8 ms·

Overcast – A powerful yet simple iPhone podcast player

201 points by haraball 12y ago

smackfu 12y ago
Ok, the live levels display is adorable. And it displays even when you go back to the list. I am delighted, dammit.
pflats 12y ago
Overcast's settings page encourages you to try Marco's competitors if you don't like his app, right above the export option. Ballsy and classy. (http://i.imgur.com/xO09x8d.png http://i.imgur.com/xO09x8d.png) It's a shame his two tentpole features (Smart Speed, Voice Boost) are locked behind the paywall, though. I'd have liked to try them out before dropping a sawbuck. Not sure if that's part of Apple's "no time-limited demos" policy, a business decision, or both. edit: apparently I should have tried the effects menu before posting; they are apparently available for 5 minutes at a time without paying. (I say apparently because I already unlocked the app and can't easily verify the replies below.)
- skywhopper 12y ago
  I dunno, if those features work as advertised, they seem like a pretty huge innovation. Definitely worth the money.
  - MBCook 12y ago
    There are quick little clips in the MacStories.net review: http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/ http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/
  - nicky0 12y ago
    Cool features although not "new". RSSRadio for iOS has had both silence removal and voice boost features for a long time.
- solutionyogi 12y ago
  I don't know if you are from USA or not but 4.99 is a very reasonable price to pay. I spend that much money for apps where I have no clue if it will be worth it. Considering this app is by Marco, I would say that go ahead and buy it. It's highly unlikely that it won't work as advertised.
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]
    - sjs382 12y ago
      I happily paid $2.99 for my favorite Podcast app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snoggdoggler.android.applications.doggcatcher.v1_0&hl=en https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snoggdoggl... Edit: Missed a decimal there...
      - creativityhurts 12y ago
        You mean $2,99. Kinda scared me for a second there.
      - cr3ative 12y ago
        I hope you missed a decimal place there.
      - deleted 12y ago
        [deleted]
- TannerLD 12y ago
  You can try them out in the effects tab for 5 minutes at a time without paying.
- ropiku 12y ago
  You can test the 2 features for 5 minutes at a time in the free app.
- untog 12y ago
  Ballsy and classy. To me it feels a little haughty. Basically, "if you think anything in this app is wrong, you are incorrect, and should go elsewhere" Don't get me wrong, it's Marco so he has earned the right to dictate how an app is. It strikes me as more funny than anything else, but I wouldn't want people to see this and think they can replicate it without having a big name to back it up.
  - makmanalp 12y ago
    A year or so ago I would have agreed to you, but I'm on the fence now. Some criticism or requests are not necessarily wrong but take the product in a direction you don't want it to go. Keep in mind that this is not the same thing as ignoring or disdaining criticism, it's just deciding to put it to use selectively. No product can be, neither should it be, everything for everyone. Quite a few people thing google docs is fine, but some think it's lacking in features. They are both correct, in their own way. Whether you choose to cater to everyone, which is a fool's errand in my opinion, is ultimately a business decision. If you think the product as you envision it will have buyers, then why not? So the dichotomy of correct / incorrect is not as clear as you say.
  - nnutter 12y ago
    This is probably closer to the truth than either the "ballsy" or "manipulative" arguments. Though, I think this is overly cynical. He just doesn't think it's worth doing support. He has stated numerous times that, if he could, he would rather just refund people'e money than provide any support.
  - rsynnott 12y ago
    > Basically, "if you think anything in this app is wrong, you are incorrect, and should go elsewhere" To be honest, that isn't a terrible approach to take with this sort of app. Sure, there'll be some problems that he'll want to fix, but it's the sort of thing where people have differing personal preferences, and you're never going to please everyone. EDIT: Also, I think I remember him talking before about how he implemented things due to user demand on Instapaper that ultimately didn't really fit, and which he regretted. Was on a podcast, unfortunately, so no link.
  - 12y ago
- personZ 12y ago
  Ballsy and classy. It's also perhaps a bit manipulative. I'm not in any way saying this in a critical or dismissive fashion, but rather given that many here are learning from software like this, and I do think there is a lesson to be drawn from that. Persuasion and social norms are powerful forces. Giving direct links to your competitors not only demonstrates confidence in your product (e.g. it must be better given that it confidently points you at alternatives), it can also diffuse criticism, ala "if you aren't happy, here are other options that might make you happy". Recall that reviled Comcast phone call the other day -- the agent was using a tactic as old as time which is to make the caller feel unreasonable and unfair about cancelling (e.g. "until you've given me a good reason", and then a list of why they're better). Such a competitor link list may achieve the same goal for negative reviews/sentiments. App looks great. EDIT: Pretty extraordinary how literally (and simplistically) people take the Comcast comparison. I was describing persuasive techniques (of which our society is filled), not saying that Marco is equal to Comcast. It is deeply unfortunate that this needs to be spelled out. It is also shocking how people are both going forth to fight any notion that this is anything but a purely selfless move wrought by good intentions, but because of such a selfless move wrought with good intentions isn't Marco a great guy (and so "ballsy and classy") and isn't it worthwhile to spend $4.99. I am not sure if the reality is lost, or the fan club has flocked in. /r/hailcorporate
  - runjake 12y ago
    You're comparing this "tactic" to that Comcast fiasco? If you listen to any of Marco's podcasts, he feels really strongly about independent developers and even his independent competitors, who he compliments often (esp. the Pocket Casts and Downcast people).
    - personZ 12y ago
      Yes, I'm comparing persuasive tactics. Is there some reason I shouldn't? The notion that anyone would read my comment and think they have to defend Marco or silence an obvious, factual comment is rather sad.
      - 12y ago
- runjake 12y ago
  His primary competitors, Downcast and Pocket Casts, cost $2.99 and $3.99 up front, respectively. Calling it a "paywall" seems disingenuous.
- Nogwater 12y ago
  FYI: a sawbuck is an X shaped structure used to hold wood while cutting it. It also refers to a ten dollar bill because X = 10 in Roman Numerals. This app is half that price.
  - pflats 12y ago
    Could sworn it was a fiver because a sawhorse looks like an upside-down V. Guess I got my etymologies confused. Thanks.
solutionyogi 12y ago
