The end of Google’s Podcast application and the attempt to push users to the mediocre alternative YouTube Music has pushed some users to other podcasting apps.
AntennaPod is an open source podcast player and manager that is updated regularly. Core features include:
- No ads.
- Option to subscribe to podcasts using online podcast directories.
- Download podcast episodes manually or automatically.
- Modify settings per-podcast, e.g., playback speed or auto-skipping.
- Supports authentication.
- Lots of customization options.
AntennaPod 3.4.0
The latest update improved the application’s efficiency in several key areas. The developers note in the release note that this update completes the modernization of the apps’ code structure. The process began three years ago.
AntennaPod 3.4.0 improves the refreshing of subscriptions by up to three times compared to the previous performance. This improvement is especially noticeable if a user has subscribed to a lot of podcasts.
The release notes mention at least 1000 episodes. While that sounds like a lot, it depends on the subscribed podcasts.
The second improvement speeds up the deletion of podcasts subscription. This process is improved by up to the factor 10.
The new version includes other improvements:
- An option to back up the database automatically is now available. You find it under Settings > Import/Export > Automatic database export. It saves the database every three days when activated and keeps the last 5 backups.
- Add a sleep timer to AntennaPod notifications. This option is found under Settings > User Interface > Set notification buttons.
- Skip Silence can now be configured per subscription.
- An option to reorder sections on the homepage is now also available.
While there are other excellent apps out there, AntennaPod is certainly among them when it comes to functionality and the overall experience.
What about you? Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which app or service do you use?