Overcast, a podcast app from Instapaper creator Marco Arment, has landed on the App Store
by Brent Dirks
July 16, 2014
In the works since last year, Instapaper creator Marco Arement’s new podcast app has finally arrived on the App Store.
Overcast is designed to be both a powerful and simple podcast player. It’s quick and easy to search or browse for a specific episode. And when you’re ready to listen to a show, it also provides a nice overall experience.
A major part of the new app is the social integration. Users can find new shows from their Twitter friends and also recommend great episodes for others.
Designed for the iPhone/iPod touch, Overcast can be downloaded now on the App Store for free. An iPad app is planned for the future.
An in-app purchase of $4.99 will unlock a number of other features including downloads over cellular, variable smart speed playback, a sleep timer, and an unlimited number of playlists.
On the Overcast site, Arment said he wanted to offer a better alternative than Apple’s own Podcasts app and Stitcher, which are both free. On the freemium model, he also said:
I also want to prove that free doesn’t need to require creepy or manipulative ways to make money. I think, and hope, that my model will work.You will also need to create an account to use the app. That allows backup and syncing of podcasts along with a number of Web-based features. Keep a lookout here at AppAdvice as we will be publishing a full review of Overcast soon. For other app news today, see: Paul McCartney relaunches 5 of his classic albums as iPad apps, Out There's 'Ω Edition' update to bring new aliens, ships and a different ending, and We have liftoff: Starborn Anarkist's anticipated update blasts into the App Store. [gallery ids="560699,560700,560701,560702,560703"]