After Apple has announced its decision to include podcasts in the new iTunes version, dubbed 4.9, the format's future development is still shrouded in mystery.

Another important element for the future of podcasts is Apple's announcement regarding the launch of the new iPod line, which combines the iPod Photo with the already classical iPods. From now on, all iPods will have a color screen and an extended battery life.

Right now the podcast is an audio format, but Apple's future Enhanced Podcast will also support images. Maybe the next step for podcasts will be to support video playback? It's hard to tell, but who knows what the future has in store for us.

In its current format, podcasts are ideal for content distribution, because they cannot be used for sharing illegal materials, due to the fact that it's very easy to trace the origin of a podcast.

Moreover, the development of an iTunes compatible cell phone that also supports podcasts will only have one meaning: the format is here to stay.

With some help from the iTunes, podcasts could undoubtedly turn into the radio of the future, customizable and interactive, where everyone could find what he's interested in with a minimum amount of effort.

In any case, if you have something to say and you want the whole world to find out about it, it's time to get familiar with the podcasts.