I really love the no-nonsense FAQ: https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq I wish everyone would write such clear and concise FAQ. I especially love the answer to question 'Why is the app free?' I loved the Instapaper app and will definitely buy this app. The current podcasts app on iOS platform are terrible. The only app I am able to tolerate is 'Downcast'.
- jonny_eh 12y ago
  I think PocketCasts is pretty awesome. So far Overcast isn't doing that much more for me than PocketCasts.
  - smackfu 12y ago
    PocketCasts has those weird popup windows that feel very cross-platform.
    - mitchty 12y ago
      It also uses a lot of private apis from ios6. (I found out running the ios8 beta and looking at stack traces) So I've had to revert to Downcast. I have bought every podcast app on ios anyway to get away from the godawful native podcast app. Whats one more app amongst friends.
      - smackfu 12y ago
        Yeah, given how much time I listen to podcasts, I don't mind spending a few bucks twice a year to try new clients.
      - k-mcgrady 12y ago
        >> It also uses a lot of private apis from ios6. (I found out running the ios8 beta and looking at stack traces) Good to know. It completely stopped launching for me on iOS 8 beta 3. Shows the default.png and the freezes and crashes after a few seconds. I'd downgraded to the Apple Podcasts app (which I hate). Tried Overcast this afternoon and I like it. The only probably for me is there is unlikely to ever be an Android app and I occasionally use an Android device so PocketCasts syncing between devices was great.
skywhopper 12y ago
Be sure to check the FAQ[1] and the Privacy Policy[2], which clearly explain the design of the app, the reason for the data that's collected as well as how the data will be used. I'll be buying the full license right away just to reward the good behavior. Thanks Marco! [1] https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq [2] https://overcast.fm/privacy https://overcast.fm/privacy
hodgesmr 12y ago
At first glance, it doesn't look like it currently supports video podcasts. This is a bummer. Hopefully shows up in future versions or IAP
- smackfu 12y ago
  I'm surprised anyone still distributes their own video podcast, rather than just putting it up in a channel on YouTube. The bandwidth bill seems like it would kill you.
  - hodgesmr 12y ago
    Some of the videos I subscribe to are produced my large media companies (Cable News). So I could see how content ownership would be important.
    - dublinben 12y ago
      I'm surprised any large media companies are distributing any video content for free these days. Everything seems to be locked up onto proprietary video platforms, or sold piecemeal in stores like iTunes.
      - hodgesmr 12y ago
        Most of the major news outlet in the US (NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, FOX) offer many of their programs for free. It's nice to get morning news when I wake up or drive to/from work.
  - philoushka 12y ago
    Agreed mostly, but then you're at YouTube's mercy. YouTube pulls TWiT videos all the time due to takedown notices over content that is played in-show as part of the discussion. i.e. let's play this new interesting advert from Company X, or a clip of last week's TV Show Y. Oops, your entire show is now gone. YouTube has been apparently awful at having humans being contactable to sort this stuff out. Guys From Queens have related the same experiences. Own your content. Yes, it's expensive, and a cost of doing business, but TWiT's got some revenue.
w4 12y ago
I've never seen the tab bar put in the navigation bar before, and I really dig it. I'm actually in the process of designing an education app that plays audio, and have been debating how to avoid a hamburger/basement menu or gestures since the main audience for the app is older, and assumably less tech savvy. Putting the tab bar on top is a clever, and in hindsight incredibly obvious, compromise, since it provides for a now playing status bar on the bottom of the screen without hiding menu options. Nice.
- k-mcgrady 12y ago
  >> "I've never seen the tab bar put in the navigation bar before" I don't think it's a tab bar in the navigation bar. It just seems to be four buttons on a UIToolbar equally spaced. Edit: Strange that this was down voted...care to explain why? It's almost certainly not a tab bar. A tab bar switches view controllers. The buttons on this bar present new ones modally leaving the current view controller in place.
  - nicky0 12y ago
    My guess: because you used "just", which has the linguistic effect of belittling this four-button-toolbar innovation. I guess you didn't mean to do that, but you did anyway. I didn't down vote you BTW.
  - w4 12y ago
    Not my downvote, so no data on that, but I suspect someone considered the distinction pedantic. Sure, it's not technically a tab bar, but it's functionally (from a user's point of view) the same thing.
MBCook 12y ago
Glad to see this is out, it looks nice. If you look at Federico's review/interview [1] you can find clips of the voice enhancer and gap shortener, they sound quite good. I know a few people who will probably jump on this. I fight with the Podcasts app (and podcasts in iTunes) on a weekly basis. I would love to replace it with something by a developer with a good track record like Marco, but I do about 80% of my podcast listening on my Mac and I don't think the annoyance factor is high enough for me to switch to using only my iPhone yet. At the end of Federico's interview Marco says he's considering an iPad or maybe Mac app in the future, I can only hope. [1] http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/ http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/
- k-mcgrady 12y ago
  In the FAQ it mentions a 'basic web app'. I haven't looked into it but you may be able to play on your desktop through that. https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq
  - MBCook 12y ago
    I saw that, but I'm not sure it will fit my needs. More than anything else, I want to be able to use the "play/pause" key on my keyboard to pause the podcast. I also really like the idea of the voice booster and I'm guessing that the web site won't get that (being 'basic' and all).
    - mitchell209 12y ago
      Don't expect the web app to become any serious Mac app competitor anytime soon. Based on Instapaper's website, Marco dislikes working on them. It will keep basic functionality but his main focus will be on iOS for the foreseeable future.
      - k-mcgrady 12y ago
        I was looking at his twitter earlier and he was asking about Web Audio API's so maybe he does have plans to improve it. https://twitter.com/marcoarment/status/489513461261430786 https://twitter.com/marcoarment/status/489513461261430786
isamuel 12y ago
I've been looking forward to this and was planning on a day one purchase, so I'm pleasantly surprised to learn that there's even more here than I expected. Things like Smart Speed and Voice Boost are features I haven't seen anywhere else, and if they work as advertised, are major innovations. They're also bred of listening to a lot of podcasts. Marco seems like he's scratching his own itch with these features, which is always great.
- nicky0 12y ago
  Just as a FYI, RSSRadio has had both silence removal and voice boosting for some time (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rssradio-podcast-downloader/id386600664?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rssradio-podcast-downloader/...)
