Filip Brož While driving and traveling by public transport, I learned to listen to the spoken word, so-called podcasts, and I try to combine them with listening to music. Podcasts have also worked well for me during long walks with the stroller or on the way to work. In addition, thanks to them, I also practice understanding a real conversation in English, which, in addition to reading a foreign text, helps me to further improve my foreign language. In addition to all this, of course, I always learn something new and interesting and form my own opinion and idea about the given topic.
Many people have already asked me what app or service I use for podcasts, if only Apple's system Podcasts is enough, or if I use another app. Other questions are usually related to this. What are you listening to? Can you give me some tips for interesting interviews and shows? Nowadays, there are hundreds of different shows, and in such a flood it is sometimes difficult to find your way quickly, especially when we are talking about shows that usually last at least tens of minutes.
There is power in synchronization
A few years ago I used to listen to podcasts exclusively the Podcasts system application. However, three years ago, developer Marco Arment introduced the app to the world Overcast, which gradually evolved into arguably the best podcast player on iOS. Over the years, Arment has been looking for a sustainable business model for his app and finally decided on a free app with advertising. You can remove them for 10 euros, but you can work with them without any problems.
Overcast released last week in version 3.0, which brings a major design change along the lines of iOS 10, support for 3D Touch, widgets, a new control method, and also a Watch app. But I myself use Overcast mainly because of its absolutely accurate and very fast synchronization, because during the day I switch between two iPhones and sometimes even an iPad or a web browser, so the ability to start exactly where I left off last time - and it doesn't matter on which device - is invaluable.
It's a fairly simple feature, but for many users, it pushes Overcast far beyond the official Podcasts app because it can't sync listening status. As for the watch, in Overcast, you can only play the most recently played podcast on the Watch, where you can switch between episodes, and you can also save it to favorites or set the playback speed. The application on Watch cannot yet access the library of all podcasts.
Design in the style of iOS 10 and Apple Music
For version 3.0, Marco Arment prepared a big design change (more about it the developer writes on his blog), which corresponds to the language of iOS 10 and significantly inspired by Apple Music, so many users will encounter an already familiar environment. When you're listening to a show, you may notice that the desktop is laid out exactly the same as when listening to a song in Apple Music.
This means you still see the top status bar and the currently playing show is just an easily minimizable layer. Previously, this tab was spread over the entire display and the top line was not distinguished. Thanks to the new animation, I can see that I have an open show tab and can go back to the main selection at any time.
You also see a preview image for each show. Swipe right to set the playback speed, timer or enhance the sound for listening. These are again unique features of Overcast. During playback, you can not only tap the button to fast forward or rewind 30 seconds, but also speed up playback, which can save time. The listening enhancement consists of dampening the bass and boosting the treble, which in turn improves the listening experience.
Swiping to the left will then display details about that episode, such as various links to articles the authors include or an overview of the topics discussed. It is then no problem to stream podcasts directly from Overcast via AirPlay to, for example, Apple TV.
In the main menu, all the programs you subscribe to are listed chronologically, and you can immediately see which parts you haven't heard yet. You can set Overcast to automatically download new episodes as they come out (via Wi-Fi or mobile data), but it's also possible to just stream them.
In practice, the method of streaming during the playback itself worked best for me. I subscribe to a lot of shows and over time I find that my storage gets pretty full and I don't have time to listen. Moreover, I don't want to listen to all episodes, I always choose based on topics or guests. The length is also important, as some programs last over two hours.
Nice details
I also like Overcast's night mode and notifications to let me know when a new episode is out. The developer also improved the widget and added a quick menu in the form of 3D Touch. All I have to do is press hard on the application icon and I can immediately see programs that I haven't heard yet. I also use 3D Touch directly in the application for individual programs, where I can read a short annotation, look at links or add an episode to my favorites, start it or delete it.
In the application, you will find all available podcasts that exist, that is, those that are also in iTunes. I have tested that when a new show appears in native Podcasts or on the Internet, it appears in Overcast at the same time. In the application, you can also create your own playlists and search for individual programs. That alone deserves even more attention, in my opinion. For example, it is not easy to find a Czech podcast here if you don't know its exact name. That's what I like about a system app, where I can just browse around and see if I like something, just like in iTunes.
