ClickCaster, a podcasting host and directory currently in public beta testing, has updated the podcasting services it offers, adding direct iPod synchronization, ecommerce services, enhanced stats for podcasters, GarageBand support, and an embeddable podcast player.

New features available with this release include:

• Direct iPod synchronization ‚Äì Users can now manage their podcast subscriptions and download preferences directly from ClickCaster with no additional software required. All podcast feeds can be synchronized directly to a mp3 player or iPod from any computer without the need for iTunes.
• Enhanced statistics reporting by feed, subscription and download – Subscribers can now see who is accessing their podcast by city, state, country and podcatcher on a daily, weekly, monthly and lifetime basis including sales generated from podcast sales. ClickCaster also provides the ability to export their data to Excel.
• Apple audio codec support ‚Äì GarageBand support for m4a and m4v formats
• Draft publishing options ‚Äì Podcasters now have the option to create and publish their podcasts and release them for access at a later date.
• More sharing support ‚Äì Subscribers and podcast listeners can share and promote their favorite video and audio podcasts with ClickCaster‚Äôs enhanced tagging support. Users can share their content on sites such as Digg, Reddit, Furl, Del.icio.us and Technorati.
• Embedable Podcast Player ‚Äì ClickCaster customers can incorporate a personal podcast player into their blog, website or Myspace page.
• Video podcasting and blog publishing ‚Äì Subscribers can upload and publish Video podcasts as well as create personal blog entries about the topics that interest them most.

Source: ClickCaster