Podcasts and Audio Books

Podcasts

Podcasts are a collection of audio files that you subscribe to (free) and play on a portable device like a smartphone. Once you subscribe new episodes of the podcast automatically are downloaded to your device. Podcasts are a very popular form of news and entertainment, and are more practical on an iPhone rather than an iPad because of portability.  They are widely used by people driving, walking, commuting, and waking up in the middle of the night.

On Apple devices people mainly use the Podcast app which is linked to iTunes. There is a huge number of podcasts available. The largest provider in Australia is the ABC which converts most of its broadcasts in podcast form.

The user subscribes to a podcast and automatically received updates on a regular basis. Settings allow for increased speed in playback and a sleep timer to auto-stop after a set time.

             

                                   

Note, audio files are large so it is best to have your app set to only download via wifi to avoid squandering your cellular allowance. Adjust settings to automatic download, and set them to delete once played: so you don't fill up your iPhone with old podcasts.

Overcast is a highly rated alternative to the built-in Apple podcast app. Overcast offers a better layout and a Smart Speed feature that removes silent passages to speed up playback.

Audio books

The biggest provider is an Amazon subsidiary, Audible. Again, best on an iPhone. Books cost significantly more in audio format, about $20 or more. Audible offers an annual subscription model which costs about $14 a book - one per month. The subscription can be suspended for up to 3 months so one really only needs to get 9 books.

The experience is often equal or better than reading due to the value of the reader's voice. The fact that John le Carre reads his autobiography adds a great deal to the experience.

Again, audio books are a great incentive to do exercise and non-thinking tasks... while listening.