Google’s new podcast ‘app’ is already on your Android phone

Google quietly rolled out a new way for Android users to listen to podcasts and subscribe to shows they like – and it already works on your phone.

Podcast production company Pacific Content got the exclusive on it: essentially, Google now surfaces podcast show info and episode listings in search results on your Android device, and you can tune into them right from there – no app installation necessary.

To get started, just search for a show using Google Search or Google Assistant with a query like, “bbc the inquiry podcast.”
The podcast player comes with basic playback functionality and the ability to download episodes for offline listening, as well as a speed control for those who want to whiz through shows. You can also subscribe to podcasts and have them show up in a list that you can trim whenever you like.

Additionally, you can find and return to episodes you haven’t yet finished listening to, and see a bunch more shows grouped by genre, and by publisher; there are also recommendations that are popular with listeners of your subscribed podcasts. If you’re big on voice commands, you’ll be happy to know that you can also find, play, and resume episodes on any of your Android or Assistant-powered devices.