solutionyogi 12y ago
Just bought the app. Smooth. That's the only word I can use to describe the experience. Creating an account and adding my favorite podcast was accomplished in less than a minute. It is unbelievably polished for version 1. A must buy if you enjoy podcasts.
- supercoder 12y ago
  I wouldn't say unbelievably polished.... In my first 5 minutes of use it: - Complained no podcasts could be played. - Crashed on opening the second time. - Once I could start playing then (post crash?) complained that there was no space left on the device when there was.
jeffcox 12y ago
Really liking the smart speed and voice boost features. Feels like a huge improvement on my favorite podcast (Gear Geeks Live) which typically has audio quality issues. Don't like getting hit up for an email address right off the bat, but Marco has a pretty solid track record.
- robmcm 12y ago
  Yes it would be nice to avoid this until you are sold. It would also be nice to have an explanation as to why it's needed (web client etc).
  - slig 12y ago
    From the faq [1]: > Why an email address instead of a username? > Password resets. > I tried usernames with Instapaper at first, but people forgot their passwords and got locked out of their accounts all the time. It was by far the top support problem. Email addresses fix that. (Nothing’s stopping you from entering a fake address, but if you forget your password, I won’t be able to help.) [1]: https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq
mladenkovacevic 12y ago
Smart Speed - here is what I thought it was, or what I wished it was: The app knows how long your commute will be and it attempts to shorten or lengthen the podcast in an unnoticeable way so that you can fit whole episode(s) into a single drive/bus ride. I have an annoying habit of sitting in my driveway waiting for a natural break in the podcast so that I can turn it off with a clear conscience.
- parm289 12y ago
  Great idea. To start, why not have the app find episodes that match the user's commute time? For other episodes, an app like Overcast could first apply SmartSpeed and then speed up the entire episode (ie 1.1x) to match the commute time. I'm finding myself looking for good (financial) news podcasts that are < 20 mins per episode.
eddyg 12y ago
The lack of streaming is a bummer. I subscribe to quite a few podcasts and pick-and-choose which episodes to listen to by streaming them on-demand instead of downloading everything.
- jonikanerva 12y ago
  "Streaming coming soon" https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184
  - eddyg 12y ago
    That's good to hear. Thanks for pointing it out. I wonder if streaming will be a "free" feature or a "premium" feature? For now, it's back to Pocket Casts.
geuis 12y ago
Some feedback. I'm a heavy Downcast user. 1) Didn't import all of my subscriptions. Specifically The Patch from Roosterteeth. Considering the opml file contains the URL, I don't see why this happened. 2) At least one or two podcasts I deleted a long time ago got imported. I haven't examined the opml file but Downcast doesn't show them anymore. So either Downcast is doing something wrong or the import is. 3) I read the Skeptics FAQ. That's really helpful. 4) Despite the FAQ I still don't see why the account is needed. I very nearly didn't create an account. If not for knowing who Marco is I never would have. I feel very strongly about this with apps. Unless there is a clear and compelling reason to need to signup for a service then I don't. The design is nice. But there's nothing compellingly different about this app compared to Downcast. It also has voice speed. It has lots of fiddly bits if you want to tinker with individual settings. Pay a couple dollars and get Downcast and you don't need an account.
- robinsta 12y ago
  I believe the account is so that Overcast's servers can look for new episodes and push background updates so new episodes are there when you open it.
  - jonny_eh 12y ago
    PocketCasts has the same feature without an account. The app can auto-generate a server account using the device's uuid.
    - robmcm 12y ago
      You can't get a device UUID anymore I don't think. There is also a web view/player I think.
      - dsuriano 12y ago
        There is now `[UIDevice identifierForVendor]`. https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/uikit/reference/UIDevice_Class/Reference/UIDevice.html#//apple_ref/occ/instp/UIDevice/identifierForVendor https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/uikit/...
brownie 12y ago
Anyone know if it does episode bookmarking/favourites?
- ents 12y ago
  You can recommend episodes via the share icon. Recommended podcasts from those you follow on twitter show up in the directory.
  - philoushka 12y ago
    Also while playing, scroll down on the podcast artwork to get the show notes. The fav star is there too.
- nicky0 12y ago
  No, it doesn't seem to. EDIT: actually it does seem to have some kind of "star" feature but hitting the star asks me to sign in to Twitter.
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]
ing33k 12y ago
Love the Onboarding screen https://i.imgur.com/VcBZ4rD.png https://i.imgur.com/VcBZ4rD.png
ZanderEarth32 12y ago
Easily the best user on-boarding experience of any podcast app I've used. I was afraid I was going to have to manually subscribe to all my feeds again, but they were imported smoothly. Creating an account couldn't have been easier either. I also really like that there is a "Delete Account" option front and center, letting me know I won't have to jump through hoops to get rid of my account.
voxmatt 12y ago
I feel a bit bad being so superficial, as the app has real merits, but the design is really painful. The app icon is just awful and, unfortunately, it is only a hint of what's to come upon launching the app. I hope it's successful enough to allow Marco some funds to hire a designer.
- antr 12y ago
  I just bought the in-app upgrade. Overall I really like the app, and how easy the search for shows is. It deserves to be on my homepage and replace Swell (the current app I use). Having said that, I do wanted to make the same comment (at the expense of sounding superficial too): the icon needs a facelift, it's plain ugly, and i want to have a 'good looking' homepage.
- smackfu 12y ago
  Huh, I like the icon.
- nicky0 12y ago
  I suspect the app design is the way it is because Marco wanted it this way, and not because he lacked access to a designer
- chipotle_coyote 12y ago
  Each to their own, of course, but I find the design pretty good on the whole. The app icon was designed by Pacific Helm, so he did hire a designer (and a pretty well-respected one); I'm not sure what the argument against it is. (Other than the subjective one, obviously.) And most of the interior is just typography, in a style that, at least to my eye, is pretty reminiscent of the UI for The Magazine. (Surprise.) I suppose if you hate orange, you're going to find the whole thing pretty hideous. (But if you hate orange how can you bear Hacker News?)
caiob 12y ago
The feature list make this purchase a no-brainer. Excellent App.
arrrg 12y ago
