Jun
30
So I have been using the new Odeo service for podcasting - I must say, overall, I am impressed with it.
I think I should start by talking about my current iPod habits - they probably aren’t best practice type stuff ;). I hook my iPod up to my laptop about once a week because it is a pain to haul out the cable, remove my case, and plug it in. I am going to purchase a case I found that will allow me to dock it while still in the case. Anyway, I don’t update it very often, which is my point. This leads me to the first feature I like, playing podcasts straight from their site.
I like the fact that I can be at work, and maybe I forgot to sync my iPod the night before, but I can still snag the latest version of TWiT to listen to (something that is blocked normally). The Odeo website grabs the file straight from the feed when you go to listen to it (I would recommend saving that file for future people that might listen, as some of the slow feeds can be frustrating to wait on). That brings me to the second feature, my ability to browse podcasts from anywhere.
Yes, I am usually on the internet 12-18 hours a day, so I can pretty much queue a podcast from anywhere! I actually find that I hear about a podcast during the course of my work day, so it is nice to snag it, and then have it tossed on my iPod when I get home later… That is proper use of technology in my opinion - set it up and forget about it until you need it, then it is ready to go. A third feature, you say?
I have mixed feelings about the third thing I want to comment on, support. It seems their support can be hit or miss on Odeo. My second support request was responded to within 24 hours and a feature was added to the website (The ability to manually force a sync with a podcast rss feed). I love that rabble responded so fast, and when I couldn’t find the link, he pointed out why; we both frequent the RubyOnRails IRC room. My first support request is why I have mixed feelings. I initially spoke with rabble about my issue and he asked me to submit feedback, which I did. I included the only log file I could find with the request. I received a response within 24 hours, but after two responses back to them I still haven’t heard back. In a beta web service, I think support is the biggest thing you can do to keep people around - especially when you have to go up against iTunes & Steve Jobs now. It is probably a good thing that I have been through this process, as I have gained insight for the Agnda beta (yes, we are working as fast as we can on it).
The last thing I want to mention about Odeo is the fact that they have a good layout/design and they use Ajax! If you haven’t seen Ajax, what rock have you been hiding under? So far their use of Ajax has been well placed and superbly implemented. Kudos to Odeo on the “web 2.0″ features so far - keep it up! While the Ajax is great, the color scheme and logo leave something to be desired in my opinion (but who am I to say… look at Agnda). The overall design of the layout and the buttons are very good, I really like the large 3 buttons at the top - they give you the simplistic feel that any web service should have.
Overall, I give Odeo an A-. Keep up the good work guys!
P.S. How in the world did they get so viral?
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