Pocket Casts

Introduction

Hi all, it's Julian here again, and welcome to another episode from Productivity Matters.   If you're new here, then welcome.  If you're a regular listener, welcome back.

In this series I've been looking at apps that are designed to help you be more productive; to get things done as efficiently as possible.

I'm not sure that listening to podcasts actually counts as being productive.  I mean, listening to the radio or music isn't actually productive, although it can lead to being more productive.  Podcasts, on the other hand, are less about the music and more about the information.

There are many apps out there to consume podcasts, and today I'm going to take a look at one in particular. Pocket Casts has been around a while, available on iOS and Android (and a web player too) and they have now released version 7.  I couldn't let the opportunity slip by to take a closer look.

So - buckle up, here we go.

What is a Podcast?

This might seem like a strange way to start this episode, but let's look at what a podcast actually is?

It's strange, because that's how you are here right now.  Listening to this podcast.  

The straight definition is "A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically."

Podcasting has become very popular in recent years, allowing many people to get involved - including yours truly!

It's a mechanism for anyone to speak their mind, investigate issues, tell stories and more, using the audio medium.   The way to access these podcasts is usually via a podcast app; of which there are many.  Some are basic and some offer a wealth of functionality.

One such app is Pocket Casts; it's been my app for listening to podcasts for the last few years, and it's brilliant.

Pocket Casts

Over the years, they have made changes and updates to improve the experience, but today they launched version 7 - and it's beautiful.

I use the iOS version, although it's also available on Android and the web, and there's a  Windows and Mac version too.

The look and feel is fresh, with icons along the bottom of the screen leading you to what you want to do.  Starting with the Podcast icon, which takes you to a list (or grid) of the podcasts you've subscribed to.  Next, the filters.

You can create quick filters, similar to channels - call them what you like, literally; and then add podcasts to them so you can get to them easily.  This is helpful if you have bucket loads of podcasts.

The Discover section leads with the Featured podcasts, then a selection of Trending.  Scroll down to find other sections that will highlight podcasts you might be interested in.  Alternatively, towards the bottom of the list, you can search by networks, or categories.

The search bar at the top of the page will allow you to enter the name for finding a specific podcast quickly.

The final icon is Profile.  This will tell you how many podcasts you've subscribed to, and then how many days you've listened for.  Depending on your settings; which I'll talk about soon, it will also tell you how much time you've saved.

Further down the Profile page is a link to all your stats, downloaded podcasts, those you have starred and finally, your listening history.  This is new and it's great to be able to find a previous episode of a series.

Right at the top of the screen, on your Profile, is the Settings icon.  In here, you have completely granular control over each part of the app.

Playback gives you control over how far you want to skip forward or back, in seconds.  You can set the screen to say awake and more.

The Notifications section sets the global setting for getting notified of new episodes; you can then set each podcast individually.  The App badge allows you a number of options for being off; showing the total unplayed, new releases, or a specific filter count.

Under Appearance, you can set to dark mode (or extra dark!) and also the colour of the app icon that appears on your home screen.

Storage and Data use is as the name suggests, and you can set it to warn you before downloading over mobile data.

Finished a podcast?  Then auto-archive an episode.  You can set this to happen after a set period.

Auto download - one of my favourite settings. Set to download only when connected to Wifi, only specific podcasts and more.

There are now even Siri shortcuts to make accessing and playback easier, using your voice.

Things get really interesting when you look at the settings for each individual podcast.  Just open up the podcast and click on the settings icon.

You can set the auto-download and whether you want to be notified when a new episode is available.  You can automatically add the new episode to your playlist, so it will appear in the ‘Up Next’ section of the app; and you can decide if you want it to appear at the top or the bottom of that section.

For example, you may have some news podcasts, which are time-sensitive, due to the very nature of the content, so you want to prioritise them over an entertainment podcast, which you could listen to at any time.

When you select the Playback Effects, you can set the speed for the playback; which is useful for speech only podcasts; and you can trim the silence - this means that pauses are skipped, to let you listen more quickly.

Remember I mentioned the statistics about time saved?  This is where the figure about how much time you’ve saved comes in.  On my app, it tells me I’ve saved over 20 hours through skipping pauses.

The final setting is called ’Skip First..’ and it means you can set the episode to start a pre-determined number of seconds from the beginning.  This is useful if you know there will be a ’sponsored’ section, and want to skip it to get to the content.

New in Version 7, you can now listen to the episode without subscribing first.  This is something that used to annoy me a little - having to subscribe to a podcast before knowing whether I want to commit.  So now I can try it beforehand.

The ‘up next’ syncing is great to set it all up once, and then listen on your PC or tablet.

There are new archiving features, enhanced Apple Watch support, and you can also view your listening history.

Thank You

So, there you have it.  A completely fully-featured podcast app, that gives you full control over how you want to listen. It’s completely free to download and use on your mobile device.  If you want to listen via the web, then there is a one-off cost of £8.40.

