Odeo Podcasting Invite
I got an invite to join Odeo. What’s Odeo, you ask? In short, Odeo is an online application for subscribing to, finding and creating podcasts. I went to their Frequently Asked Questions for a more in-depth explanation (posted below). I also found a nice collection of Odeo screenshots on Flickr.
I’ve noticed that some of the more popular blogs out there have added podcasting to what they do. The suicide girls have their own show. As an old fan of college radio, pirate radio, and zines, I’m intrigued. Should NoCategories add a podcast? I’m not sure. I have done a variety of radio programs before. It might be fun.
What is “podcasting”?
Podcasting is a new way to create and listen to radio. Sorta.
According to Wikipedia, “Podcasting is a way of publishing files to a website that allows users to subscribe to the site and receive new files as they are posted. Most podcasts are spoken word audio created by individuals, often on a particular theme such as technology or movies. Because new files are downloaded automatically by subscribers, podcasting allows individuals to have a self-published, syndicated radio show.”
Another way to look at it is what would happen if you combined a TiVo, with your MP3 player, with the web-so, you could listen to a selection of content as varied as the web, whenever, and wherever you want.
What does Odeo do?
Odeo makes all of the above easy, so you don’t have to know how it works. More specifically, Odeo consists of three major parts: A catalog of audio content, of all types, which is constantly being added to. The Odeo Syncr, which let’s you download anything in the catalog (and, optionally, put it on your MP3 player). And creation tools, including the Odeo Studio, which let you publish your own audio content, which will then show up in the catalog. (The creation tools aren’t already for public use yet, though.)
Do I have to have an iPod?
No. In fact, you don’t even need an MP3 player at all. You can listen and particpate just with your computer. But if you have an iPod or iPod-like device, you can take shows with you and listen to them when you’re on the go.