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Since its acquisition by a public media consortium last year, the Pocket Casts podcast app makes its Android and iOS apps free. Most features, including dark themes, inter-platform synchronization, silence suppression and variable speed playback will be available to all users. Other aspects, including the PC application, will be available for a monthly or annual fee.
The latest price of the iOS app was $ 5.99, while that of the Android app was $ 3.99. Starting today, new users will not pay anything to download the application. In exchange for the initial cost reduction, the company introduces Pocket Casts Plus, a subscription service costing 99 cents a month or $ 10 a year.
In addition, users will have access to MacOS, Windows and Web applications, cloud storage hosting, applications and exclusive themes. Those who spent $ 9 for desktop applications will receive 3 month years (!) of Plus for free.
Pocket Casts defines this revenue model change as a reflection on the operation of its co-owners – NPR, WBEZ Chicago, WNYC Studios and This American Life – by providing a free service with access to certain benefits via a periodic subscription.
NPR, in particular, has experienced an explosive growth in its advertising revenues related to podcasts. Current, a magazine specializing in public media, says the broadcaster hopes to release nearly $ 62 million in 2020 through its podcast and digital properties, up 15 percent from what it hopes to earn this year.
The changes (which also include the ability to play local audio and video files in the app) will come up in an upcoming update.
POCKET CASTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE
The acclaimed podcasting app now offers its premium features at no cost, while deploying Pocket Casts Plus for listeners wanting more customization and flexibility
NEW YORK – September 18, 2019 – As of today, podcast fans from around the world can download the free, critically acclaimed podcast app, Pocket Casts. Recognized for its superb design and robust controls, Pocket Casts offers all of its existing high-end features for free. Experienced users looking for more customization can however upgrade to Pocket Casts Plus for $ 0.99 per month or $ 10 per year. With these changes, Pocket Casts is now more closely aligned with the open access model of its public media property. "Pocket Casts is designed for podcast fans, by podcast fans. Since our launch in 2010, we have been obsessed with the user experience and have consistently delivered powerful and intuitive features to the most passionate fans in the media, "said Pocket Casts CEO Owen Grover. As it evolves, it's important that we advocate for free and open access – not walled gardens – to grow support while delivering the best listening experience in the world. "
The free version of Pocket Casts will continue to add new features and retain all the existing features that listeners know and love, including:
- Discovery: Easily search for podcasts, editors and hosts or deepen episode search
- Audio effects: playback at variable speeds such as 2X or 3X and silence trim
- Organization: create custom filters to organize episodes based on various settings
- Design: choose from dark, dark, or compatible AMOLED themes and dark icons
- proofreading: play individual episodes with or without a subscription, automate file downloads and what's new in this update: play local audio and video files
- Multiplatform sync: Detect exactly where you were on another device with seamless integration between iOS and Android; Amazon Echo; His bone; Chromecast; Airplay, Apple Watch, Carplay and Android Auto
For thirsty listeners looking for even more control, Pocket Casts Plus offers:
- Desktop applications, including macOS, Windows and Web applications
- Cloud storage for creators and listeners who want to use Pocket Casts for all their audio and video files
- Exclusive icons and application themes
Listeners who currently use the iOS or Android mobile app will not experience any changes. All existing features, as well as the new feature, are available in the latest update. Those who have already purchased the Pocket Casts desktop app will receive three free years of Pocket Casts Plus.
In May 2018, NPR, WNYC Studios, WBEZ Chicago and This American life, which collectively account for almost 200 million podcast downloads per month. These giants of the public media have made the acquisition of Pocket Casts to reflect their common vision: to touch a new generation of listeners while providing the best possible experience to audio narrators to connect to their audience.
"Pocket Casts is my favorite podcast app, not just because it's owned by public radio stations," said Ira Glass, producer and host of This American life. "It's really the best." Easy to navigate, small podcast logos that you move to sort your favorites, quick access to 1.5 speed while listening The daily or Fresh air or, frankly, almost everything else. I recommended it to friends. I'm glad to hear that it's going to be free! "
For podcast creators, this announcement highlights Pocket Casts' determination to develop support and offer the best possible listening experience to podcast fans, whether they are new or existing.
Hailed as the best podcast app for iOS and Android by The edge, wired, Engadget and LifehackerPocket Casts, among others, offers more than 700,000 podcasts and is available in 155 countries.
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