Hevel.org: A Chasing after Wind

Yesterday I posted:

It is clear to me that Apple now needs an iTune U app for the Touch and iPhone. The content I have grabbed through iTunes U is still mixed in with other videos and audio files in my Videos and Music applications. In Music, they are not even with the podcasts, but rather sorted with the normal music.

It occurred to me that the piece I was forgetting was iPhone OS 3.1, which I just installed on my first gen iPod Touch. I am glad to report that Apple has separated the iTunes U content in a way that makes it easy to follow and manage on the device itself. Here are screenshots that show the simple interface.

Notice that iTunes U shows up under “More,” and so could be moved to occupy one of the choice positions at the bottom:

Here are the iTunes U subscriptions that I have synced, with the number of items in each. The little TV icon shows which ones contain video:

And, finally the page showing this new item under a particular program:

Just like podcasts, you can click on “Get more episodes,” which takes you into the iTunes store for downloading. I love that little word, “Free:”

The best part about this is that it integrates both audio and video content. Everything is contained right here in one app, even if it is the “Music” app.

Good work, Apple. I still believe, however, that they should allow third-party developers to create alternative ways of displaying and managing content, whether podcasts or iTunes U. I’m not a developer, but I can think of several ways to improve the experience. For example, how about an application that integrates iTunes U and Twitter? Or, how about a Disqus module that allows people who are listening to or watching the same lecture to engage in discussion?