The highly popular podcast app for Windows Phone, Podcast Lounge has received a substantial update today. If you're not familiar with the name, the app enables users to stream and enjoy a variety of podcasts covering multiple genres.
Originally starting off as a unofficial BBC podcast client, Igneous Software has broadened the appeal of Podcast Lounge by adding in a new catalogue of podcasts, bringing with it international support. Should you be an active user, you’ll love what’s new in version 2.
So what’s new in the latest release? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Added Smart Playlists support
- Lots of improvements & fixes
- Backup/restore functionality
- New player screen with scrubbing support
- Revamped settings area
- Added share status via Email
- Support for HTML podcast show notes
- Block auto-sync of specific favourites
- Lots of fixes and other small features
This list doesn’t cover everything, so head on over to the Igneous website for the full change log, but that's quite the update. There's a tonne of new functionality in Podcast Lounge, making it a must-have for any Windows Phone owner.
Podcast Lounge has led the way when it comes to platform support in its genre with not only a fully featured Windows Phone 7 version of the app, but also being first to implement technologies like background syncing of podcasts. Version 2 further builds on the array of features available.
One of the more interesting new additions to the experience is smart playlists. These provide the user with the ability to compile a list of podcast programming that will play automatically through to the end once started. Not only can you add in audio-only or video playlists, but you can also mix it up with both.
Smart playlists are also included, which auto-compile a playlist based on user criteria from a favourites list. These playlists can be configured to absorb content from selected favourites, include downloaded, new or partially listened to podcasts, restricted to podcasts published within a certain time period, and more.
Version 2.0 is a massive update and we’re enjoying the latest functionality added. Ready to enjoy some podcasts on your Windows Phone? Download Podcast Lounge for $1.99. A limited trial is available, which sports the following restrictions:
- Downloads (user-initiated and automatic sync downloads) are disabled.
- Smart Playlists are limited to a maximum of 3 (those three can be renamed/edited to suit the user’s needs)
