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Downcast - Podcatcher app for iOS devices
- Thread starter ptackbar
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Background downloading iPad
The app is great. However a major downside is the fact that it seems not to download episodes automatically in the background (iPad2 running ios5). It only downloads when it is open as the active application, even when automatically download is set to always.
The app is great. However a major downside is the fact that it seems not to download episodes automatically in the background (iPad2 running ios5). It only downloads when it is open as the active application, even when automatically download is set to always.
Pretty sure that is a limitation of iOS multitasking rather than the app.
I do find that once you open the app and initiate the update, it will continue downloading in the background.
This is, unfortunately, a limitation of all third party iOS apps. They can only run in the background for up to 10 minutes, except for doing certain tasks like playing audio, accessing GPS and a dew others. Check "Running in the Background" in the Help section.
I'm aware of no alternative which can do that.
It is an enforced limitation of iOS. Only certain processes are allowed to background. Downcast will download in the background for "up to" ten minutes and presumably less if something else comes along and bumps it out of memory when it is not foreground. But the OS prevents it from waking up its download scheduler as you would like it to.
Let's face it, the limitations of using iTunes for podcast management are even greater! So it comes down to Downcast or one of its competitors, and Downcast's UI features and excellent performance swung my decision its way.
It would be very nice indeed if the Downcast could download podcasts automatically on a schedule, but Apple will have to allow that first.
ptackbar,
Would you mind posting the solution here?
Like Dick, I also have some "stuck" downloads (i.e. I am on Wifi, but all downloads are constantly showing as "queued"). I am sure I must be doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what.
Thanks
If you're Download queue is not paused and episodes aren't downloading, try toggle the download queue to paused and then unpausing it. If that doesn't work you can try tapping on the first download in the list (to pause just it) and then tap on it again to unpause. If that still doesn't work I'd try toggling Airplane mode on.
Contact support of none of these resolve your issue!
Thanks
Backgrounder
Prior to the ios5 update, my iPad was jailbroken which enabled me to keep Downcast always running using Backgrounder, and episodes would alwas download completely automatically. Eagerly waiting for an untethered jailbreak for ios5...
Prior to the ios5 update, my iPad was jailbroken which enabled me to keep Downcast always running using Backgrounder, and episodes would alwas download completely automatically. Eagerly waiting for an untethered jailbreak for ios5...
Thanks very much for replying.
I tried these tricks and couldn't get the downloads to kick off again. Removed the app from the device, reinstalled it and all working perfectly now.
This really is a terrific app. The playback interface and controls put Apple to shame.
2 things I'd love to be able to do:
- Sync to something other than iCloud - i.e. WebDav account such as Dropbox
- Be able to use iTunes to "Save to" my PC from the app. This way I could use Downcast as my sole Podcast program, and be able to free iPad storage space by savings to hard disk items I want to keep permanently)
Thanks again
I'll take #1 into consideration. However, #2 is currently available in the app right now. Check out Importing and Exporting in the Help section.
Thanks for the feedback!
I have a feature request (at least I haven't found a way to do this):
In general, I like to listen to podcasts one at a time -- i.e. "Continuous Play" set to "OFF" in global settings. But, there are times when I'd like to set up a playlist of podcasts and have them play through with no intervention. In my case, I group short daily news shows and play them on my morning commute.
Would it be possible to have a "Continuous Play" option, either as a global setting for playlists, or in the settings of each playlist?
Thanks for a great app -- I unequivocally recommend it to friends.
Regards,
Tom
In general, I like to listen to podcasts one at a time -- i.e. "Continuous Play" set to "OFF" in global settings. But, there are times when I'd like to set up a playlist of podcasts and have them play through with no intervention. In my case, I group short daily news shows and play them on my morning commute.
Would it be possible to have a "Continuous Play" option, either as a global setting for playlists, or in the settings of each playlist?
Thanks for a great app -- I unequivocally recommend it to friends.