It’s a really nice app and I bought it instantly. The App Sore’s podcasting landscape is filling out nicely, with a diverse selection of high-quality apps for many different tastes. I wish there were as good a selection of apps for many other purposes. There are Instacast, Downcast and Pocket Casts with tons of features, though all with slightly different approaches to UI and graphic design. A nice selection for anyone who wants every feature and everyone who has a very particular and personal way of listening and organising podcasts that doesn’t fit with the way simpler apps organise the podcasts. For me their design (both UI and graphic design which in many cases is just awful) is a bit too noisy and loud and while they do have customisability the developers don’t seem to have put as much effort into making the experience map well to typical listening scenarios right out of the box, making you do all the work. For me personally they are a bit to complex and confusing, but for people who need the features they are great. On the other end of the scale is Castro with its simplicity (and excellent graphic design) that makes it very streamlined to use – if your approach to listening to podcasts fits with what they designers had in mind. For me it just fits perfectly. (I really need nothing besides a list of podcasts and a list of unplayed episodes. That’s perfect for me.) Plus, background downloads work very well, even if they do consume a bit more battery. I can understand going with a server component, but it wouldn’t have been an absolute necessity. Overcast fits somewhere between the Instacast-Castro complexity spectrum (with some cool extra features no one else has), filling that gap. Sadly, Marco Arment doesn’t have the graphic design prowess of the people who made Castro, and since my demands are very simple I will stick with Castro for the time being. But I’m always up to switching it up and I can imagine it being a great app for many people. (Those boxes I put those apps into aren’t hermetically sealed. In some respects Overcast actually is simpler than Castro in very thoughtful way, for example. But in general those categories work well for me.)
- nicky0 12y ago
  I can see why some people would say Castro's design is better, but to me Castro is "over-designed". The visual slickness gets in the way of actually using it. I'd say Overcast is actually better designed, because it is more usable.
  - 12y ago
pinder 12y ago
Being able to import from the ios Podcasts app would be useful. Who knows the RSS urls for podcasts any more?
rglover 12y ago
Awesome that there's a category called "Turns Out" in the Add Podcast list.
- frou_dh 12y ago
  Made me laugh. IIRC that's Merlin Mann's characterisation of material based on surprising factoids and "everything you think you know about x is wrong" type stuff. BTW you should all strongly consider listening to the Roderick on the Line podcast. The latest episode is a good one.
mentos 12y ago
I clicked the page, scrolled up and down, did not see visually what this was and left.
- tizzdogg 12y ago
  A powerful yet simple iPhone podcast player?
goeric 12y ago
I really like this. Can you please add the ability to stream a podcast (play while downloading). That would sell me on this completely.
- pfranz 12y ago
  https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 - Streaming coming soon
mitchty 12y ago
Normalization! FINALLY The amount of times I have to touch volume buttons on non normalized podcasts is nuts. As long as this works decently or close to downcast in overall use I'll throw the $5 at this easy.
- autodidakto 12y ago
  Hmm. Normalization means you don't have the change the volume between podcasts, but better than that would be dynamic range compression. A podcast with both loud music/effects/screaming and quiet/normal dialogue would be "evened out". You wouldn't have to adjust volume even within a podcast. I don't know of any audio player (desktop or mobile) that has this feature. It would be perfect for podcasts/audiobooks.
  - mitchty 12y ago
    I'm just more happy that the quiet people and loud mean I don't need to have my ears blown out as much.
rimantas 12y ago
"About" screen is a very nice touch. I don't think I saw another up doing it this way.
autodidakto 12y ago
Managing your podcasts can be a complicated thing. Shows and episodes can exist in different states and use cases. Do I listen to every episode of this show? Most episodes? Just dip in and out every once in a while? How can a UI accommodate this? Do I download? Stream? Per episode? Per show? Sometimes one, sometimes the other? What about tools to manage my download queue? Maybe I have lots of bandwidth at the office, but I have 1mpbs at home. I've yet use a podcast app (I think I've used them all) that has a playlist setting to exclude certain shows. I've been unable to to create a playlist that has the "All Shows" feed from popular networks, doesn't make other playlists (based on episode state) unmaintainable. Settings at the global level. Settings at the playlist level. Settings at the show level. Settings at the current playing episode level... Downcast, with it's Windows-like feature set and UI, has given me the most power. I have complaints with it (Bloated UI; I want PocketCasts's playback speed slider and "skip first X seconds" feature), but every other app seems to go in the "less is more... until it's not enough and I go back to downcast" direction. Overcast has some smart features. (What about an "alert me of any appearance of my favorite guest, whatever the show" feature)? I hope it convinces people that there is still room to grow.
- berberich 12y ago
  I've also found that Downcast has given me the most control over my podcasts. One thing I haven't found yet, though, is a client that offers a playlist or podcast level setting where I can say I want to download the oldest unplaced episode for a show. iTunes has such a sync setting for TV shows, for example, and it would be very handy for podcasts where I'm working my way through an archive. There is probably a limited audience for such a feature, however, so I'll probably have to keep waiting.
- pbreit 12y ago
  Why doesn't everything just stream as with music and video? I hate the "subscribe" concept. I just want to browse around an listen stuff here and ther. Maybe bookmark some favorites.
- ig0r 12y ago
  Agree with your comments on Downcast except its Mac version. It's somethings that is unusable for me - high CPU usage, sync problems (iOS version has them too), app freezing, etc. Hope Overcast will make other clients better. I'm going to migrate to Overcast for the time being.
incision 12y ago
Looks great. I've actually been looking forward to this after hearing about it on ATP for months now. I was wondering what could be done to differentiate and I'm pleasantly surprised - smart speed and voice boost are killer features if they work as described. Perhaps in a few years there will be an Android port I can buy and use to listen to Marco talk about how no one buys Android apps.
supercoder 12y ago
I can't believe it lacks streaming support. The download model is far outdated.
- skrause 12y ago
  Why? My client automatically downloads all new podcasts when I'm at home using WiFi. Later I walk or drive through areas where the cell phone reception is not really reliable, steaming podcasts would stop all time. The download model is still the best by far.
eberfreitas 12y ago
Maybe a little off-topic but which podcasts do you guys listen to? Any good tips on entrepreneurship / hacking podcasts?

