News and Reviews
New CastGrabber™, Podcast Management Solution Showcased at CES 2009, Caters to the Rapidly Expanding Podcast Market—Estimated 2.6 Billion Podcasts Downloaded in 2008
CastGrabber Delivers Podcast Management with TiVo®-Like “Set It and Forget It” Simplicity—Automatically Downloads Podcasts Directly to Mp3 Players Without Using a PC.
LAS VEGAS – January 8, 2009 CastGrabber, LLC, creator and manufacturer of specialized home electronics, will showcase CastGrabber at the 2009 International CES in the South Hall 4, meeting room 35975MP at the Las Vegas Convention Center. CastGrabber is the only dedicated device to offer seamless podcast management and delivers podcasts onto virtually any MP3 player without requiring the use of a PC.
2.6 Billion Podcasts Downloaded in 2008
It is evident that the downloading of podcasts is more popular than ever and CastGrabber is the solution for people to enjoy their favorite news and entertainment without changing their schedule to hear live broadcasts. A good portion of the 2.6 billion podcasts downloaded in 2008 were retrieved without a viable podcast transfer solution, other than iTunes and a few other applications. The task of putting podcasts onto MP3 players remains time consuming and tedious, but CastGrabber offers a simple solution and is compatible with popular MP3 players, including Apple iPods, SanDisk, Samsung, and Sony models. CastGrabber is compatible with virtually all of the 150 million plus (in the USA alone) MP3 players created to date (approximately 90%)*.
“Podcasts have stood the test of time and have become an essential form of media for billions of computer users worldwide,” said John Hammer, President of CastGrabber. “CastGrabber is an easy to use plug-n-play solution that allows users to simply connect their MP3 player and go about their lives uninterrupted, eliminating the cumbersome, multi-step process of using a computer to download podcasts and transfer them to a portable MP3 player.”
Increasingly, users are relying on podcasts to keep them up to date on current events, sports, hobbies and anything else that piques their interest. But all too often, the hassle of manually transferring podcasts results in users missing out. By automating the entire process of retrieving podcasts directly to an MP3 player, this unique product helps ensure that podcast enthusiasts are always up to date.
CastGrabber for Beginners, Casual Users and Pros
BEGINNERS: CastGrabber is for both beginner and experienced users who find it challenging and time consuming to subscribe to podcasts or may be intimidated when using software to transfer the shows to their MP3 player or iPod. CastGrabber allows beginners to use iTunes (for iPods) or a Web browser (non-iPods) to easily subscribe and unsubscribe to the podcasts of their choice.
PROS: CastGrabber is for the podcast enthusiast or pro that is constantly loading up their MP3 player or iPod with podcasts and is weary of having to connect to a PC to retrieve them.
CASUAL USERS: CastGrabber is for both the casual or amateur podcast user who does not have time or inclination to monitor their podcast selections and prefers a solution to do all the work.
Software Updates
CastGrabber will auto-update with the latest company-issued software changes so that every device will always be current with the most up to date software changes regardless of when it was purchased.
Simplicity, Ease of Use and Versatility
In addition to its user-friendly design, CastGrabber automatically charges the users iPod/MP3 player and downloads podcasts whenever a portable MP3 player is connected. CastGrabber setup takes just a minute or two. Non-iPod players use any Web browser to select or change their podcast subscriptions, while iPod owners use iTunes for podcast configuration. Via its built-in Ethernet port, the device connects directly to a user’s router and the Internet.
CastGrabber’s compact size and shape makes it an unobtrusive addition to any table or desktop. The device 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.
Who downloads podcasts?
• News hounds – Who do not wish to miss their favorite news shows (CNN, BBC).
• Information seekers – For individuals who seek information on different topics of 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 messages, to their mobile sales force to listen to while traveling.
• Commuters – Those who travel to work via train, bus, walk, etc. can listen to their favorite podcasts.
• Parents – Can free the computer for more important tasks to benefit their children (or themselves).
• 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.
CastGrabber is available now nationwide at retailers. For more information, visit CastGrabber at the 2009 International CES in South Hall 4, meeting room 35975MP at the Las Vegas Convention Center, or visit us at www.CastGrabber.net.
ABOUT CASTGRABBER, LLC
CastGrabber, LLC is a dynamic new company focused on creating advanced unique home electronics. Their highly experienced team has developed the first electronic device that automatically and autonomously downloads podcasts directly to virtually any MP3 player without using a PC. . For more information, visit www.CastGrabber.NET.
NOTE: All trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective companies.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photography available upon request.
* Not for use with Macintosh OS or Macintosh OS formatted iPods. Also will not work with PSP, Zune, iPhone or iPod touch.