Apple's iOS 17.4 update introduces a new feature that allows users to access transcripts of their favorite podcast episodes directly within the Podcast app, enhancing the overall podcast experience. The transcripts are available for episodes in English, French, German, or Spanish and can be viewed independently or in sync with the audio. This update also benefits podcast creators by providing automatically generated transcripts for their episodes at no extra charge, improving accessibility and engagement with their content.
Google Podcasts will be shutting down in 2024, and Google plans to provide migration tools and support to help users transition to YouTube Music. Users will be able to use a migration tool or add their podcast RSS feeds to YouTube Music, and podcasters can upload their RSS feed to make their podcasts available on the platform. Google aims to make YouTube Music the go-to platform for all audio content, including podcasts, as it competes with Spotify in the podcast race.
YouTube Music is expanding its support for podcasts internationally, following its initial launch in the US. The update includes a dedicated podcast feed in the Home tab, podcast filters in the Library tab, and features such as rewind, forward, playback speed, and sleep timer in the Now Playing screen. Offline playback and background play are available for all users, and podcast channels that have uploaded video versions of episodes are accessible. However, the selection may be limited as RSS feeds are not currently supported. The rollout has been reported in Brazil and Canada with local language support.
Voice notes, also known as voice texts or audio messages, have become a popular communication form, especially among younger generations. The feature, available in messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp, allows for easier, low-pressure communication and the ability to convey tone. A recent survey found that 62% of Americans have sent a voice message, and 43% of 18- to 29-year-olds use the feature at least weekly. Asynchronous forms of communication like voice notes can help strengthen social bonds, but synchronous calls are still necessary for seamless, responsive conversations.
