Apple Podcast Subscriptions Top A Million

Apple's latest version of its iTunes software (the software used to purchase music from their iTunes online music store and transfer it to the iPod) now has built-in podcasting support, helping users to find and download free podcasts.

Predictably, with a user base of millions, this caused a meltdown of some of the servers of the top rated podcasts. Users complained of having to wait for ages to get their downloads and many podcasters were unable to register their podcasts with the service. Hopefully these are teething problems that will be sorted out in time.

Several podcasters have complained that Apple changed the filename and title of their shows.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of all this will be. On one hand, it's great to bring podcasting to a mainstream audience. On the other hand, there are concerns that Apple will be promoting the most commercial and popular podcasts and marginalising the more independent shows.

Their are also concerns that in the future Apple will change their business model, featuring only shows that must be paid for.

Link: TechWeb | News | Apple Podcast Subscriptions Top A Million