PITTSBURGH (Top40 Charts/ CastGrabber) - CastGrabber, LLC, creator of specialized home electronics, today announced the launch of the CastGrabber, a new device that automatically downloads podcasts onto virtually any MP3 player without requiring the use of a P.C. More than 167 million podcasts were downloaded last year and that number is likely to increase to more than 200 million in 2007 and without a viable podcast transfer solution, other than iTunes and a few other applications, the task of putting podcasts onto MP3 player remains difficult. CastGrabber offers a simple solution and is compatible with popular MP3 players including Apple iPods, Microsoft Zune, SanDisk, Samsung, Sony models. In addition, CastGrabber is compatible with virtually all of the 150 million plus MP3 players created to date*.
'A user simply docks their Mp3 player, and CastGrabber does the rest, automatically downloading selected podcasts directly from the Internet onto the player with �set it and forget it' simplicity without the need for a PC for the connection,' noted John Hammer, President of CastGrabber. 'By eliminating the cumbersome, multi-step process of using a computer to download podcasts and transfer them to a portable MP3 player, CastGrabber makes it easier than ever before for podcast enthusiasts to always have fresh content loaded up and ready to go.'
Who is CastGrabber for?
BEGINNERS: CastGrabber is for both the experienced and the beginner that finds it challenging and time consuming to subscribe to podcasts and intimidating to use software to transfer the shows to their MP3 player or iPod. CastGrabber allows beginners to navigate the easy to use browser to subscribe and unsubscribe to the podcasts of their choice hassle free.
CASUAL USERS: CastGrabber is for both the casual or amateur podcast user that does not have time to monitor their podcast selections and prefers a solution to do all the work for them.
PROS: CastGrabber is for the podcast enthusiasts or pro that is constantly filling up their MP3 player or iPod with podcasts and is tired of having to connect to a PC to retrieve them.
Simplicity, Ease of Use and Versatility
CastGrabber provides remarkable ease of use, making it the ideal solution for anyone who wants to eliminate technical hassles and spend more time enjoying the latest podcasts. CastGrabber automatically charges and downloads podcasts whenever a portable MP3 player is docked in it. CastGrabber even recharges the MP3 player's battery. In addition, CastGrabber will auto-update itself with the latest software changes so that every device will always be current with the most up-to-date software changes.
Setting up CastGrabber is quick and easy. Owners of non-iPod players can use any Web browser to select or change their podcast subscriptions, while iPod owners can use iTunes for podcast configuration. Via its built-in Ethernet port, CastGrabber connects directly to a user's router and the Internet.
CastGrabber is constructed with high-quality components to provide long-term performance and reliability. The unit's compact size makes it an unobtrusive addition to any table or desktop. CastGrabber features a convenient cord channel and pull-out shelf to accommodate MP3 players of all shapes and sizes. All the necessary connectivity components are included in the package.
'Set It and Forget It'
Not long ago, VCRs were the world's dominant content capturing technology, but few people could figure out how to program them. Then a new era dawned with advent of TiVo, which offered a user-friendly solution for scheduling recordings, enabling users to reliably capture every episode of favorite broadcasts.
In 2006 alone, consumers downloaded nearly 167 million podcasts. But those users were faced with the same vexing problem the VCR once presented, because they were without a 'set it and forget it' solution for downloading content. Now, with the introduction of the CastGrabber, CastGrabber, LLC is revolutionizing podcast management. CastGrabber makes it effortless for users to seamlessly and reliably download the content that interests them.
Who downloads podcasts?
* News hounds - Who do not wish to miss their favorite news shows (CNN, BBC)
* Information seekers - For individuals that seek information on different topics of their concern
* Radio listeners - Who frequently miss radio shows at their regularly scheduled times (NPR)
* Sports nuts - Can catch up on their favorite talk radio shows (ESPN)
* Business - Can send out news, notes, meetings, assignments, CEO message, to their mobile sales force to listen to while traveling
* Commuters - For those who travel to work via train, bus, walk, bike etc. can listen to their favorite podcasts
* Parents - Can un-tether their children (or spouse) from the computer and free it for more important tasks
* Students - Frequently on the go all day and want to get podcasts without hassle while charging their player at night(college lectures)
* Professionals - Get free seminars from major universities (Stamford) or continuing education, medical (Mayo Clinic), legal (ABA, Lexus/Nexus), many others.
* Religious - Christian 'Godcasts', Jewish, Hindu, Islam, Buddhist, etc.
* Entertainment - TV Shows, Movies, Books, Museum tours, Sci-Fi, Hobbies, How to/DIY, etc.
Increasingly, users are relying on podcasts to keep them up to date on current events, sports, hobbies and anything else that peaks their interest. But all too often, the hassle of manually transferring podcasts results in them missing out. By automating the entire process of retrieving podcasts directly to an MP3 player, CastGrabber helps ensure that users are always up-to-date.
The issue of being tethered to your PC is no longer a problem. The world's first solution to offer this revolutionary capability, CastGrabber delivers TiVo-like simplicity with its 'set it and forget it' technology. CastGrabber will be available nationwide in late October for $99.95 MSRP.
