Way back in 2005, the term podcasting took hold when Apple added a podcast directory to its iTunes Music Store. While some people might associate podcasting with Apple, the reality is that podcasts are available for all types of devices. The term simply means that the file, whether it’s audio or video, is available for easy downloading.
Many players, such as the iPod or the Zune, make it simple to subscribe to podcast content within their respective online stores. What’s appealing about podcasts is that they are often released on a regular basis and there are thousands of them online. Better yet, most podcasts are free. For students commuting to school this fall, this no-cost entertainment is a win-win.
In the early days of podcasting, the majority of shows were of the tech variety. Many of these programs still exist and now have millions of online fans. Here are some classic video podcasts that are sure to keep students entertained and informed about tech and web news on a regular basis.
GeekBrief.tv
Cali Lewis is undoubtedly the happiest podcast host on the web, which explains her tagline “Shiny, Happy Tech News.” Four days a week, mostly from her home studio in Dallas, Texas, Cali reviews the top tech stories and the hottest gadgets of the week. Not only does this show look amazing, with high production values, Cali also packs in more quality information in each 3-5 minute video than any other tech show online. GeekBrief.tv kicked off in December 2005 and is now a full-time job for Cali and her husband Neal.
EpicFu
If you’re interested in geek culture, EpicFu will keep you up-to-date on all the latest trends. Host Zadi Diaz reviews the hottest technology on this weekly show, but she also chats about music, art, and sometimes even politics, all with a digital spin. EpicFu also includes viewer-generated content, so fans get a chance at their fifteen frames of fame. The LA-based video podcast has won a number of awards, including the Webby Awards People’s Voice Winner two times, in 2007 and 2009.
Diggnation
Each week, former Techtv stars Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht sit down together to discuss the week’s top stories from Digg, a popular social news site. While sharing their often differing opinions on topics that centre around technology, they also share different types of beer on set. Diggnation has one of the largest online followings on the web. (NB: there is occasional swearing in this show, so definitely geared towards a college-aged audience and above.)