201 points by haraball 12y ago

Ok, the live levels display is adorable. And it displays even when you go back to the list. I am delighted, dammit.

Overcast's settings page encourages you to try Marco's competitors if you don't like his app, right above the export option. Ballsy and classy. (http://i.imgur.com/xO09x8d.png http://i.imgur.com/xO09x8d.png) It's a shame his two tentpole features (Smart Speed, Voice Boost) are locked behind the paywall, though. I'd have liked to try them out before dropping a sawbuck. Not sure if that's part of Apple's "no time-limited demos" policy, a business decision, or both. edit: apparently I should have tried the effects menu before posting; they are apparently available for 5 minutes at a time without paying. (I say apparently because I already unlocked the app and can't easily verify the replies below.)

skywhopper 12y ago
I dunno, if those features work as advertised, they seem like a pretty huge innovation. Definitely worth the money.
- MBCook 12y ago
  There are quick little clips in the MacStories.net review: http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/ http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/
- nicky0 12y ago
  Cool features although not "new". RSSRadio for iOS has had both silence removal and voice boost features for a long time.
solutionyogi 12y ago
I don't know if you are from USA or not but 4.99 is a very reasonable price to pay. I spend that much money for apps where I have no clue if it will be worth it. Considering this app is by Marco, I would say that go ahead and buy it. It's highly unlikely that it won't work as advertised.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]
  - sjs382 12y ago
    I happily paid $2.99 for my favorite Podcast app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snoggdoggler.android.applications.doggcatcher.v1_0&hl=en https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snoggdoggl... Edit: Missed a decimal there...
    - creativityhurts 12y ago
      You mean $2,99. Kinda scared me for a second there.
    - cr3ative 12y ago
      I hope you missed a decimal place there.
    - deleted 12y ago
      [deleted]
TannerLD 12y ago
You can try them out in the effects tab for 5 minutes at a time without paying.
ropiku 12y ago
You can test the 2 features for 5 minutes at a time in the free app.
untog 12y ago
Ballsy and classy. To me it feels a little haughty. Basically, "if you think anything in this app is wrong, you are incorrect, and should go elsewhere" Don't get me wrong, it's Marco so he has earned the right to dictate how an app is. It strikes me as more funny than anything else, but I wouldn't want people to see this and think they can replicate it without having a big name to back it up.
- makmanalp 12y ago
  A year or so ago I would have agreed to you, but I'm on the fence now. Some criticism or requests are not necessarily wrong but take the product in a direction you don't want it to go. Keep in mind that this is not the same thing as ignoring or disdaining criticism, it's just deciding to put it to use selectively. No product can be, neither should it be, everything for everyone. Quite a few people thing google docs is fine, but some think it's lacking in features. They are both correct, in their own way. Whether you choose to cater to everyone, which is a fool's errand in my opinion, is ultimately a business decision. If you think the product as you envision it will have buyers, then why not? So the dichotomy of correct / incorrect is not as clear as you say.
- nnutter 12y ago
  This is probably closer to the truth than either the "ballsy" or "manipulative" arguments. Though, I think this is overly cynical. He just doesn't think it's worth doing support. He has stated numerous times that, if he could, he would rather just refund people'e money than provide any support.
- rsynnott 12y ago
  > Basically, "if you think anything in this app is wrong, you are incorrect, and should go elsewhere" To be honest, that isn't a terrible approach to take with this sort of app. Sure, there'll be some problems that he'll want to fix, but it's the sort of thing where people have differing personal preferences, and you're never going to please everyone. EDIT: Also, I think I remember him talking before about how he implemented things due to user demand on Instapaper that ultimately didn't really fit, and which he regretted. Was on a podcast, unfortunately, so no link.
- 12y ago
personZ 12y ago
Ballsy and classy. It's also perhaps a bit manipulative. I'm not in any way saying this in a critical or dismissive fashion, but rather given that many here are learning from software like this, and I do think there is a lesson to be drawn from that. Persuasion and social norms are powerful forces. Giving direct links to your competitors not only demonstrates confidence in your product (e.g. it must be better given that it confidently points you at alternatives), it can also diffuse criticism, ala "if you aren't happy, here are other options that might make you happy". Recall that reviled Comcast phone call the other day -- the agent was using a tactic as old as time which is to make the caller feel unreasonable and unfair about cancelling (e.g. "until you've given me a good reason", and then a list of why they're better). Such a competitor link list may achieve the same goal for negative reviews/sentiments. App looks great. EDIT: Pretty extraordinary how literally (and simplistically) people take the Comcast comparison. I was describing persuasive techniques (of which our society is filled), not saying that Marco is equal to Comcast. It is deeply unfortunate that this needs to be spelled out. It is also shocking how people are both going forth to fight any notion that this is anything but a purely selfless move wrought by good intentions, but because of such a selfless move wrought with good intentions isn't Marco a great guy (and so "ballsy and classy") and isn't it worthwhile to spend $4.99. I am not sure if the reality is lost, or the fan club has flocked in. /r/hailcorporate
- runjake 12y ago
  You're comparing this "tactic" to that Comcast fiasco? If you listen to any of Marco's podcasts, he feels really strongly about independent developers and even his independent competitors, who he compliments often (esp. the Pocket Casts and Downcast people).
  - personZ 12y ago
    Yes, I'm comparing persuasive tactics. Is there some reason I shouldn't? The notion that anyone would read my comment and think they have to defend Marco or silence an obvious, factual comment is rather sad.
    - 12y ago
runjake 12y ago
His primary competitors, Downcast and Pocket Casts, cost $2.99 and $3.99 up front, respectively. Calling it a "paywall" seems disingenuous.
Nogwater 12y ago
FYI: a sawbuck is an X shaped structure used to hold wood while cutting it. It also refers to a ten dollar bill because X = 10 in Roman Numerals. This app is half that price.
- pflats 12y ago
  Could sworn it was a fiver because a sawhorse looks like an upside-down V. Guess I got my etymologies confused. Thanks.

