The new 1.1.1 firmware update for the iPhone has been out for almost a week. As you no doubt know by now, the update adds the iTunes Music Store to the iPhone. It also breaks the ability to use custom software on the iPhone - so don’t install it yet!

Even though having the iTunes Music Store with you everywhere seems tempting, the iPhone version is not nearly as useful as the desktop version. You can use it to buy music, but you can’t use it to download podcasts or videos like on the desktop version.

Luckily, a new application called MobileCast steps in to fill the gap. This application allows you to download and listen to your podcasts without syncing with iTunes or needing a desktop computer at all.

Although the application has only been released in beta, it is already a must-have app for any fan of podcasts. The UI is great and the ability to download podcasts in the background is superb.  Now you will never be without your Fresh Air fix!

• Visit the MobileCast Homepage

iPhone Apper is a cool hack that will generate a simple iPhone application for you that will link to a website of your choice.  For example, if you often use the mundu IM website and wish it had a cool iChat icon on your home screen, now you can do that.  You supply an icon and a url and iPhone Apper will generate the actual application to copy to your phone.  Neat!

• Visit the iPhone Apper site