DrizzleCast is a new Podcasting client or 'podcatcher' for Windows from NuParadigm. What attaracted me to this was that fact that it uses Microsoft BITS technology. This allows you to use idle bandwidth to download your enclosures. That bit works great but there are some user interface things that need to be ironed out before I use it more seriously. Currently, I use
NIMIQ which gives me just about everything I want (except for the funky way you hide it to the system try). This caused me to stop and examine what a good Podcast client needs.
Features a good Podcast Client(Podcatcher) needs:Adding a feed needs to link in some way to the OPML directory at iPodder.org. You can easily copy and paste in an RSS feed you know to exist for a Podcast but someone brand new to Podcasting would find it hard to understand where to get these feeds.
Also, one of the things I value is being able to limit your podcasts per feed. When you're getting started or you haven't downloaded in a while, bandwidth is wasted by going back in time and 'catching up' the last few feeds. Sure, some feed are fine that way but I want the choice. If I only want the last 1 I should be able set my client that way. Besides, if I try a new feed, how do I know I want to waste bandwidth on 5 enclosures or more of something I might not like?
Another needed feature is for the software to ping Windows Media Player 10 or iTunes and add the new files so they can be synched to the device. Not everyone uses an iPod and WMP 10 works great as synching files to the device.
I’d also like to be able to, on a per feed basis, set an id3 tag such as Genre so that playlists can be more easily generated.
Scheduling feed update checks is a must. I don't want to have to think about checking for a feed. If there is a new one it should just be in my queue the next time I sync my device.
What I like about DrizzleCast:The use of MS BITS technology. This is really cool because you can still surf the net or check email or any other online task and your download won't interrupt your progress because it releases bandwidth back to you until you don't need it anymore then goes back to it's task. Also, downloads restart automatically if you shut down or get disconnected for some reason.
Minimizing to the system tray is automatic when you click minimize. Definitely should be the default in all these types of apps.
Another nice thing is being able to pick where the files go on a per feed basis. So you can have all news type feeds go one place and all humor another, etc.
For now:If I could have all the best of both NIMIQ and DrizzleCast I think I would have the closest my ideal client.
The Future:A device that lets you subscribe, download and listen all while on the run.
