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Last week Apple announced iOS 6, a software upgrade for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that would launch later this year during autumn.
Since then, developers and general Apple fans have installed the first beta test version of the software, allowing them to poke around to find changes and new features. Some have pointed out that the Audiobooks, Podcasts and iTunes U options are all missing from the ‘More’ tab within the iTunes app on iOS 6.
Apple recently launched a dedicated app for iTunes U, but what about Podcasts and Audiobooks? Both are hugely popular, especially amongst the iPod fans. Well, it’s thought that Apple is developing a standalone application for Podcasts and Audiobooks that will launch alongside iOS 6 later this year.
AllthingsD, who have a history of obtaining insider Apple info, reports that Podcasts and Audiobooks will be taken from the iTunes app and given their own space. Apple is apparently planning to simplify the iTunes app for iOS, which has gradually added more and more categories over time.
“So why have podcasts disappeared from the new version of iTunes that Apple started showing to developers this week?
Because Apple plans on giving the recordings their own bit of digital turf.
People familiar with Apple’s plans tell me that when its new iOS 6 software becomes widely available this fall, podcasts will have their own app, where users will be able to discover, download and play them on mobile devices. Users who access iTunes via laptop and desktop machines will still find them in that version of iTunes, though.”
Apple has made the word ‘Podcast’ a household affair after launching it originally in 2005. Since then the iTunes store has expanded as more and more people hopped on the bandwagon, and now it looks as though Apple will give something for Podcast lovers to shout about.
9to5mac reports that Apple could also be working to add the ability to create a Podcast right on your iOS device, from within the app. This would certainly make the process much, much easier, and is something we can see Apple doing.
Are you happy that your beloved Podcasts could be getting their own app, or do you think it will make things more confusing?
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
Via: 9to5mac
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