In addition to the release of OS X 10.9.3 alongside updates to iTunes and iTunes Connect, Apple today released version 2.1 of its Podcasts app for iPhone and iPad.
Notably, the app now adds support for Siri, allowing users to ask Siri to “play podcasts” or play specific podcasts using commands like “Play TedTalks.” Apple also notes that many enhancements have been made to navigation to improve episode browsing in the app:
Apple is also including support for its new CarPlay feature in the updated app, which is debuting in select vehicles and aftermarket systems this year. In addition, you’ll find other tweaks and improvements to navigation in version 2.1.The updated Podcasts app is available on the App Store now and a full list of what’s new is below:
• Quickly find episodes you haven’t listened to in the new Unplayed tab• Browse episodes that are available to download or stream in the Feed tab• Save your favorite episodes to keep them offline• Episodes can now be automatically deleted after you play them• Tap on links that appear in podcast and episode descriptions to open them in Safari
What’s New in Version 2.1
This update includes several improvements that make playing your favorite podcasts even easier:
Improved Episode Browsing • Quickly find episodes you haven’t listened to in the new Unplayed tab • Browse episodes that are available to download or stream in the Feed tab • Save your favorite episodes to keep them offline • Episodes can now be automatically deleted after you play them • Tap on links that appear in podcast and episode descriptions to open them in Safari
Ask Siri • You can now ask Siri to play podcast episodes by simply saying “play podcasts” • To play specific podcasts or stations, just ask Siri to play them by name, like “play TEDTalks” • Please note that Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas.
Additional Improvements • Podcasts now supports CarPlay • Start playing a station right from the stations list — just tap the Play button next to the station name • Share links to your favorite podcasts using AirDrop
This update also resolves playback issues after syncing with iTunes and improves stability while downloading podcasts.
Update: On Sunday Apple pushed out what appears to be a minor bug fix update to this release. Version 2.1.1 has a nearly-identical update log, except for the final line:
