Podcasts are internet-based audio programs that can be downloaded and transferred onto any MP3 digital music player. Until now, Apple’s iTunes has been used in conjunction with another application to carry out the process, but now it is being reported that the company is developing the new iTunes to do it in one go.
The reports come after Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, demonstrated how the program allows users can access, organize and manipulate podcasts at a US Wall Street Journal technology conference over the weekend.
Some speculation has suggested that the move may encourage the sale of podcasts, which are currently free to everyone with an internet connection. Traditional radio shows are also trying to compete with the service by going with the flow and making their shows available in MP3 format.
The BBC recently did this with 20 of its own radio broadcasts, while some US radio stations are said to be using podcasts as part of their shows.
