In an effort to generate a new audience for the countless podcasts that live on iTunes today, Apple has decided to launch a new app that gives users instant and seamless access to this content. The Podcasts app pulls it all out of iTunes and gives users direct, seamless access to everything from guys recording weekly diatribes in their basement to the official podcasts from big names like ESPN and CBS.
Although it sometimes gets marred as being outdated, the podcasting medium remains as relevant as ever. Previously, the process of downloading or subscribing to a podcast required users to log into iTunes from a computer and find the show they wanted. This new app works for both the iPhone and iPad to bring that content to the wide world of consumers who own an iDevice but don’t really access Apple content from their PC.
In addition, because it’s now a standalone app, Apple has decided to throw in a couple nifty features. For example, there’s a Sleep Timer function for those who like to drift off to sleep with the soothing sounds of a podcast. Enabling this will automatically stop playback after a set amount of time. Users can also stream episodes online, or download them locally to listen on a plane or the subway. Incidentally, it does also offer iTunes syncing if you do happen to prefer that platform.
[via The Next Web]
Apple Podcasts app cuts out the iTunes middleman is written by Mark Raby & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
It seems that tablets being used in our education system are becoming more commonplace these days. To that effect, the San Diego Unified School District has recently purchased about 26,000 iPads that will be making its way into the hands of its students this fall, thus making it one of the largest programs to date. This is part of a voter-approved funding program known as “Proposition S”, which basically sets funds aside that will allow technology in the classroom to remain up to date. No word on what sort of software the district will be utilizing, but some are speculating that it could use Apple’s iBooks 2 which has been enhanced for textbooks. The iPads will mainly be utilized in 5th and 8th grade classrooms as well as some high school classes. So if you’re a parent whose kids are attending any of the schools in the San Diego Unified School District, it looks like your kids are in for a treat this fall.
So you are sick and tired of using your iPad for nothing other than playing games and as a portable media player that won’t die on you across a long haul flight. What else do you think your iPad is able to do? Well, with the right app and in the correct setting, plenty, and for those who want to take the road less traveled, here is the 
Tablift is an accessory that will make it easy for anyone with an iPad to use it while they’re lying down in bed or chilling on their couches. It’s basically a sturdy stand with super long, bendy legs that can be adjusted independently, so you can use it in virtually any position.
