Yahoo has launched a Yahoo Podcasts beta today (10/10/05) that offers users podcast services to springboard Yahoo into the podcasting arena. The services are free and makes it easier for users to look through a number of podcasts with a Yahoo podcast search. Geoff Ralston, Yahoo's chief product officer stated:
"We intend to be the most comprehensive source for podcast content…”
This move by Yahoo will compete with services like Odeo in offering podcasts and podcast search features. According to a washingtonpost.com report, Yahoo estimates that up to 5 million people currently listen to podcasts on a number of niche topics. Yahoo plans to offer the best services to allow people to find the podcasts they are looking for. However, unlike Odeo, Yahoo currently does not offer any tools for creating podcasts though they may plan on doing that soon.
To check out Yahoo’s Podcasts beta visit: http://podcasts.yahoo.com
To find out the buzz in the blogosphere about Yahoo’s initial podcasting offerings check out NickStarr.com, Micro Persuasion, Technoogle, The Trend Junkie, Online, and Agregador de goikoetxeta.com.
