Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

You can now opt-in to Pocket Casts' open beta program

Pocket Casts' beta was previously a closed-off affair, though you can stick to the regular version if you are not a fan of bugs.
By
June 21, 2018
Pocket Casts
TL;DR
  • Pocket Casts announced an open beta for the eponymous podcast app.
  • The first open beta update is already available.

Even though Google launched its own podcast application, Pocket Casts remains the top paid app in the News and Magazines section on the Play Store. Previously available as a closed beta, Pocket Casts announced the beta is now available for anyone and everyone.

To join the open beta program, visit the sign-up page and click the “Become a Tester” button at the bottom. You also have the option to download Pocket Casts if you have not done so already. Once you do that, you should see beta updates immediately.

Android users ?: Our previously closed private beta is now open to all. If you’re up for the occasionally broken build and like to test new features, you can opt-in here: https://t.co/W53Nqexr5Q
— Pocket Casts (@pocketcasts) June 21, 2018

Funny enough, the first open beta update is already available. The update fixed the issues where podcasts change episode download URLs after episodes are released, bulk mark as played broke up the Up Next order, and the app icon dynamic top filter crashes if the title is empty. The update also includes a faster podcast refresh server.

Keep in mind that, whether closed or open, the beta is a slightly broken version of the standard Pocket Casts app. Updates should arrive relatively quickly to squash any bugs, though new ones will likely arise to take their place.

10 best podcast apps for Android
App lists
podcast offline

On the flip side, beta testers get early access to the latest features. Those features might include the striking Material Design refresh we saw in May, though Pocket Casts did not say when we might see the visual overhaul.

Pocket Casts also remained quiet on what features we will see following the company’s takeover in May. At the time, Pocket Casts CEO Owen Grover said the app will not harvest user data and not rely on advertising as another source of revenue.

On a related note, I am a terrible person and will use this opportunity to plug sister site SoundGuys’ new podcast. You can subscribe to it and download Pocket Casts at the links below.