Google introduced watch speaker playback with Wear OS 5.1, and Pocket Casts version 8.3 now supports this feature on its Wear OS client.
Key Updates in Version 8.3
- Speaker Playback: Users can now listen to podcasts directly through the watch speaker without requiring Bluetooth headphones or external speakers. A quick switch to a paired device is available from the volume page. YouTube Music also offers podcast playback via the speaker.
- Starred Episodes: The watch app's homepage now displays "Starred" episodes from the user's phone. Starred shows now sort correctly and include episodes from podcasts that were previously removed. Archived and played episodes are grayed out on the homepage and hidden on podcast pages.
- Downloads Screen: The Downloads screen on Wear OS now includes a loading spinner.
- Performance and UI Enhancements: Smaller images load faster. Volume boost functionality now indicates when it is active. Image-related crashes have been addressed, and the Help & Feedback section has received padding adjustments.
Access to the Wear OS app requires a Pocket Casts Plus subscription, priced at $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year. Pocket Casts 8.3 is currently rolling out via the Play Store.
Upcoming Changes in Version 8.4
The next update, version 8.4, will remove the green "Radioactivity" theme. This decision was made due to its low usage and its association with a disproportionate number of UI glitches and edge case issues. The removal aims to simplify the app, reduce bugs, and allow for more development time on features with wider user adoption.