Over-the-Air Podcast Downloading in Firmware 2.2

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/10/28/over-the-air-podcast-downloading-in-firmware-2-2/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/10/28/153919-podcasts-2384923482938.jpg


TUAW posts (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/28/rumor-roundup-iphone-2-2-firmware-details/) another screenshot from the iPhone 2.2 Firmware Beta 2 that has been provided to developers. This new screenshot seems to reveal that Apple will be delivering over-the-air Podcast downloads on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

TUAW speculates that this may be why Apple rejected the Podcaster application. The "Get More Episodes" button in the latest beta firmware does not appear to be functional at this time.

Article Link: Over-the-Air Podcast Downloading in Firmware 2.2 (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/10/28/over-the-air-podcast-downloading-in-firmware-2-2/)

[Telp]

If this is true, this is gonna be very great, Ashame for the developer who wanted to do this, but would rather it done through Apple anyways. I imagine this would be a wifi only thing, but who would want to download huge podcasts over EDGE or 3G. Next up, Movie downloads? TV shows? I can't believe this is a higher priority than C+P.

[Rybold]

Over the air podcasts will be awesome!
I never know when I'm going to have free time, and being able to download a
podcast and listen to it while I'm waiting for someone or just "killing time" will be excellent.

.

.

.

.

[Drumjim85]

If this is true, this is gonna be very great, Ashame for the developer who wanted to do this, but would rather it done through Apple anyways. I imagine this would be a wifi only thing, but who would want to download huge podcasts over EDGE or 3G. Next up, Movie downloads? TV shows? I can't believe this is a higher priority than C+P.

ya, id imaging i would be tied into the music store some how ... (which is only wifi)

[Rybold]

I can't believe this is a higher priority than C+P.

Maybe copy & paste is TEN TIMES more difficult to make than this add-on to iTunes. Maybe and maybe not.

[Drumjim85]

This was not made by Apple. This was made by a third-party developer, just like all the other Apps on your phone.

so you're telling me that "notes" and "safari" and "ipod" are all 3rd party apps not made by apple ? :rolleyes:

that screen shot is part of the "ipod" app

[mkrishnan]

This was not made by Apple. This was made by a third-party developer, just like all the other Apps on your phone.

Yes, I too am totally confused by what you mean by this.

[broncopde]

This is certainly a very useful feature that will be appreciated by many ipod touch and iphone users!

[kmcrawford]

Ok, so I'm assuming 2 things.

1st, you'd already have to be subscribed to a podcast to "get more".

2nd, I'm sure they are going to make you have to be on WiFi to download podcasts.

It would be cool if you could browse podcasts, like on the Apple TV.

[fishmoose]

This is great!! Finally i can just download my podcast from anywhere in the house without booting the macbook and then sync!!
I usually lissen to my podcast in bed at weekends so i dont wanna get up and boot the computer to download the latest episode of Mark Kermodes rants!

[hfletcher]

ya, id imaging i would be tied into the music store some how ... (which is only wifi)

I don't understand why you can download apps up to 10mb over the air, but not a 3mb song off iTunes? OK, maybe not a full length podcast, but I don't understand why the iTMS still has to use wifi? It would be really nice if you could download the occasional song in a 3G area for example

[Arran]

This is great!! Finally i can just download my podcast from anywhere in the house without booting the macbook and then sync!!
I usually lissen to my podcast in bed at weekends so i dont wanna get up and boot the computer to download the latest episode of Mark Kermodes rants!

You mean Kermode and Mayo's film review? You can stream many BBC podcasts to your iphone here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/ip/#_home.

I use it daily.

[AeronPrometheus]

I don't understand why you can download apps up to 10mb over the air, but not a 3mb song off iTunes? OK, maybe not a full length podcast, but I don't understand why the iTMS still has to use wifi? It would be really nice if you could download the occasional song in a 3G area for example

Restrictions on Apps are much more lax than music, which is why you can re-download an App you've paid for, but not a song. I think Apple thinks that iffy downloads are alright for Apps (cause they can go back and re-download the missing bits if the connection is interrupted) but are not cool for songs. It might be part of their DRM deals with the music companies that prevents this, who knows.

Podcasts are for the better part, free and unregulated. If I cannot download via 3G at -least- then I will be very disappointed in this feature.

[deriko100]

Woot, no wonder they took down podcaster.

[nagromme]

Sounds nice, but it does make you wonder if Apple might not have rejected Podcaster and THEN decided to add the feature in imitation of Podcaster's idea. I don't really believe that worst-case interpretation--it's a fairly obvious feature that Apple probably had already thought of. But if I was Podcaster's creator, it would be hard not to wonder.

