This is the fourteenth article in the series App of the Week series.
Some of the best times of my day is when I get to sit in the car driving, sync my iPhone with my Ford, and turn on a great podcast. Whether it is a great daily episode of Tech News Today or The Youth Ministry Garage, you need to have a great application on your iOS device to really enjoy the whole experience. A week ago, I would not have done this review because the application was actually a disgrace, but this week it is significantly better than before. So here are the things that we like and still want to see changed with Apple’s Podcast app.
The Good
The podcast app has come a long way from how awful it was before, but this is why we love it.
- Great Functional Design Many Apple fanboys are saying that the Podcast app is the future of the iOS design with a much flatter look, but Apple did more than that. There is an intentionality here to only have what is necessary in their navigation, display, and layout.
- Sync Across All Platforms Previously, the syncing features was device specific so even though you listened to a podcast on your laptop, it would be “unread” on your iPhone or iPad. Now it will be kept up-to-date on all your devices linked to the same iCloud ID.
- Custom Playlists The new update also lets you create an on-the-go playlist with your own list of episodes. I have found this to be super convient to mix and match all of my podcasts that I have not listened to yet, so no more dangerous navigating while driving for anyone.
The Bad
Unfortunately, there are many bugs to still be fixed.
- Confusing Names Podcast is still using the stations label, but because much of the media is audio, this is easily confused with live stations that you might find on radio. A simple change to Custom Playlists or the sort would be perfect.
- Gesture Navigation One easy navigation that should have been implemented is gesture swiping. Currently to move to the previous or next podcast, you have to go back to the playlist or section and select the next title. A quick swipe gesture control could solve all that.
- Still No Notification For New Episodes Really? This is critical. You need to let us know when there is a new episode instead of having to go into each playlist to update it and then see that there is another episode.
What do you like or hate about Podcast on iOS?
kolby milton says
I love the podcast app! It is just another great feature to a great phone. I am glad they fired the guy in charge of design for the iphone. The need clean design, and everything has to be pratical/easy to use.
What are you listening in your podcast app?
seventy8Productions says
Currently, I have Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast, Youth Ministry Garage, Twit, Tech News Today, Hello Dolly, and This is Your Life by Michael Hyatt. You?
kolby milton says
That is awesome. I have Twit, and this is your life. I will add a few of those extras. Thanks. I would love to hear Seventy 8 productions podcast!