Does listening to podcasts make me more productive?  Not really; but Pocket Casts makes it a breeze to download and manage the podcasts I like to listen to.

If you have any questions about Pocket Casts, then please get in touch via Twitter @prodmatters

Don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to your podcasts and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:
Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N
Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP
Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.

Google Products

Introduction

There is one tech company on this planet which has worked its ways into the very fabric of our technical lives. 

Without them we would be one verb less, and even though we don’t pay for it, we would probably the poorer without it. 

I don’t need to Google this answer. 

It is, of course, Google. 

I’m Julian, your host, and in this episode, I’m going to take a look at the various products they offer and how they might be able to help you.

Coming up on Productivity Matters.

Google

Google appeared on the scene back in 1998; a newcomer to the world of search. Started by a couple of students to improve how they could search what was, then, an internet far removed from what we know now; it has grown into a monolith of a corporation. 

Like most businesses, Google exists for their shareholders, to make money. And although there is a philosophical approach Google makes their money from advertising and selling data. I’m not going to spend time going into details, but as I’ve mentioned in previous episodes; since you don’t pay Google for their services, then they sell data about you; so advertisers can better target their products. 

Apart from their famous search engine, over the years they have built a portfolio of products that enable you to completely run your life.... they have developed a range of products and services that without them; well, who knows!

In no particular order....

<Fade out as I start reading this>

Allo, Android, Calendar, Cast, Chrome, Contacts, Docs, Drawings, Drive, Duo, Earth, Forms, Gmail, Keep, Maps, Sheets, Sites, Slides, Tasks,, Translate, Waze, YouTube....

Gmail

Gmail is probably the most well known product, and has become quite the most popular email client in the world!

It's been designed to be very easy to use; with a lot of functionality built over time.  In fact, Google release a new email client called Inbox, which had a host of functions not available in their main offering.  Recently, they announced that Inbox would be shutting down - and the functionality has been ported to Gmail.

You can run Gmail pretty much anywhere.

In the main, Gmail is no-frills service that is easy to set up and manage.

Calendar and Contacts

In conjunction with Gmail, there is Contacts for managing, yep, your contacts.  It's easy to use, and changes are synchronised between your devices.

As is Google Calendar.  A very fully-featured calendar, that makes it super simple to keep track of appointments.  You can create multiple calendars, subscribe to calendars, invite and respond to events, see it in different views; day, week, month etc.  Again, you can install this on your device and it's all synchronised beautifully.

Keep

For note taking, they offer Google Keep.  This is actually quite a good note-taking app.  It's available on all platforms and works very well at sorting your information.  You can use tags to 'filter' into related notes.  You can even create a Google Doc from the note; so you can start an idea briefly, and then build on it in a full document.

Maps

For travellers, there is Google Maps.

This is an app I use quite a lot; especially as it can now be used with Apple's CarPlay.

I believe it's the best mapping service; with so many integrations to traffic and transport management.  Enter a start and end point, and it will tell you how long the journey will take.  Using the data history of the route, Google will also give you an idea of the length of the journey at any given point in time.  If you want to travel tomorrow at 2pm; then Google will tell you the average journey time then!

Want to use public transport; then these services can also be applied, and Google will advise route number or train times to help you plan.

Colour coding on the roads on the map will tell you if it's busy or quiet; and alternatives are also displayed.

If you're going to a specific place, it will tell you if you are due to arrive after the place as closed - again based on the raft of data and information Google has built up.

Translate

Going overseas - take Google Translate with you.  Ideal for understanding menus in a foreign restaurant.

You can translate either into another language, or back into your native language.  The app will allow you to hold the camera up to a sign or document and you will see the translation in real-time on the screen.  You can then take a picture, highlight text and it will translate that too.  Use the microphone to translate voices.

It might not be perfect, but it is an incredible tool.  

Photscan

I've previously discussed Google Photos, which uses machine learning to help search for photos by colour, building, person - and there is also their PhotoScan app, for capturing those 'old' prints and converting them to a digital image.

Hardware

In this episode I've only talked about their software services.  Google also has a range of hardware, that is designed to work hand-in-hand for the full experience.  Products such as their mobile device, Chromebook, Chromecast, Google Home.  I'll save those for another time.

The End

I hope you’ve found this episode interesting.

Do you have a favourite Google product?  Have I missed one that should have been included?

If you have any questions about Google services then please get in touch via Twitter @prodmatters

Don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to podcasts.

Thank you very much for listening and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Show Notes

Links to the products mentioned here:

Gmail

Google Calendar

Google Contacts

Google Maps

Google Translate

Google Photos

Google Photoscan

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:
Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N
Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP
Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.

Feedly and Pocket

Introduction

Hello and welcome to another episode from Productivity Matters; a series about the apps and methods that help you get things done. 

