As it was expected, Apple has launched the 4.9 version of iTunes, the first which has podcast support.

Steve Jobs has announced since last month that Apple is preparing to include podcast support in iTunes.

The name podcast was originally introduced by an article from The Guardian and is result of the combination between iPod and broadcasting. The studies show that there are 6 million users who employ this method of content distribution.

The new version of iTunes has almost 10 MB and is available for download on Apple's site. According to Apple Insider, the new iTunes has a Podcast Directory, which offers 3,000 podcasts, among which: ABC News, Adam Curry, BBC, Clear Channel, The Dawn and Drew Show, Disney, Engadget, ESPN, Newsweek.

AppleInsider also said this is not the only surprise from Apple which will soon release new models of iPod with color displays and 15 hour battery life.

Apple has also published a PDF with directions for those that want to include their podacasts into iTunes Music Store.