Features: latest.mp3
Latest.mp3 is a feature that we developed to ease integration of podcasts through the use of a simple url. Instead of using a specific url for an episode, each account has a unique url that ends in latest.mp3. This url will automatically play the newest episode, allowing for the newest episode to always be played without having to build any rss reader functionality. Killington Ski Resort and the Vail Ski Resorts are using them to re-purpose podcast content to different players and for advertising campaigns.
Killington
The Killington Ski Resort is utilizing this feature in two implementations. First, as seen in the image above, they have integrated a flash player into their homepage that is hardcoded to always play http://serve.castfire.com/audio/snowcast/latest.mp3. This removed the need for their external design team to spend additional hours building in RSS functionality into the site to ensure that the newest weather report is played. It also ensures that the newest episode is played a soon as it has been published.
Killington has also launched an ad campaign, buying rich media space for their flash banner ads. To get the most mileage out of their podcasts, a play button has been added that will play the latest episode featuring weather, ski conditions and mountain specials. The banner ads not only funnel users back to their website, but skiers and boarders can listen to the newest weather conditions and subscribe directly from the banner ad.
Vail
The Vail Ski Resorts have a desktop application, developed by otoLabs, that provides customers with constant picture, video, and text updates from the mountain. Utilizing latest.mp3, the application allows users to listen to the latest weather, trail and lift reports from the same application. And all of this was done without the development team having to build any additional RSS functionality.
In both cases, we automatically change the filename to a default filename that is set on the system. This ensures that the user experience will be great even when they are searching for the file on their computer! The user experience continues off of the first contact with their sites to every interaction.
I will try and get a screen shot of the banner ad that was produced that re-purposes the podcasts. Even better, I will try to get the actual banner for you to experience!