AppleInsider Staff
Apple's iTunes media suite was updated on Thursday with improvements for browsing the Podcasts section of the software, allowing users to more quickly find episodes they haven't listened to [update: a corresponding update for the iOS Podcasts app is also available].
With iTunes 11.2, the application gains a new "Unplayed" tab in the Podcast section, listing content that a user has not listened to yet. The update also includes the ability to browse episodes that are available to download or stream in the "Feed" tab.
Further improvements for podcast listeners include the ability to automatically delete episodes once they have been listened to. Users an also save their favorite episodes so they can ensure they are saved on their computer.
Update: Apple on Thursday also updated Podcasts for iOS to version 2.1. The update adds improved browsing, Siri support, CarPlay compatibility, and the ability to share links with AirDrop.
The iTunes update also addresses an issue where iTunes might become unresponsive when updating recommended songs through Genius. It also is said to improve overall performance and stability, while Apple recommends that users have Podcasts for iOS 2.1 or later for syncing podcast episodes.
iTunes 11.2 is a free update available for both Mac and Windows PCs. It can be updated on OS X through the Mac App Store, while direct downloads are available from Apple's website.
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28 Comments
I love podcasts so this is a welcome improvement for me. I still carry around my iPod Nano in part because Apple hasn't done enough with the podcast app on iOS and to cover those few small features that I am hoping Apple will add in a future iPhone.
I wish someone could get Apple to enable FM radio on the iPhone. Us gym rats don't always go to gyms where the television feeds are piped to the individual treadmill/cycles/etc. My Nano is basically used for podcasts, pedometer and FM radio. I know two out of these three could be fixed with an improved app and a phone upgrade (I'm on the 5.) However I still have the need for FM radio occasionally. It might even help in those other countries that Apple is trying to get more marketshare in like India.
Wish they'd improve the streaming radio interface. Might be nice to have a radio-like scrubbing feature.
Anyone else long for the old days of using iTunes where you knew where every function was and it was fast and easy to navigate? It is becoming far too big and bloated now and I think Apple could do a far better job with the GUI navigation for all the functions. I understand the need for all the new stuff since in addition to music it now has to also manage videos as well as serve as a sync/backup app for your iOS devices. I just wonder if there isn't a better way to do this even it meant breaking it up into two separate applications.
Still waiting for larger cover art view, the mini player is much too small. I don't understand why they took that away. (yes, I periodically request that feature in the appropriate form)
But is it Snappier™?