solutionyogi 12y ago

I really love the no-nonsense FAQ: https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq I wish everyone would write such clear and concise FAQ. I especially love the answer to question 'Why is the app free?' I loved the Instapaper app and will definitely buy this app. The current podcasts app on iOS platform are terrible. The only app I am able to tolerate is 'Downcast'.

jonny_eh 12y ago
I think PocketCasts is pretty awesome. So far Overcast isn't doing that much more for me than PocketCasts.
- smackfu 12y ago
  PocketCasts has those weird popup windows that feel very cross-platform.
  - mitchty 12y ago
    It also uses a lot of private apis from ios6. (I found out running the ios8 beta and looking at stack traces) So I've had to revert to Downcast. I have bought every podcast app on ios anyway to get away from the godawful native podcast app. Whats one more app amongst friends.
    - smackfu 12y ago
      Yeah, given how much time I listen to podcasts, I don't mind spending a few bucks twice a year to try new clients.
    - k-mcgrady 12y ago
      >> It also uses a lot of private apis from ios6. (I found out running the ios8 beta and looking at stack traces) Good to know. It completely stopped launching for me on iOS 8 beta 3. Shows the default.png and the freezes and crashes after a few seconds. I'd downgraded to the Apple Podcasts app (which I hate). Tried Overcast this afternoon and I like it. The only probably for me is there is unlikely to ever be an Android app and I occasionally use an Android device so PocketCasts syncing between devices was great.

skywhopper 12y ago

Be sure to check the FAQ[1] and the Privacy Policy[2], which clearly explain the design of the app, the reason for the data that's collected as well as how the data will be used. I'll be buying the full license right away just to reward the good behavior. Thanks Marco! [1] https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq [2] https://overcast.fm/privacy https://overcast.fm/privacy

hodgesmr 12y ago

At first glance, it doesn't look like it currently supports video podcasts. This is a bummer. Hopefully shows up in future versions or IAP

smackfu 12y ago
I'm surprised anyone still distributes their own video podcast, rather than just putting it up in a channel on YouTube. The bandwidth bill seems like it would kill you.
- hodgesmr 12y ago
  Some of the videos I subscribe to are produced my large media companies (Cable News). So I could see how content ownership would be important.
  - dublinben 12y ago
    I'm surprised any large media companies are distributing any video content for free these days. Everything seems to be locked up onto proprietary video platforms, or sold piecemeal in stores like iTunes.
    - hodgesmr 12y ago
      Most of the major news outlet in the US (NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, FOX) offer many of their programs for free. It's nice to get morning news when I wake up or drive to/from work.
- philoushka 12y ago
  Agreed mostly, but then you're at YouTube's mercy. YouTube pulls TWiT videos all the time due to takedown notices over content that is played in-show as part of the discussion. i.e. let's play this new interesting advert from Company X, or a clip of last week's TV Show Y. Oops, your entire show is now gone. YouTube has been apparently awful at having humans being contactable to sort this stuff out. Guys From Queens have related the same experiences. Own your content. Yes, it's expensive, and a cost of doing business, but TWiT's got some revenue.

w4 12y ago

I've never seen the tab bar put in the navigation bar before, and I really dig it. I'm actually in the process of designing an education app that plays audio, and have been debating how to avoid a hamburger/basement menu or gestures since the main audience for the app is older, and assumably less tech savvy. Putting the tab bar on top is a clever, and in hindsight incredibly obvious, compromise, since it provides for a now playing status bar on the bottom of the screen without hiding menu options. Nice.

k-mcgrady 12y ago
>> "I've never seen the tab bar put in the navigation bar before" I don't think it's a tab bar in the navigation bar. It just seems to be four buttons on a UIToolbar equally spaced. Edit: Strange that this was down voted...care to explain why? It's almost certainly not a tab bar. A tab bar switches view controllers. The buttons on this bar present new ones modally leaving the current view controller in place.
- nicky0 12y ago
  My guess: because you used "just", which has the linguistic effect of belittling this four-button-toolbar innovation. I guess you didn't mean to do that, but you did anyway. I didn't down vote you BTW.
- w4 12y ago
  Not my downvote, so no data on that, but I suspect someone considered the distinction pedantic. Sure, it's not technically a tab bar, but it's functionally (from a user's point of view) the same thing.

MBCook 12y ago

Glad to see this is out, it looks nice. If you look at Federico's review/interview [1] you can find clips of the voice enhancer and gap shortener, they sound quite good. I know a few people who will probably jump on this. I fight with the Podcasts app (and podcasts in iTunes) on a weekly basis. I would love to replace it with something by a developer with a good track record like Marco, but I do about 80% of my podcast listening on my Mac and I don't think the annoyance factor is high enough for me to switch to using only my iPhone yet. At the end of Federico's interview Marco says he's considering an iPad or maybe Mac app in the future, I can only hope. [1] http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/ http://www.macstories.net/reviews/overcast-review/

k-mcgrady 12y ago
In the FAQ it mentions a 'basic web app'. I haven't looked into it but you may be able to play on your desktop through that. https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq
- MBCook 12y ago
  I saw that, but I'm not sure it will fit my needs. More than anything else, I want to be able to use the "play/pause" key on my keyboard to pause the podcast. I also really like the idea of the voice booster and I'm guessing that the web site won't get that (being 'basic' and all).
  - mitchell209 12y ago
    Don't expect the web app to become any serious Mac app competitor anytime soon. Based on Instapaper's website, Marco dislikes working on them. It will keep basic functionality but his main focus will be on iOS for the foreseeable future.
    - k-mcgrady 12y ago
      I was looking at his twitter earlier and he was asking about Web Audio API's so maybe he does have plans to improve it. https://twitter.com/marcoarment/status/489513461261430786 https://twitter.com/marcoarment/status/489513461261430786

isamuel 12y ago

I've been looking forward to this and was planning on a day one purchase, so I'm pleasantly surprised to learn that there's even more here than I expected. Things like Smart Speed and Voice Boost are features I haven't seen anywhere else, and if they work as advertised, are major innovations. They're also bred of listening to a lot of podcasts. Marco seems like he's scratching his own itch with these features, which is always great.

nicky0 12y ago
Just as a FYI, RSSRadio has had both silence removal and voice boosting for some time (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rssradio-podcast-downloader/id386600664?mt=8 https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/rssradio-podcast-downloader/...)

