08.22.05
Podcasts
To Phones And No Apple Needed
 By
David Utter
Mobile phones compatible with iTunes haven't become available yet, but for podcast
fans there will be an alternative.
Estragon: Charming spot. Inspiring prospects. Let's go. Vladimir: We can't. Estragon:
Why not? Vladimir: We're waiting for Godot.
For iTunes fans dismayed by the denials about compatibility with Nokia phones
(despite Nokia publishing specs on a couple showing AAC support), and the eternal
delays with Motorola's iTunes phone (which right now seems like Windows Vista
will launch before it), one company has made software available that will at least
get podcasts to mobile handsets.
Privately held Seattle-based Melodeo has announced Mobilcast software, a product
that enables podcast downloads to mobile phones. The product will itself be freely
available beginning in September; the company cautions that a user's normal airtime
and other wireless charges could apply.
The Mobilcast software will allow those downloads to take place over-the-air,
rather than being tethered to a PC. A demo on the company's web site shows how
just a few steps will be needed to bring a podcast to the cell phone.
Melodeo also announced some changes to its management team, tapping former Digeo
CEO Jim Billmaier for the same post. Perhaps the company is positioning itself
for a takeover; Google and AOL have both made recent purchases in the wireless
space, and possibly the company sees itself as a desirable target.
But first, let's hope for an on-time launch of Mobilcast. Vladmir and Estragon
would appreciate it.
About the Author:
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. |
