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Pocket Casts , thepodcast app develop by Automattic in 2021 , is now making its web player devoid . The company says the move proffer an choice to the large platforms ’ close up ecosystems , where algorithmic - force back mental object is prioritized and podcasts are proceed behind paywalls .
Podcasts were construct on open technology — the unresolved , decentralized standard RSS , which was contrive to make online sound recording as well as other contentedness , like tidings and web log posts — available to anyone on the vane for free . Starting Tuesday , Pocket Casts will honor the opened nature of podcasts by making its web histrion liberal to use .
That means anyone can visit the Pocket Casts web site and swarm any episode they require , without experience to pay up a subscription fee or even creating an account .
However , if users want to personalize their experience , they can create a free account to unlock features like sync playback across web , nomadic , and desktop devices ; managing their waiting line ; and keep their subscriptions and other preferences .
Meanwhile , the company ’s Pocket Casts Plus paid subscription will propose features that give users extra control over their listening experience , including access to tools and features like pamphlet , chic shuffle , bookmarks , wearable and cloud support , superfluous idea and icons , and more .
The company also notes that AI - powered discovery is not a part of its offering .
alternatively of providing users with algorithmic - drive podcast hint , Pocket Casts require users to settle for themselves what they need to hear to . This substance could appeal to people who think that Spotify has have too pushy with its own recommendations , urinate it unmanageable for users to keep up with the shows they really wanted to follow .
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Support for free cyclosis on the web could also aid the party dispute Apple Podcasts , which roll out web streaming in August 2024 .
Free streaming is coming to Pocket Casts ’ Mac and Windows apps , as well , as a part of this update .
