iTunes 4.9 is out

Being able to mark the ones I’ve read is good.

And that means podcast integration! Aside from not being able to browse the Apple Podcast Directory for some reason, the interface for storing podcasts is really nice and simple. I’m switching from iPodderX, which used to be my tool of choice.

There are serious threats to the iTunes+iPod value chain now in the form of other better, more open music stores, and new music players integrated directly into mobile phones with slick form factors. Is this the first step towards the downfall of Apples vertical value chain? Will the next version of iTunes offer a sales platform for podcasts? Will the next iPod be a mobile phone? Many questions, and as usual only Steve knows…

 June 28th, 2005