MacRumors.com

A new Apple patent application revealed by Appleinsider describes an interesting extension of the traditional Podcast into a more useful form.

Apple describes allowing users to request directions from a starting point and destination point. By incorporating visual maps and spoken driving directions, Apple would dynamically assembly a 'Podmap' for immediate download. The 'Podmap' could then be transfered into your iPod or iPhone for playback:

"When being played, the podmap presents to the user of the device the voice directions and the corresponding images so that the user is able to successfully navigate from the start location to the destination location. It is particularly useful to play on the portable media device because it can be easily carried or transferred by the user."

Chapter markers could also allow users to easy advance to the next and previous direction.