Trial run
What is it? The Virgin Atlantic Podcasting Travel Guide. A podcast is simply a download of audio content (such as a radio programme) from the internet for later enjoyment on an MP3 player or a computer. The term 'podcast' combines 'broadcast' and 'iPod', although podcasts are compatible with most digital music players. Ever keen to make travel more entertaining, Virgin Atlantic
has used podcasting technology to create a series of audio destination guides; information about six major cities can be downloaded at home.
How does it work? All you need is a computer (Mac or PC) and internet access. Even novices can follow the simple online instructions for downloading and installing Virgin's Podcatcher software. If you already have your own software, simply click on link 'Destination Feed' on the Virgin website and follow the instructions.
What are the guides about? The first Virgin podcasts comprise a series of four audio guides to New York, including a run-down of the 10 hippest restaurants and a guide to the cool and quirky. Each file lasts about 30 minutes. The other cities covered are Havana, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Johannesburg and Shanghai.
What's so good about it? It's free and makes use of technology many people already own.
And the downside? The current podcasts don't provide details such as opening hours, costs, addresses and telephone numbers.
