One of the best podcast apps, Pocket Casts, has undergone a major overhaul

Several months after the acquisition of the Pocket Casts podcast application by various public radio stations, a new major update has been released. Version 7.0 brings a revamped design and a handful of new features that I really enjoyed in the few weeks I spent testing them. The appearance of the application has changed a bit, but it still looks like it's Pocket Pocket.

Here are some of the major improvements you will see when you install the update today on iOS and Android.

• Play episodes without subscribing: It's a big and maybe my favorite of all. Now you can create a podcast and go directly to a specific episode without having to commit to the entire series – even temporarily – with a subscription. So, if you've heard of an excellent interview or another episode to hear absolutely, it's very simple to start listening.
• Episode search: The search powers of Pocket Casts improve a lot in version 7. You will find a text box "Search Episodes" on the main page of each podcast, which allows you to reduce what is shown for you. Episode with the guest you are looking for. for.
• Best discovery: Sections such as "Great for Kids" and other more organized sections that highlight podcasts join the trend podcasts and the best podcasts. For me, this really seems to be an important area for new owners of Pocket Cast. The exhaustion of podcasts is real, so it is important to help people find new things without too much fatigue.
• At the next synchronization: I'm not one to queue for audio apps, but for those who are, you'll probably be happy to hear that Pocket Casts now syncs Up Next on all devices.
• Listening history: Pocket Casts already tells you how long you've been listening to podcasts. Now there is a more detailed history of listening, episode by episode, if you want to get back to the point where all these hours are spent.
• Improved Apple Watch support: Pocket Casts has put more work into its associated application on the Apple Watch. But there is no offline support yet. The product manager, Russell Ivanovic, said, "I do not know that we will ship it. For me, it's an ambitious function – yes, of course, I'd like to go jogging without my phone and listen to podcasts! "That no one will use it. . "I hope it will be sent, because I am definitely in the camp of people who would like to leave their phone at home and have podcasts at my disposal. (Yes, I know that some competitors of Pocket Cast do it already.)

Pocket games

You do not swipe left or right on the currently playing screen to see a description of the episode or check your queue. These are only buttons at the bottom. (Yes, I miss the slip a bit.)

But there are many other nice little touches, like pressing and holding down the top of the app to switch between normal and dark modes. Siri shortcuts are now supported. And Pocket Casts recognizes the numbering of seasons / episodes. Overall, Pocket Casts 7.0 contains useful enhancements and I have not found much of what seems to have been gained. worst after the update. And that's the thing, right? Once you have found your podcast application of choice, you need a lot to consider something else. And it's a project that is well worth the few dollars you will pay to pay for it – now even more.