Pocket Podcasts is an open source podcatching client software for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC and Smartphones. It is good to know even on a proprietary platform an opensource podcastcher exists. With source code and community effort, this software is better than free.

The podcatcher has made a desktop version available, which allows users to view subscriptions, download podcasts and transfer podcasts to mobile devices. For mobile, currently the site lists three supported platform — at least those are which installers are available: Pocket PC running Windows Mobile 5 and 2003, and Smartphone running Windows Mobile 5.

Both desktop and mobile installers counterpart require Microsoft .Net (Compact) Framework.

Looking at the blog, it seems like new features are added recently. It is still quite active in development. For example, MP3 player and storage card supports had just been added in late May 2006. Support for iPod is still expected though.

Another thing worth to mention: Podcket Podcasts is able to view podcast RSS feeds — including Mobile RSS — and download podcast over WiFi, EVDO, etc. Support for video is available with TCPMP. At least DivX and MPEG4 videos play smoothly.

Those who carry Pocket PC and Smartphones could enjoy podcasting while on the road, without having to carry a separate iPod of MP3 player device.

Still, in many places in the world directly downloading podcast shows on mobile devices through the network data channel is not an option. It costs typically high. Mobilecatching has not been ready for mainstream yet.

As data plans become more affordable, I think podcasting will eventually become more common. I would imagine my preference to listening to podcast only when I am on the road using Pocket PC. That should be nice if I have some podcast shows to catch immediately.

If you use Pocket Podcasts and like it, please donate by using the Google Checkout button to support its on-going development.

Link: Pocket Podcasts.

To easily receive updates on podcast and podcasting articles, subscribe to Podcasting Scout today.