What we know as a podcast had its beginnings in the creation of MP3 files that could be downloaded and played on the iPod device developed by Apple Computer. The release of the iPod encouraged people to share their music with others. They then realized that they could create, upload, and download information other than music. Some iPod users reverse engineered the device and loaded various types of firmware or operating system software. Other users decided that they would share sound files to be played on the iPod, since the technology for distributing such files already existed. RSS feeds provide a way to generate machine-readable files, which could then share data between servers and users. Many blogs used RSS to keep their readers up to date on blog posts. Some visionary podcasters realized that they could enclose links to sound files inside the RSS feed and download these files to a computer.
The iPod podcast became increasingly popular as this change in RSS feeds was implemented. Podcasting became a common way to share files, and users began to view podcasting as a way to become, essentially, radio-show hosts or DJs. Then software was developed that would automatically check the RSS feeds, extract links to podcast episodes, and download the files. This software is called a podcast client.
By the time all this was happening, podcasting had expanded far beyond Apple's iPod device. Developers had even discovered ways to use PlayStation Portable gaming systems as a podcast player. While this was more difficult than downloading a podcast to an iPod because of PSP's different file format, more PSP podcasts began appearing on the Internet. Podcasting also expanded into use by individuals who didn't have iPods, but who viewed podcasting as a very convenient technology for receiving news, music, and entertainment over the Internet.
Now, iPod podcasting remains in use, but fewer people subscribe to podcasts in order to get portable media files. This still represents an attractive feature of podcasting, but it is overshadowed by the use of podcasting as a content delivery system. Podcasting is currently associated with a large and growing number of audio and video blogs, for example. With these offerings, content is not delivered via posting, but through media files that are uploaded to the blog. These types of blogs, and podcasting in general, benefit from the constantly decreasing cost of broadband Internet connections and the growing number of people who have high-speed access to rich online content that includes multimedia files.
Related Articles
Podcasting - Where Did It All Start?
By: Kenneth Scott | 02/03/2008 | Gadgets and Gizmos
What we know as a podcast had its beginnings in the creation of MP3 files that could be downloaded and played on the iPod device developed by Apple Computer.
Time Warner Delivers on the Promise of Great Service
By: Emily Sanderson | 11/02/2008 | VoIP
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all of the options that you have when it comes to modern technology, then Time Warner Cable can help. That's because this company has digital cable TV, high speed Internet, and digital home phone solutions for every home!
Common Misconception With Video in Ecommerce
By: Terry Detty | 05/07/2007 | Online Promotion
Audio and video are used as teasers to wet the appetites of prospective customers. By doing this, shopping websites hope to persuade the browsing public, to purchase the product.
Is Broadband the Future of the Internet?
By: Adair Cameron | 08/08/2007 | Internet
Is the world ready for a new internet? Will this be the end of "www"?
7 Reasons to Add Podcasting to Your Business Marketing Mix
By: Rodney Rumford | 13/09/2005 | ECommerce
Customer loyalty. The
smart businesses and marketing companies will add podcasting to
the marketing mix for their business. Adding podcasting to your
marketing mix can.
Why GPS Navigators are Necessary for Today’s Taxis
By: Vanessa Arellano Doctor | 19/06/2007 | Automotive
Global positioning system navigators, or GPS navigators, are now beginning to become an integral part in communications and safety. It has a number of uses, most of which are not new to most people anymore, although there are still some who are still not familiar with how GPS navigators work, and what it can do. Nonetheless, more and more businesses, including telecommunications companies, are beginning to explore its different uses and applications, and expanding its capabilities. One such appl
The Three Se"C"rets of Successful Video Communication
By: Paul Lyke | 29/11/2007 | Advertising
When creating a video for your business, such as a commercial, promotional video, or web content, do not underestimate the importance of video content versus technical production. Regardless of the budget, video camera quality, or years of experience of the production team, you must insist on the three "C's" of successful video content.
Time Warner Cable Bundled Package Special Deals
By: Emily Sanderson | 17/03/2008 | Cable and Satellite TV
There have been a lot of great developments lately in the areas of television, phone, and Internet technology. These developments all have the promise of making the time that we spend on entertainment and communication a lot more productive and enjoyable, so it only makes sense that a company like Time Warner Cable would bundle all three of the best technologies in each category together and offer them for one low monthly fee.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Honda's ASIMO??
By: Account Deleted | 12-07-2008
What is Honda's ASIMO robot being used for today? Will it be the "mother" of future robots? Will robotic technology be implemented in society in the future?
What do new owners think of the new Apple 3G ...
By: SusieQ | 11-07-2008
What do new owners think of the new Apple 3G IPhone in terms of ease of use and quality?
Get rid of accent.
By: yoander | 10-07-2008
How do I get rid of my accent?I am fluent in both engish/spanish.I have a slight accent. It does not interfere with being understood. Sometimes I just wish I could sound more like a white guy so I can fit in better.
DS emulator: next step
By: Master_Tipero | 09-07-2008
uhhh how do i use an audio plug in for a DS emulator?
The main investor on my company asked me to put ...
By: simo | 07-07-2008
The main investor on my company asked me to put his name on the patent for an invention that I worked on for months? Is that reasonable?
What is Data Masking?
By: nelson | 05-07-2008
What is Data Masking?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Ken Snodin
Go Wireless For Always-on Network Connections
By: Ken Snodin | 13/11/2006 | Communication
If you hate having to turn on a modem every time you use another computer on your wireless network, get ready to be happy. There is a way to resolve this problem, and it's called a wireless router.
Keeping Fit In Your Own Home
By: Ken Snodin | 18/08/2006 | Advice
Given our sedentary lifestyles today, it is important for all of us to find time to exercise. Exercising regularly is an important activity that goes a long way to ensure that we retain our health for a longer time.
Saltwater Aquarium, Do You Really Want One?
By: Ken Snodin | 17/08/2006 | Automotive
There is nothing more dramatic than a saltwater aquarium filled with exotic specimens of fish.
Can Antioxidants Improve Skin Care?
By: Ken Snodin | 29/07/2006 | Careers
For most issues related to teenagers, fads rule the roost. And skin care issues are highest among teenagers. Today any medium, be it magazines, newspapers, television or the Internet are inundated with skin care related articles.
Wearing Purple, Fashion Tips
By: Ken Snodin | 29/07/2006 | Careers
When you get bored of all the options that you have in your wardrobe and want to add some interesting yet smart options to it, purple may be a color worth considering.
The Effects Of Exercise On Body Temperature
By: Ken Snodin | 28/07/2006 | Advice
If you are having trouble sleeping, and you don't already have a regular exercise program, you should start one if you want to sleep better. Exercise is beneficial to sleep in several ways.
Using Job Fairs To Decide On A Career Path
By: Ken Snodin | 28/07/2006 | Careers
Making up your mind as to what you want to do in life is so difficult. Especially today, given the myriad options, with each profession looking better than the other. And you're not too sure what exactly it is you want to pursue.
The Teenage Blog Outbreak
By: Ken Snodin | 28/07/2006 | Communication
Blogs are the new buzzword in cyberspace. Anyone and everyone who uses the Internet now know about the concept of blogging.
Advertising 
