googlepodcasts
Latest
Google Podcasts is finally sifting through individual episodes
Google Podcasts is still a fairly basic app in spite of meaningful upgrades, but that might change before long. Product Manager Zack Reneau-Wedeen has announced that Podcasts will start showing search results for individual episodes, not just whole shows -- you can start playing a favorite episode right away. While it's only available to a handful of Google Podcasts users at the moment, it should be available to everyone before the week is over.
Google Podcasts rolls out Cast support for everyone
When Google finally launched its dedicated Podcasts app for Android (an iOS version hasn't been released yet), we found it "pretty, but basic." The only way to turn around that reputation is to actually flesh out its list of features, and now that includes Google Cast support. With the button it's easier to tie in with Chromecast devices, Google Home or anything else supporting the protocol, and it's weird the app ever launched without it. 9to5Google notes that while it was available for some users earlier, it's widely available starting today, which Google confirmed to Engadget. It still might not match feature for feature with favorites like Pocket Casts, Stitcher or even Spotify, but for a free app it's in a better position to get the job done.
Pocket Casts opens up Android beta to the public
Pocket Casts, the incredibly popular podcast application, announced today that it is opening up a public beta program for Android users. This will allow any interested user access to the app's newest features, with the caveat that builds might be broken or unstable. If you'd like to sign up for the public beta on Android, you can do so at this Google Play link.
Google Podcasts is pretty but basic
Google has a long and disappointing history with podcasts. With Apple and iTunes, they were always an integral part of the experience. For Android, though, it was an afterthought. Google Listen was barely usable, but basically the only option for getting podcasts on early Android phones. Two years ago podcasts made their way to Google Play Music, but they always felt shoehorned in and poorly thought out. Not to mention there were some pretty glaring holes in its library, including hits like Serial and S-Town. Now the company is taking another stab at getting podcasts right and, unfortunately, I feel confident in saying it has failed yet again.
Google launches dedicated podcast app for Android
Google hasn't had a direct answer to Apple's dedicated Podcasts app. You've had to either listen in Google Play Music (not ideal if you hate merging audio sources) or use a not-well-publicized player built into Android's search feature. You won't have to make that awkward choice from now on -- the company has released a dedicated Google Podcasts app. As you'd expect, it includes access to a vast library of podcasts (over 2 million) and will sync across virtually everything Google, including Assistant, Home speakers and search. However, the big trick is its upcoming use of AI -- this isn't just a straightforward audio player.
