Marco Arment basically invented read-it-later publishing on iOS with Instapaper. But with podcast applications he’s playing catch up. The challenge here is innovation and differentiation. I wrote about this app when word got out he was building it, and I’m revisiting it post launch.
Arment’s app, Overcast joins the already crowded Podcast application category. And what makes success in this area even more difficult is that Apple now offers its own free solution, which is markedly better than previous incarnations the company put out.
The driving component behind Overcast is simplicity. The design is thoughtful and Arment’s signature language is all over the interface language. Prompters like “no pressure” and “Skeptics FAQs” make it very him.
It offers all the bells and whistles users have come to expect, and you can also import subscriptions form other catchers, which I appreciate immensely. The interface is understated, and there is an amazing EQ, the likes of which I’ve never encountered with apps like Overcast.
There’s Twitter API integration as well, which allows you to suggest show favorites to friends. And the show notes seem to be more present somehow than in other applications. I actually look at them on Overcast.
I’ve yet to see any major flaws with this one, and anything that could be a potential shortcoming could arguably be seen as a plus for others. A lot of subjectivity here. I’m on board. Let me know what you think.
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