Mobile phones compatible with iTunes haven’t become available yet, but for podcast fans there will be an alternative.
Estragon: Charming spot. Inspiring prospects. Let’s go.
Vladimir: We can’t.
Estragon: Why not?
Vladimir: We’re waiting for Godot.
For iTunes fans dismayed by the denials about compatibility with Nokia phones (despite Nokia publishing specs on a couple showing AAC support), and the eternal delays with Motorola’s iTunes phone (which right now seems like Windows Vista will launch before it), one company has made software available that will at least get podcasts to mobile handsets.
Privately held Seattle-based Melodeo has announced Mobilcast software, a product that enables podcast downloads to mobile phones. The product will itself be freely available beginning in September; the company cautions that a user’s normal airtime and other wireless charges could apply.
The Mobilcast software will allow those downloads to take place over-the-air, rather than being tethered to a PC. A demo on the company’s web site shows how just a few steps will be needed to bring a podcast to the cell phone.
Melodeo also announced some changes to its management team, tapping former Digeo CEO Jim Billmaier for the same post. Perhaps the company is positioning itself for a takeover; Google and AOL have both made recent purchases in the wireless space, and possibly the company sees itself as a desirable target.
But first, let’s hope for an on-time launch of Mobilcast. Vladmir and Estragon would appreciate it.
David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