Re lack of 3G music downloads: I think the music download system is simply older and less sophisticated than the app download system--and probably bound up in agreements with music labels too. That could change, you never know.

[Drumjim85]

Re lack of 3G music downloads: I think the music download system is simply older and less sophisticated than the app download system--and probably bound up in agreements with music labels too. That could change, you never know.

i think if anything, it would be some ATT deal that is stopping it, not the labels... they dont care how much cell tower bandwidth gets used.

[fishmoose]

You mean Kermode and Mayo's film review? You can stream many BBC podcasts to your iphone here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/ip/#_home.

I use it daily.

How can i have missed that, thanks for the tip!

[Rybold]

so you're telling me that "notes" and "safari" and "ipod" are all 3rd party apps not made by apple ? :rolleyes:

that screen shot is part of the "ipod" app

Yes, I too am totally confused by what you mean by this.

Oops. "My bad." I thought that was a third-party App. Sorry.

[fleshman03]

This was the only reason why I wanted to jailbreak my Touch. Now, I'm 100% happy without jailbreaking.

I'm so happy that I will no longer need to pull out my MacBook Pro to update my MSNBC CountDown podcast! YES!

I hope Apple isn't going to screw us and only have it be audio podcasts. Video is needed!!!

[MacMuttonchops]

i think if anything, it would be some ATT deal that is stopping it, not the labels... they dont care how much cell tower bandwidth gets used.

No. Apps up to 10MB are allowed to be downloaded over the air. Songs are 3MB. AT&T stopping it makes no sense.

[ChrisN]

I cannot wait! Hopefully I will get back into listening to podcasts.

ChrisN

[fleshman03]

No. Apps up to 10MB are allowed to be downloaded over the air. Songs are 3MB. AT&T stopping it makes no sense.

My video podcast is ~300mb/hour. Surely I'll be able to download that via wifi?


I cannot wait! Hopefully I will get back into listening to podcasts.

ChrisN

There is a lot of awesome stuff out there. Personally, I use podcasts as a type of talk radio.

So does anyone have an idea on a release date? Before election day?

[ntrigue]

I'm pleased to see constant Firmware improvements again after a series of just bug fixes.

[Drumjim85]

No. Apps up to 10MB are allowed to be downloaded over the air. Songs are 3MB. AT&T stopping it makes no sense.

and the app store negotiations happened (probably) a lot later than the itunes store did.... The whole thing doesn't make sense, but this is my only logical suggestion.

[foobarbaz]

Hmm, so maybe Apple rejecting this app wasn't entirely evil. Imagine how many people would complain now that they spent 10 bucks on the 3rd party app... (But it's certainly not fair to the developer. He did a lot of work, and was first, only to be c*ck blocked by Apple.)

[The Phazer]

Yay! This is actually a decent functionality improvement that people have actually been asking for!

Now do the other 20 or so big issues!

Phazer

[manhattanboy]

If this is true, this is gonna be very great, Ashame for the developer who wanted to do this, but would rather it done through Apple anyways. I imagine this would be a wifi only thing, but who would want to download huge podcasts over EDGE or 3G. Next up, Movie downloads? TV shows? I can't believe this is a higher priority than C+P.

PLEASE ALLOW 3G downloads!!!!!

[manhattanboy]

Hmm, so maybe Apple rejecting this app wasn't entirely evil. Imagine how many people would complain now that they spent 10 bucks on the 3rd party app... (But it's certainly not fair to the developer. He did a lot of work, and was first, only to be c*ck blocked by Apple.)

Yes indeed, I remember him posting the picture of apple's giant c*ck :D

[midniteriver]

I've been waiting for this feature since Apple introduced the iTunes Store for iPhone!:)

[ALT-255]

How about more basic items that other devices have:

Copy & Paste
MMS
Push Technology
:rolleyes:

[manhattanboy]

How about more basic items that other devices have:

Copy & Paste
MMS
Push Technology
:rolleyes:

not crashing or stalling
getting a signal
not dropping a call

[digitalnomad]

I'm more thrilled to see that the podcasts now appear to be sorted by date with the oldest at the top so that I can actually listen in order from oldest to newest, finally!

[iSimx]

this sounds like this is going to be an awesome update :D go apple! :apple:

[dt1611]

THANK YOU GOD, I mean Steve

[dookie852]

Oh, Yeah! Maybe there's a podcast I can download that will copy and paste!! Way to go to meet people's needs Apple!

[plumbingandtech]

I am really going to enjoy this. thanks :apple:

[sososowhat]

The lack of this feature is why I returned my original iPhone. I gave in & grudgingly bought the 3G, but the need for this is sososo obvious -- almost as obvious as being able to sort or search email. Or to cut & paste. Uh, oh yeah, right.