solutionyogi 12y ago

Just bought the app. Smooth. That's the only word I can use to describe the experience. Creating an account and adding my favorite podcast was accomplished in less than a minute. It is unbelievably polished for version 1. A must buy if you enjoy podcasts.

supercoder 12y ago
I wouldn't say unbelievably polished.... In my first 5 minutes of use it: - Complained no podcasts could be played. - Crashed on opening the second time. - Once I could start playing then (post crash?) complained that there was no space left on the device when there was.

jeffcox 12y ago

Really liking the smart speed and voice boost features. Feels like a huge improvement on my favorite podcast (Gear Geeks Live) which typically has audio quality issues. Don't like getting hit up for an email address right off the bat, but Marco has a pretty solid track record.

robmcm 12y ago
Yes it would be nice to avoid this until you are sold. It would also be nice to have an explanation as to why it's needed (web client etc).
- slig 12y ago
  From the faq [1]: > Why an email address instead of a username? > Password resets. > I tried usernames with Instapaper at first, but people forgot their passwords and got locked out of their accounts all the time. It was by far the top support problem. Email addresses fix that. (Nothing’s stopping you from entering a fake address, but if you forget your password, I won’t be able to help.) [1]: https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq https://overcast.fm/skeptics_faq

mladenkovacevic 12y ago

Smart Speed - here is what I thought it was, or what I wished it was: The app knows how long your commute will be and it attempts to shorten or lengthen the podcast in an unnoticeable way so that you can fit whole episode(s) into a single drive/bus ride. I have an annoying habit of sitting in my driveway waiting for a natural break in the podcast so that I can turn it off with a clear conscience.

parm289 12y ago
Great idea. To start, why not have the app find episodes that match the user's commute time? For other episodes, an app like Overcast could first apply SmartSpeed and then speed up the entire episode (ie 1.1x) to match the commute time. I'm finding myself looking for good (financial) news podcasts that are < 20 mins per episode.

eddyg 12y ago

The lack of streaming is a bummer. I subscribe to quite a few podcasts and pick-and-choose which episodes to listen to by streaming them on-demand instead of downloading everything.

jonikanerva 12y ago
"Streaming coming soon" https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184
- eddyg 12y ago
  That's good to hear. Thanks for pointing it out. I wonder if streaming will be a "free" feature or a "premium" feature? For now, it's back to Pocket Casts.

geuis 12y ago

Some feedback. I'm a heavy Downcast user. 1) Didn't import all of my subscriptions. Specifically The Patch from Roosterteeth. Considering the opml file contains the URL, I don't see why this happened. 2) At least one or two podcasts I deleted a long time ago got imported. I haven't examined the opml file but Downcast doesn't show them anymore. So either Downcast is doing something wrong or the import is. 3) I read the Skeptics FAQ. That's really helpful. 4) Despite the FAQ I still don't see why the account is needed. I very nearly didn't create an account. If not for knowing who Marco is I never would have. I feel very strongly about this with apps. Unless there is a clear and compelling reason to need to signup for a service then I don't. The design is nice. But there's nothing compellingly different about this app compared to Downcast. It also has voice speed. It has lots of fiddly bits if you want to tinker with individual settings. Pay a couple dollars and get Downcast and you don't need an account.

robinsta 12y ago
I believe the account is so that Overcast's servers can look for new episodes and push background updates so new episodes are there when you open it.
- jonny_eh 12y ago
  PocketCasts has the same feature without an account. The app can auto-generate a server account using the device's uuid.
  - robmcm 12y ago
    You can't get a device UUID anymore I don't think. There is also a web view/player I think.
    - dsuriano 12y ago
      There is now `[UIDevice identifierForVendor]`. https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/uikit/reference/UIDevice_Class/Reference/UIDevice.html#//apple_ref/occ/instp/UIDevice/identifierForVendor https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/uikit/...

brownie 12y ago

Anyone know if it does episode bookmarking/favourites?

ents 12y ago
You can recommend episodes via the share icon. Recommended podcasts from those you follow on twitter show up in the directory.
- philoushka 12y ago
  Also while playing, scroll down on the podcast artwork to get the show notes. The fav star is there too.
nicky0 12y ago
No, it doesn't seem to. EDIT: actually it does seem to have some kind of "star" feature but hitting the star asks me to sign in to Twitter.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]

ing33k 12y ago

Love the Onboarding screen https://i.imgur.com/VcBZ4rD.png https://i.imgur.com/VcBZ4rD.png

ZanderEarth32 12y ago

Easily the best user on-boarding experience of any podcast app I've used. I was afraid I was going to have to manually subscribe to all my feeds again, but they were imported smoothly. Creating an account couldn't have been easier either. I also really like that there is a "Delete Account" option front and center, letting me know I won't have to jump through hoops to get rid of my account.

voxmatt 12y ago

I feel a bit bad being so superficial, as the app has real merits, but the design is really painful. The app icon is just awful and, unfortunately, it is only a hint of what's to come upon launching the app. I hope it's successful enough to allow Marco some funds to hire a designer.

antr 12y ago
I just bought the in-app upgrade. Overall I really like the app, and how easy the search for shows is. It deserves to be on my homepage and replace Swell (the current app I use). Having said that, I do wanted to make the same comment (at the expense of sounding superficial too): the icon needs a facelift, it's plain ugly, and i want to have a 'good looking' homepage.
smackfu 12y ago
Huh, I like the icon.
nicky0 12y ago
I suspect the app design is the way it is because Marco wanted it this way, and not because he lacked access to a designer
chipotle_coyote 12y ago
Each to their own, of course, but I find the design pretty good on the whole. The app icon was designed by Pacific Helm, so he did hire a designer (and a pretty well-respected one); I'm not sure what the argument against it is. (Other than the subjective one, obviously.) And most of the interior is just typography, in a style that, at least to my eye, is pretty reminiscent of the UI for The Magazine. (Surprise.) I suppose if you hate orange, you're going to find the whole thing pretty hideous. (But if you hate orange how can you bear Hacker News?)

caiob 12y ago

The feature list make this purchase a no-brainer. Excellent App.

