Features audio-only for mobile use

The non-profit educational organization TED has released an iPhone and iPod Touch version of its iPad app, which allows users to browse and watch excerpts of TEDTalk videos running from three to 18 minutes in length. The iPhone app also offers an audio-only version of the talks for those who may be listening while on the move or at the gym. It also introduces a streaming audio option, TED Radio, that can run in the background.

The TEDTalks are presentations from world-renowned speakers promoting new ideas to tackle the world's major issues or improve the quality of life. In addition to the audio-only options, another new feature in the iPhone app is the ability to "bookmark" talks users want to watch later. The video is cached so that when the bookmark is accessed later, the video will begin playing instantly.

The app also has Airplay support built-in, so that users can transfer the videos to any Apple TV-enabled television, and sports an "Inspire Me" feature where users input descriptors (such as "funny" or "inspirational") and the app will recommend videos. Links to specific talks can be shared on Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

The TED app for iPhone and iPod Touch requires iOS 4.3 or later. The audio options work over either 3G or Wi-Fi, video streaming works best with Wi-Fi, and background downloading of talks requires Wi-Fi. The app itself is available free from the App Store.

by MacNN Staff