[Mr. Zorg]

i think if anything, it would be some ATT deal that is stopping it, not the labels... they dont care how much cell tower bandwidth gets used.

It's my understanding that the labels license songs for cell phones differently than they do for iTunes. And Apple isn't willing to pay the higher rates, but feels that by only allowing wifi it's an iPod not a cell phone download. Unfortunately, I can't quote any sources, but that's what I remember reading.

[aethelbert]

I'm wondering if this will be limited to audio podcasts. Some of the videos can get upwards of 500mb. I see no reason why one couldn't download over a GSM network since podcasts are free; the only limit on music purchases is the contracts on how the media is obtained. I've been waiting for this feature for quite a while and I look forward to not having to sync my phone so often.

[gcmexico]

this will be awesome!!!:D

[fleshman03]

I'm wondering if this will be limited to audio podcasts. Some of the videos can get upwards of 500mb. I see no reason why one couldn't download over a GSM network since podcasts are free; the only limit on music purchases is the contracts on how the media is obtained. I've been waiting for this feature for quite a while and I look forward to not having to sync my phone so often.

I hope that it I'll be able to download via wifi no matter what. Besides, just think of the battery consumption doing 500mb over a GSM would be?

Typically, how long does it take for a Dev Seed like this to an official release?

[rs13]

Great idea apple but come on get the basics in place first mms people have been screaming for this for a long time now and it should have been there from day one. I also think the camera app can be improved massively there is a app called snapture for all who jailbrake cheack it out it just shows how good it could be. Apple please just give us the basic things we all want.

[sprice25]

sounds good. looking forward to this feature.

[Maxington]

Finally, they just now started adding this...

[Evangelion]

I can't believe this is a higher priority than C+P.

Is it? It might be that people who develop this are totally different from the people who deelop C+P. Apple CAN work on several features at once.

But honestly, I don't really see the fuzz about C+P. I could count the times I would have needed it with one hand. What I WOULD need all the time is the ability to open links in new tabs in the background. And unlike C+P, that would be dead-simple to implement UI-wise!

[Saladinos]

2nd, I'm sure they are going to make you have to be on WiFi to download podcasts.


The WiFi limitation is due to the licensing deal Apple has with record labels. Labels want more money for OTA downloads, and Apple categorically doesn't want to give it. Not hogging the network is just a bonus. Networks are rarely down due to capacity issues. Usually poor signals are the result of damaged antennas (they're checked biweekly unless there are many reports of poor signal in the same area), or just plain old interference (EM signals are prone to all kinds of obstructions).

I'd imagine that audio podcasts under 10Mb would be allowed, video and HD podcasts wouldn't be. Maybe Apple will include a podcast section in the iTunes store, maybe they'll let a 3rd party application do it.

[MacNL04]

Finally!! This will be sooo cool... :D

To be able to sort podcasts out by categories would also be nice...

[Rybold]

What I WOULD need all the time is the ability to open links in new tabs in the background.

Excellent. This ties right back to what I've been saying since day one ... they need to update the software to make use of virtual RAM since the iPhone inherently does not have enough RAM. The reason that when you have more than one web page open and you click on one of the others, it has to reload is because there isn't enough RAM to store both webpages. Same thing when you click the "back" button. It has to reload because it is no longer in the RAM. Why does Safari auto-close ("crash") on long webpages? Because there isn't enough RAM. So ... since we can't do a hardware upgrade on the phones we already have (actually, we could, and that would be pretty darn sweet), what we can do with software is make use of virtual RAM (which would use your flash memory to store excess RAM data for the CPU).

http://www.ddrmemoryram.com/ddr-sticks.jpg
http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/0606/20/ram%20jewelry.jpg

[Shagrat]

You mean Kermode and Mayo's film review? You can stream many BBC podcasts to your iphone here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/ip/#_home.

I use it daily.

OT...but it's good to know that the Good Doctor's Rants, and Simon's calming influence are known over there in the US of A!

Just the best film reviews going!

Even if he does seem to have a strange penchant for the Mama Mia film.

[russellelly]

Excellent. This ties right back to what I've been saying since day one ... they need to update the software to make use of virtual RAM since the iPhone inherently does not have enough RAM. The reason that when you have more than one web page open and you click on one of the others, it has to reload is because there isn't enough RAM to store both webpages. Same thing when you click the "back" button. It has to reload because it is no longer in the RAM. Why does Safari auto-close ("crash") on long webpages? Because there isn't enough RAM. So ... since we can't do a hardware upgrade on the phones we already have (actually, we could, and that would be pretty darn sweet), what we can do with software is make use of virtual RAM (which would use your flash memory to store excess RAM data for the CPU).

http://www.ddrmemoryram.com/ddr-sticks.jpg
http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/0606/20/ram%20jewelry.jpg


I thought paging was generally discouraged in Flash devices due to limited writes? Or has the tech come on enough to get away with it now?

