WHAT IS A PODCAST ?

The CoolSmartPhoneCast is an audio version of this site. I record it whilst driving home in my car onto a Pocket PC, then this is edited later to bring you these MP3's. "Casts" or "PodCasts" are basically radio shows that you download. You don't have to tune in at a specific time, just download and listen when you've got a free moment.

"PodCasting" came about when people started recording stuff, then plonking it onto their iPods. However, the Windows Mobile phone will play MP3s just as good as any other device, so you can copy an MP3 to your phone and listen to it on the move. If you don't know how, just click here and I'll guide you through doing it.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Well, I do the cheapy way. I tried it with an MP3 player to record this PodCast onto but the in-built microphone was rubbish when used in the car (which is where I record the PodCasts as this is the only time I get free). I now use a Pocket PC (Orange SPV M2000), an application called NoteM for recording directly into MP3 on the SD card (NoteM is available here for FREE!), a 2Gig SD card from MobyMemory.com (a card this size isn't required though, a 32Mb one would do!), then I use a hands-free headset thing (wired) which clips on my ear and has a boom-mic that goes near to my mouth. A picture of this can be found at the bottom of this article. Add to that the Lexus which cuts a lot of noise out and you're laughing. :) The boom mic is good because it was designed for use with phones / Pocket PCs in the car and therefore cuts a lot of noise out. I then chop the whole recording together with the excellent free Audacity on the laptop.

TAKING PART - SKYPE ME!

You can take part in the CoolSmartPhoneCast by sending your questions and comments into me in audio format. Probably the easiest way to do this to use Skype What is Skype?" - click here and get it or learn more! It's basically an easy way to make and receive calls on the internet. I've written about it here, and it's definitely worth a try. Once you've got Skype, give me a call now and leave a message. Call "coolsmartphone" on your Skype now and give me something to work with :) The call you make will go directly to an voice-mail system, and it's that recording which is used.

If you've already got Skype installed, just click the button below to leave me a message direct..