by , 5:15 AM EDT, June 28th, 2005

Apple Computer released early Tuesday iTunes 4.9, the latest version of its music sharing and managment software with built-in support for downloading of Podcasts.

The new version includes a Podcasting feature to browse, download and listen to radio-shows over the Internet. The software also transfers Podcasts to any iPod digital media device and allows for automatic downloading of a selected program.

The Podcast Directory, which is part of the iTunes Music Store (iTMS), features over 3,000 free audio programs, "making it one of the largest Podcast directories in the world," the company said.

The addition of Podcasting was revealed by Apple co-founder CEO Steve Jobs at the Wall Street Journal's D: All Things Digital conference last month.

Version 4.9 requires Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later and a 400MHz G3 processor or better. 256 megabytes of memory is recommended. The latest version can be downloaded manually, or via the Software Update tool.

Apple's also included an option for program producers to upload links to their own shows. "Then iTunes will automatically deliver periodic episodes to people who have subscribed," the company explained. The company also released a free "Chapter Tool" so producers can include pictures and Web links within podcasts.

Editor's Note: Apple officially announced version 4.9 later Tuesday morning in a press release.