[SheepNutz]

I'll be so happy to have this. I miss having mobilecast on my jailbroken 1.1.4 phone, which basically did the same thing.

[hazza.jockel]

updating podcast is the main reason i connect my iPhone to my computer so this is going to be freaking sweet. I can't wait till 2.2 comes out.

[hfletcher]

How about more basic items that other devices have:

Copy & Paste
MMS
Push Technology
:rolleyes:

Push was meant to be for september - its now nearing november :(
There must be some pretty bad problems with the push system for apple to delay it this much. I hope they will get it working and not just leave it to kind of 'die off' :eek:

[sgibson]

This will be nice, but ONLY is they support syncing podacast with your computer via wifi (I'll not push them for true OTA support). One, I switch between listening on my MacBook and iPhone so them being in sync is a necessity (I have a very streamlined podcast system) and second I don't want to be downloading podcasts twice if I can just copy them over from the existing source.

Do that and I'll be a very happy bunny.

[Evangelion]

I thought paging was generally discouraged in Flash devices due to limited writes? Or has the tech come on enough to get away with it now?

Flash has limited number of writes, but in reality it takes YEARS to run in to any problems. By the time Flash starts to wear out, the device itself is next to obsolete.

[slu]

How about more basic items that other devices have:

Copy & Paste
MMS
Push Technology
:rolleyes:

So I just got my iPhone this past weekend, so I am a bit green, but here is my 2 cents FWIW.

I never came to the iPhone forums until I got one. Didn't see the need. Now that I have one, I noticed that I see a message like this in every single thread, practically.

Since I have had my iPhone, I haven't had the need to copy and paste at all. Maybe I am missing something, but can someone explain what I would use this for? The only thing I could think of was for emailing a URL to someone. I am certainly not saying that since I don't see the need for it right away doesn't mean others don't have a strong need for it (like many have been saying about firewire on the Macbook), but I really can't come up with other times I would need it.

I am not even sure what MMS is, but I think it is picture mail and the like. If that is the case, then this seems more important to me than copy and paste.

But before all of these goodies, I'd like Safari not to crash so much and I'd like my phone service to improve. To me, those are the two biggest flaws.

Now, on topic, this is great news. I was actually surprised this was not already of feature. One of the first things I did when I got my phone was go to iTunes to see if I could get podcasts. I was quite disappointed when that was not the case.

[NorCalLights]

Even if this only works over WiFi I'll be stoked!

As a laptop user, I hate being stuck on a Monday morning without my This American Life because I didn't unpack my laptop and sync the night before.

[cbrain]

Another reason that's making me look forward to 2.2!

[Rondogg96]

Now this is what would make the iPhone perfect for me. I've been wishing for this from the get-go, I didn't think it'd be a priority though and I hope it does come because I'd welcome it with open arms.

[fabian9]

How about more basic items that other devices have:

Copy & Paste
MMS
Push Technology
:rolleyes:

don't know what everybody's big deal is with copy and paste, really dont.

i basically lived off my iphone for 2 weeks when my macbook was getting repaired and i had nothing else to do at home since i don't even have a tv, nevermind another computer!

well, i survived and i didn't miss copy and paste. not once. :)

but if they could sort out the periodic crashing of safari now that'd be much appreciated!

[Ademius]

I just hope they include an option to schedule downloads of podcasts instead of having to do it all manually. Would be a neat feature just to get the news when it's available. And also if you could use the same kind of settings as in iTunes where you can choose how many episodes to keep.

But this seems a bit too complicated for the iPhone (just like playlist managing on the iPhone is a mess). But it's better than nothing and a neat feature.

I really hope they don't limit the downloads too much, or it will not be much of use, since video podcasts can greatly exceed 10 MB = /

[SuperMacMan]

I'm pissed off. My favourite app for my device will now be replaced by Apple's copycatting.

As the support guy for Podcaster, the rejected App Store app that we all know and love, this has really hurt us. REALLY hurt us.

Since this news got out, the sales of Podcaster have dipped considerably - this may be nothing, as it does happen, but coincidence? I think not.

