If this doesn't already exist, then this is an amazing idea and long overdue.

great idea - pass it on to Apple - let's hope it it include in next generation ipods

Nice one..

I agree with three comments.

Fase 1
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login (with free account made, money can come from adds on the website)
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see the list of podcast you subribed to, and see if there are new posts/files
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the program (online) downloads the newest files for me
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when ready I connect my ipod to the usb port
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the online software coppies the podcast files to the ipod
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the online software deletes the files from the host computer
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I dosconnect my ipod and have the latest FREE podcast files, wherever I am and I am happy!

FASE 2 (but lets forget this for now, just fase 1 would be great!)
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I go to the OPA page online with the safari browser of the ipod-touch with wifi, ipod connedcted to usb
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I just click the "synchronize podcasts" button, and thats it!

MONEY
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Podcast files are free, so lets keep it that way. Lets make it an open-source project, with a website thats keeps only the lists of podcast subscribtions from every user. A three column website:
1 menu | 2 podcast list | 3 adds

The website needs to be database driven, to keep a good account of every users podcast list.

http://www.odeo.com
http://www.dopplerradio.net
http://www.podcasts.yahoo.com

Most of them are just online listening programs, but I am not going to sit in a Internet cafe for hours listening to my podcasts, I want to take them with me on my ipod!

The doppler thing I have to look into, but it also looks like "just a rss reader" and that is something different. Furthermore you have to jailbrake your ipod and that is very negative. I would like to keep it all legal, online, download online and just copy to the ipod.

You can downloand on http://www.odeo.com no problem.

But you cant copy to your ipod there

Sounds very nice.

[And I like the abbreviation =P]

Since when did ipod lose the ability to play mp3's?

Kevin- it sounds to me that the crux of the project here is really a conduit to the iPod more than the podcast aggregator. The latter exists already in the services you've pointed out.

@maarten - this can be achieved currently via podzilla but that involves reformatting your iPod and it sounds like you'd prefer to keep it a vanilla apple install. They lock it down to iTunes presumably to control the DRM using their fairplay technology. It may be possible to make some app using the new iPhone SDK that will do what you want but the question you should answer first is "is this something you'd pay for?" If so, I would look into the SDK as the best way forward.

sean

also @maarten - consider re-titling this idea "web-based iPod conduit" or something along those lines. it seems more descriptive of the essence of this idea - the online podcast aggregator is not the meat here and if you make the generic iPod conduit right it can access whichever aggregator you happen to use to get the media.

sean

You can import mp3's to itunes. Open the itunes main window, then open the directory window containing your MP3s and then click and drag them to the iTunes jukebox window. Ka-pow mp3 imported.

This link might help you out for a non-itunes alternative:
http://lifehacker.co...ut-itunes-237986.php

There are many hacks, software, itune clones etc.... but they all do to much or to little. This idea is NOT to copy music, thats something that one doesnt update that much. It is espedcialy designed for updating only Podcast files, because they do update very often, sometimes every day. Like a favourite radioshow I like to listen to. It broadcasts every day. So when I am on holliday, or in hospital, or away for work, I would just love to go to a friends computer, or an Internet cafe, and just update that podcast, nothing more, nothing less. No installing software, please! No hacks. Just a simple webpage, enter password, connect ipod and thats it! Back to the beach (or whatever).

The keyword is: SIMPLE.

No software needed, no hacks, no jailbrake, no DRM conflicts (because podcasts are for free), no problems.

surprising this doesn't exist already...

The existing itunes software will work as I said before:

You can import mp3's to itunes. Open the itunes main window, then open the directory window containing your MP3s and then click and drag them to the iTunes jukebox window. Ka-pow mp3 imported.

And as I said: it is a) to difficult, because I dont know all podcast I subrided to from my head on holiday, so entering all of them is WAY to much work, then selecting which one have new updates ready, no, thats to much to do by hand. And b) there are MANY places where they dont even have iTunes, thinking of friends, but also Internet cafes. And installing software is not an option. So that is NOT an option.

Maarten

* You could put itunes on your ipod. It is the same thing as a portable hard drive. Here are some steps to do it the manual way without itunes:
http://www.mydigital...uter-without-itunes/

* Why did you get an ipod if you are not willing to go through the hoops of fire to load mp3's? There are literally oodles of mp3 players that can do all the things an ipod can do and more without any restrictions at all.

* In order to check for updates there needs to be a way to check if it is updated. Since, no admins have a standard way of doing this it makes it incredibly hard to make a program to check for updates. You could check the last time they updated there site page. But, not necessarily whether or not there is a download available. So, from programing stand point it would be incredibly hard. Unless they all were on a standard system or you had control over that directory data base.

* There are lots of sites with directory's that let you subscribe to individual podcast. For example Apples itunes: http://www.apple.com.../store/podcasts.html

Listen, I am trying it one more time. The keyword is: simple. I want to keep things simple. So, first things first: installing software on the ipod-touch is NOT possible without hacking it, and I dont want to do that.

But again, about keeping it simple: when at home, I put my ipod into the docking station, and it starts downloading and updating my podcasts completely automaticaly, without me having to do a thing! Thats GREAT! Now, if I go on holliday, I enter an Internet-cafe, connect my iPod, and nothing happens, it doesnt work! On a friends computer who does have iTunes installed it is even worse: iTunes will start erasing all music on my ipod and replacing it with my friends music.
Frequent Podcast Listners, like I am, all know it by experience: updating is just NOT possible (simple!!) anywhere else than at home.

