Apple tunes into podcasting

ITunes now includes access to 3,000 pre-selected podcasts

Apple has released its latest iTunes software which is designed to make it easier to download and listen to podcasts, the downloadable audio files commonly likened to radio programmes on demand.

Speaking at the US launch of iTunes 4.9, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said: "Apple is taking podcasting mainstream by building it right into iTunes. Podcasting is the next generation of radio."

The software is available for Mac and Windows.

The latest iTunes client includes a tab which provides access to a directory of 3,000 pre-selected podcasts. Users can search, find and subscribe to a range of topics including electronic gadgets, movies and astronomy.

Mainstream broadcasters such as ABC News and the BBC are available.

Birmingham-based UK podcaster Paul Nicholls, who produces a podcast under the title PodcastPaul, said: "This is fantastic. I downloaded the client and found that my podcast is listed. I was gobsmacked.

"This will make it much easier for people to subscribe and keep track of podcasts that interest them.

"Up until now podcasting has been somewhat geeky; you have to understand how to handle RSS feeds and the like. Apple putting a tab on iTunes means that it will be simple for anyone to find and keep up with their favourites podcasts."

Audio and video search engine Blinkx is expected to follow Apple's lead with a podcasting search service that tracks 20,000 channels of audio and video programming.