Why wasn't Podcaster allowed, even if only for a short time, on the App Store, before it became obsolete?? I hear what you'll respond with: "They sold us this $4.99 app and now I get it for free with 2.2!! I want my money back!!" and blah blah blah.... :mad:

Because of this news, we were considering shutting down all development on Podcaster. A final update would be issued, then no more, as there wouldn't be any need for this app.... So some pretty sad news for us. Until we considered this...


Apple's solution/method probably won't be half as complete as Podcaster.


So, Podcaster will most likely live on. Hopefully. If Apple doesn't completely imitate Podcaster. Then it'll be some really sad news....
Please cross your fingers with us that Apple's way won't be half as complete as Podcaster, so that we don't end up ditching the project. It's been a great journey, we'd hate for it to end like this! :(

Thanks guys!
SuperMacMan

PS: If you want more info on Podcaster, how to get it, or need some help, PM me!

[happydude]

this seems to have been such an obvious oversight, i'm glad it will finally get added in.

[LoganT]

I'm pissed off. My favourite app for my device will now be replaced by Apple's copycatting.

As the support guy for Podcaster, the rejected App Store app that we all know and love, this has really hurt us. REALLY hurt us.

Since this news got out, the sales of Podcaster have dipped considerably - this may be nothing, as it does happen, but coincidence? I think not.

Why wasn't Podcaster allowed, even if only for a short time, on the App Store, before it became obsolete?? I hear what you'll respond with: "They sold us this $4.99 app and now I get it for free with 2.2!! I want my money back!!" and blah blah blah.... :mad:

Because of this news, we were considering shutting down all development on Podcaster. A final update would be issued, then no more, as there wouldn't be any need for this app.... So some pretty sad news for us. Until we considered this...


Apple's solution/method probably won't be half as complete as Podcaster.


So, Podcaster will most likely live on. Hopefully. If Apple doesn't completely imitate Podcaster. Then it'll be some really sad news....
Please cross your fingers with us that Apple's way won't be half as complete as Podcaster, so that we don't end up ditching the project. It's been a great journey, we'd hate for it to end like this! :(

Thanks guys!
SuperMacMan

PS: If you want more info on Podcaster, how to get it, or need some help, PM me!

Oh please, ****. How do you know Apple hasn't been working on this before you? And to hope Apple fails so you succeed? You guys sound like a terrible company.

[sunfast]

This is amazing news. Can't wait for 2.2 now

[Nonnus3G]

Oh please, ****. How do you know Apple hasn't been working on this before you? And to hope Apple fails so you succeed? You guys sound like a terrible company.

ahm, you are totally out of order

he was not minimally disrespectful as you were
and has a very valid position
they spent their effort on developing something that was not available
got blocked for arguable reasons (probably suspecting the sad true)
and now just confirm apple has pulled the monopoly hammer on them

try to imagine how would you feel if it happened to you ;)

after this precedent i am sure this is indeed an increasing fear for any iphone dev now

[Ecthelion]

I'm pissed off. My favourite app for my device will now be replaced by Apple's copycatting.

As the support guy for Podcaster, the rejected App Store app that we all know and love, this has really hurt us. REALLY hurt us.

Since this news got out, the sales of Podcaster have dipped considerably - this may be nothing, as it does happen, but coincidence? I think not.

Why wasn't Podcaster allowed, even if only for a short time, on the App Store, before it became obsolete?? I hear what you'll respond with: "They sold us this $4.99 app and now I get it for free with 2.2!! I want my money back!!" and blah blah blah.... :mad:

Because of this news, we were considering shutting down all development on Podcaster. A final update would be issued, then no more, as there wouldn't be any need for this app.... So some pretty sad news for us. Until we considered this...


Apple's solution/method probably won't be half as complete as Podcaster.


So, Podcaster will most likely live on. Hopefully. If Apple doesn't completely imitate Podcaster. Then it'll be some really sad news....
Please cross your fingers with us that Apple's way won't be half as complete as Podcaster, so that we don't end up ditching the project. It's been a great journey, we'd hate for it to end like this! :(

Thanks guys!
SuperMacMan

PS: If you want more info on Podcaster, how to get it, or need some help, PM me!

Oh please, ****. How do you know Apple hasn't been working on this before you? And to hope Apple fails so you succeed? You guys sound like a terrible company.

Woah chill out Logan you don't need to be rude. Podcaster is a pretty old app I believe its been out since before 1.1.4(I could be mistaken) and I really don't think apple has been working on this functionality for that long. I thought it was a well known thing that apple gets new ideas from the jailbreak community.

[Sehnsucht]

I hope Apple isn't going to screw us and only have it be audio podcasts. Video is needed!!!

:mad: They already have!! How come we iPhone users can't download HD movies over 3G yet??? :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D