The overwhelming popularity of portable MP3 players has brought with it all the innovations in the use of this new technology. The most popular app that has come out recently is podcasts.
Podcasts are the automatic distribution of MP3 files via RSS or XML. With podcasts, a user downloads software and installs it to receive their favorite podcasts automatically from the podcast website. Apple iTunes is an example of podcast software that can deliver podcasts to your personal computer. The files that are downloaded come in mp3 format and you can then listen to them on your personal computer or, better yet, on your portable MP3 player so you can take your podcast episodes with you wherever you go.
Podcasts are like radio shows with one big difference. Anyone can make and distribute their podcasts. This makes it a true populist initiative. Podcasters can rant about their favorite political topic, talk about their CD collections, discuss plot twists in their favorite comic book titles, or even give people advice on how to podcast. The topics and topics that can be discussed in podcasts are only limited by your imagination.
Just like popular TV or radio shows, there are already podcasts that can be considered very popular. Below are some popular podcasts you should try:
The Onion Radio News – This is a daily podcast featuring short news clips from The Onion’s 24-hour radio news network. For those who aren’t already familiar with The Onion, it’s an online “news network” that puts a satirical spin on breaking news and political issues.
New York Times Front Page: This is a daily roundup of the top headlines for each weekday morning.
X-Play Daily Videogame Podcast – This is another daily podcast that provides gamers with the latest gaming news, tips and tricks, as well as previews of upcoming games.
Meditation Station – This podcast is aimed at people who are stressed out and looking to gain a little focus in their hectic lives. Regular meditations can help you de-stress.
This Week in Tech: This award-winning podcast finds Leo Laporte and other well-known tech luminaries discussing the latest tech trends.
Science Friday – How to Make Science Radioactive – This weekly podcast discusses the latest news and trends in science, technology, health and the environment.
Ebert & Roeper – Popular film critics Ebert & Roeper review and discuss the merits (or demerits) of the latest movies playing in Hollywood.
Indiefeed: Alternative/Modern Rock – This is a great way to get great songs from the alternative/modern rock genre. Every day the podcast features a song that includes information about the artist and where to buy the album. This podcast is redefining how music is delivered to people.
The Catalyst Podcast – This is a community that aims to raise the next generation of leaders and teach them about church and culture.
Penn Jillette – The popular, edgy magician tunes in excerpts from his popular satellite radio show for his fans.
Travel with Rick Steves – This is a weekly hour-long conversation with experts and callers about travel, culture, people, and the kind of stories you only get when you travel.