How do you normally consume your news? Traditional newspaper? Online newspaper? Do you get it from lots of sources?

I’m Julian, your host for this episode and I’m going to take a look at two services that will help you to aggregate your news.

Coming right up.

Busy Lives

We’re all busy; and some would say busier than a generation ago. We travel a lot further for work and our attention is being drawn by a multitude of things happening in our lives.. 

Where we once used to consume a daily newspaper along with our breakfast; nowadays we no longer restrict our news reading to a single publication. 

The internet has brought world news into our own homes, not forgetting all the other areas of interest; entertainment, technology, science, business and specialist publications too. 

News Aggregation

One way to keep on top of the subjects we want to read about is to use an aggregator. A service that will pull in stories from a variety of sources. 

In the Good Ole Days, the biggest service was provided by Google, called Google Reader; but they pulled the plug on that back in 2013; apparently due to lack of use! At the time it caused upset amongst its fans. 

Whilst this was happening, another service, called Feedly, was working quietly in the background. 

When Google announced their intention to close Reader, the number of users to Feedly jumped to half a million in 48 hours!

Within a couple of months they had over 12 million users. 

Feedly is a news aggregator application for various web browsers and mobile devices running iOS and Android, also available as a cloud-based service. It compiles news feeds from a variety of online sources for the user to customize and share with others.

Feedly

Throughout the day, Feedly is “listening” to the topics and news-feeds I have selected and then pulls in the up-to-date stories ready for me to read. 

You can select sources from a variety of choices, or, if you know the RSS feed, RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, you can add that manually. 

Over the intervening years, Feedly has grown and developed a number of features; such as the ability to read later, create boards to store stories from a particular subject, sharing the article with other people and teams and also with other apps. 

As is usually the way, Feedly is free to download and use, but, of course, they do have a Pro version that offers more granular control and more sharing options, such as integrations with Buffer, Zapier, Hootsuite, Evernote etc 

You can also filter out noise with mute filters, add notes and highlights, have unlimited feeds and get news articles faster amongst other functionality.

It’s my number one app for reading the headlines. 

Pocket

From these headlines, I save the article into Pocket.

Pocket was founded in 2007 to help people save interesting articles, videos and more from the web for later enjoyment. It’s like  your Sky+ box. Save for later. 

In fact, the original name was Read It Later and was designed to be used on a desktop browser. 

Not only can you save items for reading later, but Pocket also curates and provides links directly to articles, some old and some new. I’ve found some quite interesting long-form articles here. 

Over the years, development has continued to the latest version of the app and once saved to Pocket, your content is visible on any device — phone, tablet or computer. It can be viewed while standing in a queue, on the couch, during commutes or travel — even, especially, offline. 

Pocket is great.

In the latest version, they’ve improved the access to listen to an AI voice reading the articles to you. I was dubious about this and it’s not perfect, but it’s not a bad way to consume the articles if you can’t read them. 

Using Pocket

You can add articles to Pocket in a variety of ways. 

I’ve already mentioned that I add Feedly for my news. But you can add anything in here. 

You can use the share extension or the browser extension.  It’s also possible to email items directly from your inbox.

If you copy the URL from your browser, Pocket will ask you if you want to add it. 

You can also use tags, so that you can effectively create ‘folders’ of related articles. 

Pocket is also free to download and use, and there is also a premium version.  

This includes the Permanent Library which automatically creates copies of the articles and webpages you’ve saved to your account. That way, even if an item changes or is taken offline, you will be able to open the version that you have saved in Pocket.

Full-Text Search provides fast and powerful search functionality. Pocket will search through the entire content of every item you’ve saved, making it extremely easy to find what you’re looking for.

With Pocket Premium, you’ll see a list of Suggested Tags whenever you tag an item. It's very well designed, as the tags that are suggested are inspired by the item’s topics as well as the tags you already use.

Cost

So, both Feedly and Pocket are free to download and use. And there is no need to pay if you don’t require the advanced functionality on offer. 

But, if you do want to have the full experience, then both the Feedly Pro version and the Pocket Premium version are $45 each per year.

I did try and use Feedly on it's own, using their Read Later function; but in many cases, only the headline is saved, or just the first part of the article, so I ended up having to use a different app to read them in full.  That app is Pocket.

I love Pocket. It’s variety of options to download articles automatically, link to your accounts on various publications, different reading modes to make it easier on your eyes really make this an excellent app to keep up-to-date with your interests.

Fun fact: at the end of last year, I received an email from Pocket, telling me that I was in the top 1% of readers for the year. 

I might not mean a whole lot; but it’s fun to know. Also shows that my reading is being tracked!! 

Thank You

I hope you’ve found this episode interesting.

Links to both of them are in the show notes. 

If you have any questions about Feedly or Pocket, or you have comments about other aggregator services that you use, then please get in touch via Twitter @prodmatters

Don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to podcasts.

Thank you very much for listening and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:
Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N
Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP
Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.