Google finally launched an official podcast app on June 19. Android’s long been in need of a first-party solution for downloading and listening to podcasts, and now that that solution is here, so was it worth the wait?
If you’re a fan of Google’s new design language for its first-party apps, you’re going to like Google Podcasts. The UI is simple to understand with search and menu buttons at the top and a playback bar at the bottom.
The integration with Google Assistant/Home is definitely useful, whether you’re on your phone or talking to Google Home, you can ask the Assistant to play a podcast and it’ll automatically pick the latest episode of the show you ask for or pick up where you left off. Once you stop listening, you can launch the Google Podcasts app and resume where you left off on your Google Home.
The syncing between Google Podcasts and Google Home works with no set up required to get it to work.
Google Podcasts also has a feature that allows you to quickly donate to shows you love right from the app. If a show supports it, just select the blue Donate button and you’ll be able to start funding it right away.
Google Podcasts offers a very basic in-app experience that’s accessible for TalkBack users, but lacks some features from competing services. However, if you’re someone that has a Google Home and would rather use your voice to listen to your favorite shows, Google Podcasts is an excellent choice.
Google Podcasts is free to download for your Android device from the Play Store.