Overcast, on the other hand, bets on tips from Twitter, the most searched podcasts and shows by focus, for example technology, business, politics, news, science or education. You can also search using keywords or enter a direct URL. I also have the application automatically set to delete the played program from my library. However, I can find it back at any time in the overview of all episodes. I can also set specific settings for each podcast, somewhere I can subscribe to all new episodes, somewhere I can delete them straight away, and somewhere I can turn off notifications.
Once I developed a taste for podcasts and immediately discovered the Overcast app, it quickly became my number one player. An added bonus is the availability of the web version, which means that I don't necessarily have to have an iPhone or other Apple device with me. However, the most important thing for me is synchronization when I'm switching between multiple devices. Marco Arment is one of the most precise developers, he tries to implement most of the innovations that Apple releases for developers, and in addition, he really puts great emphasis on user privacy.
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And what am I listening to?
Everyone prefers something different. Some people use podcasts to pass the time, others for education and some as a basis for work. My list of subscribed shows mainly includes podcasts about technology and the world of Apple. I like shows where the presenters discuss and discuss in depth various speculations and analyze the current state of Apple. This means that my list is clearly dominated by foreign programs, unfortunately we do not have such quality.
Below you can see a roundup of the best podcasts I listen to on Overcast.
Foreign podcasts - technology and Apple
- Above Avalon – Analyst Neil cybart discusses various topics around Apple in detail.
- Accidental Tech Podcast - The recognized trio from the world of Apple - Marco Arment, Casey Liss and John Siracusa - discuss Apple, programming and application development and the world of technology in general.
- apple 3.0 – Philip Elmer-Dewitt, who has written about Apple for over 30 years, invites various guests to his show.
- Asymcar – Show by renowned analyst Horace Dediu about cars and their future.
- Connected – Discussion panel of Federico Viticci, Myk Hurley and Stephen Hackett, who discuss technology, especially Apple.
- The Critical Path – Another program featuring analyst Horace Dediu, this time about the development of mobile technologies, related industries and their assessment through Apple's lens.
- Exponent – Technology Podcast by Ben Thompson and James Allworth.
- The Gadget Lab Podcast – Discussions with various Wired workshop guests about technology.
- iMore Show – The program of the iMore magazine of the same name, which deals with Apple.
- MacBreak Weekly – Discussion show about Apple.
- Meaningful Digits – Horace Dediu again, this time accompanied by another recognized analyst, Ben Bajario, discuss technology markets, products and companies mainly based on data.
- The Talk Show With John Gruber – John Gruber's already legendary show, which deals with the apple world and invites interesting guests. In the past, there were also top representatives of Apple.
- Upgrade – The Myke Hurley and Jason Snell Show. The topic is again Apple and technology.
Other interesting foreign podcasts
- Song exploder – Wondering how your favorite song came about? The presenter invites well-known artists to the studio, who in a few minutes will present the history of their well-known song.
- Luke's English Podcast (Learn British English with Luke Thompson) – A podcast I use to improve my English skills. Different topics, different guests.
- Star Wars Minute – Are you a Star Wars fan? Then don't miss this show, where the presenters discuss every minute of a Star Wars episode.
Czech podcasts
- So be it – Czech program of three technology enthusiasts who discuss Apple in particular.
- Cliffhanger – A new podcast by two fathers who discuss pop culture topics.
- CZPodcast – The legendary Filemon and Dagi and their technology show.
- Mediator – A quarter of an hour a week on media and marketing in the Czech Republic.
- MladýPodnikatel.cz – Podcast with interesting guests.
- Radio Wave – Czech Radio's journalistic program.
- Travel Bible podcast – An interesting show with people who travel the world, digital nomads and other interesting personalities.
- iSETOS Webinars – Podcast with Honza Březina about Apple.
I would supplement the hrej.cz podcast :)
I would recommend Clues, Facts, Secrets and Kolama Mine