Apple signs podcast deal with Sundance TV

Apple and the Sundance Channel have signed a deal (free subscription required) that will make content from the network available as a podcast via the upcoming release of iTunes, version 4.9, due sometime next month. The Sundance Channel reports that one of their first podcasts will be of their production of Air America Radio's Al Franken show.

Just another tantalizing hint at the next release of iTunes, which many people are eagerly awaiting. In fact, earlier today TUAW'er Jay was speculating about the functionality of iTunes 4.9. Will mere mortals like you and I be able to upload podcasts of our own, or sync them with our personal blogs or .Mac public folders? Jay's questions have prompted me to speculate even further. If podcasting really catches on, will it become a full-fledged aspect of the digital hub? I imagine podcast-creating functionality being built into GarageBand, iPhoto and iTunes, with an option to sync as Jay mentioned, or even FTP the finished result to a desired location. We'll see.