(openPR) - With the release of Podspider for Windows Version 1.6, RapidSolution Software AG has shifted its focus back to the software component of its Podspider Podcast Directory. The new release, available on the newly-designed Internet site
offers podcast enthusiasts not only more podcasts, but the ability to synchronize podcasts with Apple iPod devices.
Podcasting Statistics Reveal Urgent Need
The boom in podcasting has continued to grow worldwide. Podcasts are audio and video programs that can be downloaded from the Internet and played on-demand, at home and on-the-go. Internet podcast directories are popping up like mushrooms around the globe, making it more and more difficult for consumers to know where they need to go to find what they’re looking for. According to a report from Libsyn, one of the largest US-based podcast hosting sites, 78% of the podcasts accessed during the first quarter of 2006 were subscribed to and played back using podcatcher programs. The remaining 22% were played in Web browsers. Apple iTunes software continues to maintain its overwhelmingly dominant hold on the podcasting market. “The need for an alternative, full-function podcatcher is enormous,” stated Hannes Prokoph, CEO of RapidSolution Software AG. “Free podcatchers offer for the most part neither content nor usability, and not everyone wanting to enjoy the world of free podcasting entertainment has a keen interest in receiving offers to buy music while their podcasts are playing,” he continued.
Podspider Continues Rapid Growth
Podspider for Windows comes with an integrated database that is regularly updated with new podcasts from the Podspider search engine. Since September 2005, the number of international podcasts in the directory has grown to almost 30,000.
Synchronization with All Devices – Now Including the Apple iPod
In addition to MP3 players, PDAs and mobile phones, Podspider Premium Version 1.6, one of the few podcatchers for Windows, now provides the ability to synchronize podcasts with Apple iPod devices.
Usability – Priority Number One
A primary goal of the new Podspider version was to improve the product’s usability to a point far beyond what is offered by comparable applications. New functions include an expert search facility, permanent episode display, configurable update interval, categorization by language and the ability to link in podcasts manually or via OPML. Altogether, Podspider 1.6 empowers podcast enthusiasts to concentrate more on enjoyment and less on managing and searching for interesting podcasts. The main focus on usability also comes into play in Podspider's playback function. Traditional solutions force the user to play podcasts using add-on applications. Podspider offers its own integrated player supporting playback of both audio and video podcasts even while they are still being downloaded.
Tiscali to Offer Free Fun Edition
Tiscali, one of the leading ISPs in Europe, as well as other partners, will soon be equipped with the Podspider 1.6 Fun Edition, enabling them to offer their Internet visitors podcatcher software with their own unique design and pre-selected podcasts. In 2006, RapidSolution Software plans to equip additional partners and Top100 podcasters with similar solutions to improve overall podcast usability and offer both podcast fans and producers a compelling alternative to the Apple iTunes Music Shop. In addition, RapidSolution offers professional podcast producers the ability to bring their podcasts into the spotlight in an ad-free environment optimized for podcast enjoyment, attractively supplemented by selected podcasts from the Podspider database. This represents a compelling value-added distribution channel that can be used in addition to Apple iTunes.
Attractive Price/Benefit Ratio
Users can test-drive Podspider’s Demo version for free. Podspider Premium 1.6, priced at 14,90 EUR, is available online at
RapidSolution Software AG is a leading provider of entertainment software. RapidSolution products can be purchased online at www.audials.com and in specialty stores around the world. Its recognized brand names include Radiotracker, Tunebite, Podspider, air2mp3 and TagRunner.
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