching (and music) with its
Web browser look and feel. The default interface is a bit dark, but it can
be customized if you have a little savvy with that sort of thing. Although the
software is stable, it was a bit confusing at first to subscribe to podcasts —
a little digging through the help provides two options. The product idea is
sound, but needs a little maturity as of this writing.
Podcast Ready: In some ways, Podcast Ready (http://podcastready.
com) is similar to iTunes. It combines simple-to-use software and an
easy-to-use Web interface to find and download podcasts. Using a book-
marked link, you can quickly subscribe to podcasts via Podcast Ready’s
site from any Web page with an RSS feed. Using MyPodder software, you
can sync your Podcast Ready subscription list with your iPod. MyPodder
is available for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and more, and is available to
download right from the Podcast Ready site.
Zune Marketplace: Zune Marketplace (http://zune.net) is the com-
panion software to the Zune portable media device. The marketplace
contains lots of choices for music and podcasts. It is currently available
only for Microsoft Windows — which makes sense because Microsoft
makes the Zune. Using categories or a search, you can quickly find con-
tent that interests you. Many podcasters have the Zune icon on their Web
sites to make it easy to get their content with a single click of the mouse.
PodNova: PodNova (http://podnova.com) is a service that tracks
podcast content, yet doesn’t require you to download any software to
your desktop. You have the option to download some software so files
can be transferred to your MP3 player, but it’s nice to know that some
services don’t require this step. The service is pretty intuitive with a
decent search and allows you to set up lists of your favorite shows so
you can keep them handy.
This is only a starting point for getting access to podcasts. Any attempt at a
comprehensive list here would be instantly obsolete. Podcasting continues to
grow in popularity, and new podcatching clients and players are coming out
all the time. Don’t think podcast listening is limited to your computer or MP3
player — you can even listen to podcasts on your phone or TiVo.
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