Podcasts sent DIRECTLY to your iPhone or iPod Touch: No iTune downloading first, thanks to evil Podcaster app

Next time you’re in the middle of Central Park—or maybe a  genuine wilderness area within wireless range?—you can directly download The Writer’s Almanac to your iPhone. Or maybe a New York Times book discussion or oodles of other podcasts.

For a $9.99 "donation," the new Podcaster program, one of many blessings from the Google Code Project, has a lot to offer in that respect and others.

No need for desktop or laptop

Forget about having to rely on your desktop or laptop for at least basic podcast listening. No wonder some of the more cautious suits at Apple insisted that the App Store ban Podcaster (more details here).

But guess what? People will still use iTunes for podcasts and other files. Users will want the iTunes library interface if nothing else. And how about the backup issue? As for e-commerce, yes, it’s a gray issue, but couldn’t Apple address it by charging somewhat higher prices for iPhones and iPod Touches without strings attached? Moreover, what about apps like this Podcaster, which, at least for now, seem to be done more with tech challenges than huge profits in mind. The best solution of course would be that Apple got open source religion and built openness into its pricing structure so it would inflict fewer gotchas on users. 

Just a quick first look

This is just a quick first look—any TeleBlog community members care to add their wisdom?—and Chris Meadows might be along with a follow-up review if this program intrigues him. Both of us own iPod Touches, so there’s no worry on that score. The only difference appears to be that the iPhone offers a, er, wireless phone connection, while you’re limited to WiFi with the Touches.

Good points:

• I haven’t counted, but the Podcaster program probably can search from among hundreds and perhaps thousands of podcasts. Remember, this is without any desktop needed. You might think of this as an audio Stanza, which can pick up
• The interface looks highly professional. You even see "cover" images associated with podcasts.
• My preliminary impression is that at least with WiFi and a 6m connection, the podcasts download quickly.

Negatives:

• I’m getting crashes from time to time (updated 11:40 Eastern Time).
• Harder to install, and takes longer, than Apple-blessed apps. Hey, that’s Apple’s fault, not Podcaster’s. This app begs to be included in the store, based on sheer merit, at least as I perceive the program so far.
• While the interface looks professional, it could be less confusing, at least when first used. Perhaps a more complete Read Me file would help.
• You can’t listen to music while you’re reading. This is a generic Touch/iPhone failing (unless it’s already been addressed and I don’t know about it).

Meanwhile congratulations to the three developers, who are offering Podcaster through a wonderfully named site called NextDayoff.com. Get more links and find out more at a Google Code site devoted to the project.

Big question: Will Apple remotely disable Podcaster? That would detract from its credibility as a developer’s platform—not just for e-books but also other apps.

The third photo: Why, Central Park.

Related: Podcaster devs’ blog, plus info on a free app to stream FM. Ideally Apple will at least approve that one. Let’s see.

Update on the "donation": Paul Biba raised questions about issue—a "donation" or a "buy." I do think the developers could clarify things a little better on their home page. Why did they go this route? Restrictions from Google? I’d love to hear their side. That said, the program in my opinion so far is worth the gamble.