Pocket Casts app now available on Android TV

Pocket Casts, the popular podcast app, has been launched on Android TV and Google TV devices. Initially released for Apple TV, the app took some time to adapt for the Android platform. Unlike casting content from mobile devices, Pocket Casts is a native app designed to function seamlessly with the TV set.

Once paired with an existing account using a QR code, users can enjoy a tailored experience with enhancements such as a "Made for TV" section for video podcasts, featuring promoted and highlighted content that can be watched and listened to simultaneously. The app's interface is virtually identical to the Apple TV version.

Upon pairing, users' podcast subscriptions, playlists, and account data are automatically synchronized with the application. If a podcast is playing and the app is closed or minimized, it will continue to play in the background. Upcoming podcasts in the queue are presented as quick links, enabling users to swiftly switch between them or resume playback from where they left off. Crucially, playback information is retained across devices, ensuring a consistent experience.

It's worth mentioning that this expanded availability took a couple of weeks to become widely accessible, as the update was highlighted in a recent app changelog. While the app may be challenging to find directly within the Google TV or Android TV interface, users can force the download by selecting their connected devices on the Play Store. For more updates, viewers can check out 9to5Google on YouTube.