Regards,
Tom
This feature is on my list to consider in a future update. I just need to make sure the setting is not done in a confusing way. Would you like this only on playlists but on podcast episode lists as well?
Thanks for recommending Downcast!
Ditto!
Small feature request: Some of my podcasts are of multi-hour radio shows which DAR.FM segments into small chunks. For situations like that, the twenty-podcast setting for managing downloads is too small. It would be nice to have a setting that the user can set rather than the limited selection in the Episodes To Keep field.
I'm enjoying this app very much. For me, it's the proverbial "killer app" for my iPhone.
Thank you. Although the Apple page the "Send to Computer" section links to is dead, I sussed it out for a podcast-by-pdcast basis. I think it would also be useful though to be able to export multiple files from within a subscription, without having to go into each one and export it. Not sure how this would be implemented, as I guess I'm essentially saying it would be great to sync with the Podcasts section of iTunes....
Thanks again. Your responsiveness to suggestions and queries is almost as impressive as your app.
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I don't have need for the option in episode lists presently, but it would have been nice when I used to download a short 1-2 minute daily podcast, and listen to a batch every week or two. I like your "yes/no/obey global" selections for other settings, with the "obey global" default.
My pleasure!
Regards,
Tom
Multi-episode (or entire podcast) exporting is on my list to consider in a future update. Unfortunately, there is no sanctioned way to officially sync media with iTunes except for through the File Share.
I thought I had fixed that link to Apple but I guess it broke again. I'll get that fixed. Thanks!
Add graphic to Downcast podcast
I have two questions regarding Downcast:
1) how do I add graphics to a podcast that does not hove graphics?
2) I am unable to control Downcast using my car radio controls (as I can with iTunes!) is there a way to alter my Downcast settings to make that possible?
I have two questions regarding Downcast:
1) how do I add graphics to a podcast that does not hove graphics?
2) I am unable to control Downcast using my car radio controls (as I can with iTunes!) is there a way to alter my Downcast settings to make that possible?
Right now there is no way to change or add artwork for podcasts. This feature is coming in a future update, though.
Many car stereos only support controlling the built in Music/iPod app. What happens when you try to control Downcast with your car stereo? Does Downcast properly show episode information on your stereo display?
Downcast on car stereo
My stereo does not show Downcast at all. None of the poscasts on Downcast are visible.
My car has a USB port and when I plug in my iPad, the stereo menu only shows the items I have on iTunes.
My stereo does not show Downcast at all. None of the poscasts on Downcast are visible.
My car has a USB port and when I plug in my iPad, the stereo menu only shows the items I have on iTunes.
Never tried my iPad, but my iphone/car work great together with Downcast.
I initiate playback on the iphone while plugged in. Then the pause/track skip buttons function properly. Track skip = skip 30s.
You'll have to manually open Downcast and begin playing a podcast. There is no way to allow your stereo to launch Downcast or browse its contents, unfortunately.
Downcast Forum?
Having just purchased Downcast, I find it a nice and well polished app. Well done indeed! This is the first time I purchase an app just based on user comments, not having played with the lite version before going pro.
Is there any such thing as a Downcast forum, or is the only support through this thread and via email?
I tried to locate you on getsatisfaction.com but could not find you (could find some of your competitors like RSS Radio though).
Having just purchased Downcast, I find it a nice and well polished app. Well done indeed! This is the first time I purchase an app just based on user comments, not having played with the lite version before going pro.
Is there any such thing as a Downcast forum, or is the only support through this thread and via email?
I tried to locate you on getsatisfaction.com but could not find you (could find some of your competitors like RSS Radio though).
At this time Downcast support is mainly handled through email, Facebook and Twitter. Links to these are in the upper-right corner of http://www.downcastapp.com.
Thanks for the support!
Version 2.5.2 is out today with a feature that allows iCloud backup of Downcast and podcast settings without backing up the podcast media files themselves. Nice update.