In the past months, we’ve seen Google do much development in the background dealing with podcasts. The company has been updating the UI and functionality of podcasts that you can find in Search. Now they have released the official app for podcasts, so you don’t have to do the roundabout “add to home screen” method.
This new Google Podcast app, though, is essentially the same as the previous method uncovered earlier in the year — an Assistant shortcut. Similar to how the Google Lens and Google Assistant apps operate.
There is some new information we’ve found since the previous incantations of Google Podcasts. First off, Podcasts supports over 47 global languages for its over 2 million indexed shows. There are personalized recommendations that should improve over time. Lastly, since Podcasts are synced through Assistant, you can pause on your phone and resume with a Google Home.
Unfortunately, at the moment, we have a laundry list of missing features, but they should be added over time. Features like automatic downloads, Chromecast support, and silence removal aren’t included. With features like playback speed support, better download management UI, and the For You window though, it may be enough to at least try out over your previous podcasts app.
If you don’t have a regular podcast to try out right now, check out our podcast. You can even add “The Android Guys Experience” to your home screen right through the Google Podcasts app. The Google Play Link is live below as well. Let us know how you like this initial, current version of the Google Podcasts app below.
Google Podcast Play Store Link