Google Listen: Android Podcasts Gone Wild!
| by Rob Jackson on August 21st, 2009 |
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Now would probably be a good time to revive our Android Podcast. Google has just launched a new service called Google Listen which for all intents and purposes, is a Podcast Manager for your Android device! It allows you to subscribe to audio streams, search for audio, find audio searches and much more. Here is how Google themselves describe Google Listen:
Listen from Google Labs brings podcasts and web audio to your Android-powered device. It lets you search, subscribe, download and stream. By subscribing to programs and search terms it will create a personalized audio-magazine loaded with fresh shows and news stories whenever you listen. In this release Listen is indexing thousands of popular English-only audio sources.
The application looks INCREDIBLY polished – see for yourself (images failed due to below problem):
The application has obviously become IMMEDIATELY popular based on the “Over Quota” error I got when trying to access the application’s download page:
In fact, right now it appears that the beta version is completely inaccessible at http://listen.googlelabs.com – hmmmmm that’s odd? We’ll update this post as we learn more, but it seems that what you see is what you get although right now it will only be available for Android’s in the United States.
Is Google taking on iTunes?
1. ikbenben wrote on August 21, 2009
question. why do some apps, like this one, not show up in my android market? i’m in amsterdam. is the market different for different locales? who controls what is available in the android market
2. Nate wrote on August 21, 2009
This is available in the UK over T-Mobile on my Hero.
Works great! I was just about to pay for DoggCatcher, but it looks like this does exactly what I need for free! Sorry to DoggCatcher dev, but you gotta love free Google services =)
3. Grimmy wrote on August 21, 2009
This is available in the Android Market in the UK. Working fine on my Vodafone HTC Magic. :)
4. schmivers613 wrote on August 21, 2009
OMG! You guys should totally bring back the podcast!
5. Michael wrote on August 21, 2009
I just purchased DoggCatcher and am glad I did. It’s better than Google Listen so try both before deciding.
6. Tomas wrote on August 21, 2009
The market is indeed different in the netherlands (and other countries probably as well), due agreements with telcoms and/or laws. The reason this particular app isnt available in the Netherlands; I have no clue. Maybe they’re first just “beta-ing” in the us/uk. I’m waiting for it as well (I’m from Utrecht, NL)
7. Brian wrote on August 21, 2009
I just downloaded it now from the Android Market onto my T-Mobile myTouch and it downloaded and installed without issue.
8. Brian wrote on August 21, 2009
Does anyone know if Google Listen provides a way to subscribe to a particular podcast not found in the search?
9. joey wrote on August 21, 2009
Ok this may be a stupid idea, but if somebody could put the installer online, can we then just install that package here in the netherlands?
10. Craig wrote on August 21, 2009
It’s available in Australia. When a publisher submits an app, they can select “All Current and Future Locations” or they can select individual countries.
11. Samuel Maskell wrote on August 21, 2009
I got it to work in Canada.. then again, I have a rooted phone.
12. clacks wrote on August 22, 2009
http://rapidshare.com/files/270129235/com.google.android.apps.listen.rar
Rapidshare link for the listen apk.
Enjoy!!
13. Robin wrote on August 22, 2009
I downloaded it yesterday in the UK – am also using rooted phone though (which, btw, probably doubled the speed of everything on my G1)
14. jeff wrote on August 22, 2009
This app is good but it needs more options …my batt has been sucked dry by this app today…if you subscribe to a podcast it doesn’t give you the option to not download …I didn’t realize this at first and subscribed to a bunch of podcasts when I installed it today
15. Arno wrote on August 23, 2009
I sure hope Google is trying to take on iTunes, I really dislike that stupid piece of software. The most awkward and despotic music player made by the most arrogant and communistic company (but man, they do have some good products).
16. Mark Kaplan wrote on February 8, 2010
1. I would like to confirm that “LISTEN” uses a data stream and will not add to my phone call minutes.
2. How does one download previous (older) podcasts that “LISTEN” can see and play? (I can place the file on the SD card, but how do I get “LISTEN” to play the file?)
17. Risa Bandk wrote on February 22, 2010
I would like to listen to google talk. I searched the applications and was unable to find it in the android marketg. I am still not sure how to manage and get what I want to listen to. I was also tring to listen to local traffic reports. It can’t be found but gives. Me other state info. Please help. Thank you.