An Online Podcast Aggregator would be heaven! It doesnt touch my music files, it keeps my subscribtions online availible everywhere in the world, it downloads just those files that I want, copy it to my ipod, and thats it! Nothing more, nothing less. Simple! Usable!

"oh by the way, can I use your computer a second to check my email?", sure! Now I like to add: "oh by the way, can I use your computer a second to update my podcasts?".

"installing software on the ipod-touch is NOT possible without hacking it, and I dont want to do that."
First, you are not installing it on ipod touch, you are simply using it as a storage device. Like a USB drive or a portable hard drive.

Next, I have a Apple developer kit that says otherwise that you can install software.

Next, updating is possible I never said it was not. But, you need some things to make it possible as I listed before. (Data base access or a standardized directory.) Also, like I said before some sites like apple are all ready doing this syndication of pod casts. See link above.

Can you connect your ipod to a computer in an Internet cafe on holiday, push one button and have the computer do the rest automaticaly?

No? In that case the Online Podcast Aggregator would be a great help.
Yes? Which button???? (ONE button)

Maarten

Aww, I see ignore my logical reasoning and programming knowledge. Lets not discuss the ways that this is possible this or how podcast syndication its done currently. Is drag and drop really all that complex?

What about syncing wirelessly to your pc like some other mp3 players? The new Zune devices can all ready automatically sync wireless. But, they also have the infrastructure backing it up.

Rule 12:
All of your carefully picked arguments can be easily ignored.

So the answer is: no, at this moment it is NOT possible to connect and update automaticaly, therefore the Online Podcast Aggregator will be a helping hand to everyone.

On an itouch well (yes and no). You can get podcast syndication updates and you can synchronize with your PC (with software). All you really have check for updates, download and drag and drop the songs you want in the folder. I don't find it hard at all to drag and drop.

But, you don't have the infrastructure to do it. You don't have a DB of podcasts or a standardized way for you to get the info the closest thing would be RSS subscription feeds that is semi-supported by a lot of sites.

Doppler: http://www.dopplerradio.net/
Is the closest you are probably going to get to having this type of synchronization on an itouch. Note: -not- a podcast aggregator for there itouch software anyway. You still have to do it by PC if you want that. Went Open Source last year by the way. It might be possible to code in some type of down loader.

Have others developed other mp3 players with the infrastructure to do this YES. Its not a new idea, and it is possible to do under the condition that you have the infrastructure.

But, really all you have to do is drag and drop or make a few clicks to check and download if you are on a wi-fi network.

While reading the comments, the song Don't Download This Song," by Weird Al is playing in my head.Maarten, I know you want any easy and convenient way of downloading podcasts files wherever you may be.

Wouldn't it be great, if you didn't have to wait to download music and hope it has quality sound? I am not sure if that has been done, and I know someone from CH will tell me. Why doesn't music companies produce prerecorded songs on a small disk that can be placed into a portable music player? If Nintendo can make games, why not music? With the prerecorded disks, you can't run into the possibility of some music company or artist suing you for illegally downloading their property.
I know it may be costly to record audio and video on disks, and yet it is costly when attonerys are involved, If you only liked one or two songs from a group, you probably would rather download those two song. The prerecorded songs would be ideal for those without a computer(hard to believe) or any knowledge on how to download music.

I am not talking about music! It's all about Podcasts, and thats something totaly different. And the problem is not about downloading them, but the problem is that is only possible on your own computer, in your own house, and NOwhere else. Thats all.

Didn't mean to get off the subject.

"Why doesn't music companies produce prerecorded songs on a small disk that can be placed into a portable music player?"
They actually used to be MiniDisc players made by Sony in like the 90's

Did it become too costly? I have a MiniDisc player/recorder that I used to record lectures. Didn't know Sony produced songs.

build it, debug it, deploy it, it is a winner. This particular solution(product) is so ridiculous in it's necessity, I almost fear for your safety. Don't worry, if it shows up in the next iteration of an apple product and you are nowhere to be found, we will surely dispatch a search party.

Nice idea. I have always wanted something similar. If you build it, bring the idea across to Vencorps.

Or at least let us know when you've been bought out by Apple. :)

For idealbreaker, siddey- Just out of curiosity,are the comments for me? I

idealbreaker and siddey are you talking to me? Yes, please dispatch a search party, if I'm bought out by Apple or Nintendo. With all the excitement I'll get so lost I won't be able to find myself. Don't worry, those of you that like the idea of prerecorded music can become a part of this and reap in the money. If you weren't talking to me, then forget what you just read.

d

Sorry about the first sentence of the above comment. I was typing while my daughter was on my lap.

Let's not forget about maarten's idea Online Podcast Aggregator. If you want to give feedback on the prerecorded music I believe it be better to PM me. I don't want to take the spotlight away from maarten. After all this is where you go to read about his idea.

my comment was for maarten, sorry about any confusion.

That's ok. My mistake .

Sounds good. But what is an "I" pod? Some kind of swimming with whales thing? Sorry, I'm outa this loop. I still use wax cylinders.

nice idea

Totally.. This idea is great.

Yes, I've been waiting for this feature for along time.

I can see this being offered as a subscription service.

Great idea, with infrastructure in place to support it.

KB

cool idea wish you luck

cool idea gl

if it doesn't exist yet, could it be that the present technology somehow cannot support it? or it is not commercially viable yet?