iPhone Getting Support For Wireless Podcast UpdatesiPhone Getting Support For Wireless Podcast Updates

The next iPhone software update will include the ability to download podcast episodes over the air, reducing the need to sync the device with a desktop computer, according to reports. For podcast listeners, that cuts another major tether attaching the iPhone to a desktop or notebook computer.IPhone firmware version 2.2 will support audio and video podcasts, which will be limited to 10 MB in size when downloaded over the cellular network, according to MacRumors, which attributes its report to the German Flo's Weblog.

The German blog has several screenshots purported to be the 2.2 beta, which seeded to developers in October. They show the podcast support and design changes to the App Store.

The biggest new features expected in 2.2 are upgrades to Google Maps, including support for Street View and turn-by-turn directions for walking and public transit. Images of the 2.2 software were published to the Web late last month.

Podcast syncing will be convenient to reduce the number of tethers connecting the iPhone to a desktop computer. Since the iPhone 2.0 software shipped, the iPhone has been able to sync calendars and address books over the MobileMe service. For most users, that means they can go weeks without syncing the iPhone to the desktop. But that's not true if you listen to podcasts -- until now, you've needed to connect your iPhone to your desktop to sync podcasts.

I use an iMac as my main computer, and sync my iPhone to that. I have a beater PowerBook that I take with me when I travel, but I don't have iTunes configured to sync the iPhone with the PowerBook. That means when I'm on the road for more than a day or two, I miss out on podcasts. With wireless syncing, I won't have to miss out.

Hopefully, the 2.2 software will be available before Christmas, which is when I'm taking my next multiday trip.

But there's even bigger news for iPhone users: AT&T says the iPhone will soon support "tethering," allowing users to utilize the iPhone as a wireless modem.