arrrg 12y ago

It’s a really nice app and I bought it instantly. The App Sore’s podcasting landscape is filling out nicely, with a diverse selection of high-quality apps for many different tastes. I wish there were as good a selection of apps for many other purposes. There are Instacast, Downcast and Pocket Casts with tons of features, though all with slightly different approaches to UI and graphic design. A nice selection for anyone who wants every feature and everyone who has a very particular and personal way of listening and organising podcasts that doesn’t fit with the way simpler apps organise the podcasts. For me their design (both UI and graphic design which in many cases is just awful) is a bit too noisy and loud and while they do have customisability the developers don’t seem to have put as much effort into making the experience map well to typical listening scenarios right out of the box, making you do all the work. For me personally they are a bit to complex and confusing, but for people who need the features they are great. On the other end of the scale is Castro with its simplicity (and excellent graphic design) that makes it very streamlined to use – if your approach to listening to podcasts fits with what they designers had in mind. For me it just fits perfectly. (I really need nothing besides a list of podcasts and a list of unplayed episodes. That’s perfect for me.) Plus, background downloads work very well, even if they do consume a bit more battery. I can understand going with a server component, but it wouldn’t have been an absolute necessity. Overcast fits somewhere between the Instacast-Castro complexity spectrum (with some cool extra features no one else has), filling that gap. Sadly, Marco Arment doesn’t have the graphic design prowess of the people who made Castro, and since my demands are very simple I will stick with Castro for the time being. But I’m always up to switching it up and I can imagine it being a great app for many people. (Those boxes I put those apps into aren’t hermetically sealed. In some respects Overcast actually is simpler than Castro in very thoughtful way, for example. But in general those categories work well for me.)

nicky0 12y ago
I can see why some people would say Castro's design is better, but to me Castro is "over-designed". The visual slickness gets in the way of actually using it. I'd say Overcast is actually better designed, because it is more usable.
- 12y ago

pinder 12y ago

Being able to import from the ios Podcasts app would be useful. Who knows the RSS urls for podcasts any more?

rglover 12y ago

Awesome that there's a category called "Turns Out" in the Add Podcast list.

frou_dh 12y ago
Made me laugh. IIRC that's Merlin Mann's characterisation of material based on surprising factoids and "everything you think you know about x is wrong" type stuff. BTW you should all strongly consider listening to the Roderick on the Line podcast. The latest episode is a good one.

mentos 12y ago

I clicked the page, scrolled up and down, did not see visually what this was and left.

tizzdogg 12y ago
A powerful yet simple iPhone podcast player?

goeric 12y ago

I really like this. Can you please add the ability to stream a podcast (play while downloading). That would sell me on this completely.

pfranz 12y ago
https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 https://twitter.com/OvercastFM/status/489448132556509184 - Streaming coming soon

mitchty 12y ago

Normalization! FINALLY The amount of times I have to touch volume buttons on non normalized podcasts is nuts. As long as this works decently or close to downcast in overall use I'll throw the $5 at this easy.

autodidakto 12y ago
Hmm. Normalization means you don't have the change the volume between podcasts, but better than that would be dynamic range compression. A podcast with both loud music/effects/screaming and quiet/normal dialogue would be "evened out". You wouldn't have to adjust volume even within a podcast. I don't know of any audio player (desktop or mobile) that has this feature. It would be perfect for podcasts/audiobooks.
- mitchty 12y ago
  I'm just more happy that the quiet people and loud mean I don't need to have my ears blown out as much.

rimantas 12y ago

"About" screen is a very nice touch. I don't think I saw another up doing it this way.

autodidakto 12y ago

Managing your podcasts can be a complicated thing. Shows and episodes can exist in different states and use cases. Do I listen to every episode of this show? Most episodes? Just dip in and out every once in a while? How can a UI accommodate this? Do I download? Stream? Per episode? Per show? Sometimes one, sometimes the other? What about tools to manage my download queue? Maybe I have lots of bandwidth at the office, but I have 1mpbs at home. I've yet use a podcast app (I think I've used them all) that has a playlist setting to exclude certain shows. I've been unable to to create a playlist that has the "All Shows" feed from popular networks, doesn't make other playlists (based on episode state) unmaintainable. Settings at the global level. Settings at the playlist level. Settings at the show level. Settings at the current playing episode level... Downcast, with it's Windows-like feature set and UI, has given me the most power. I have complaints with it (Bloated UI; I want PocketCasts's playback speed slider and "skip first X seconds" feature), but every other app seems to go in the "less is more... until it's not enough and I go back to downcast" direction. Overcast has some smart features. (What about an "alert me of any appearance of my favorite guest, whatever the show" feature)? I hope it convinces people that there is still room to grow.

berberich 12y ago
I've also found that Downcast has given me the most control over my podcasts. One thing I haven't found yet, though, is a client that offers a playlist or podcast level setting where I can say I want to download the oldest unplaced episode for a show. iTunes has such a sync setting for TV shows, for example, and it would be very handy for podcasts where I'm working my way through an archive. There is probably a limited audience for such a feature, however, so I'll probably have to keep waiting.
pbreit 12y ago
Why doesn't everything just stream as with music and video? I hate the "subscribe" concept. I just want to browse around an listen stuff here and ther. Maybe bookmark some favorites.
ig0r 12y ago
Agree with your comments on Downcast except its Mac version. It's somethings that is unusable for me - high CPU usage, sync problems (iOS version has them too), app freezing, etc. Hope Overcast will make other clients better. I'm going to migrate to Overcast for the time being.

incision 12y ago

Looks great. I've actually been looking forward to this after hearing about it on ATP for months now. I was wondering what could be done to differentiate and I'm pleasantly surprised - smart speed and voice boost are killer features if they work as described. Perhaps in a few years there will be an Android port I can buy and use to listen to Marco talk about how no one buys Android apps.

supercoder 12y ago

I can't believe it lacks streaming support. The download model is far outdated.

skrause 12y ago
Why? My client automatically downloads all new podcasts when I'm at home using WiFi. Later I walk or drive through areas where the cell phone reception is not really reliable, steaming podcasts would stop all time. The download model is still the best by far.

eberfreitas 12y ago

Maybe a little off-topic but which podcasts do you guys listen to? Any good tips on entrepreneurship / hacking podcasts?