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Google is developing a possible podcast app called Shortwave
- There is a new Google app in development called Shortwave.
- From the trademark filing, it appears Shortwave is a cross-platform podcast app.
- One of the focuses of the app will likely be sharing podcasts with friends.
Google finally got around to releasing a standalone podcast app back in June (appropriately named Google Podcasts). But there might be another Google podcast app in development.
The app – called Shortwave in this trademark filing – appears to be a podcast app with a focus on shareability. This makes perfect sense, as one of the best ways podcasts gain an audience is by people suggesting episodes to friends and family.
The description of Shortwave in the trademark filing is pretty vague, but seems to point exclusively to podcasts:
“Computer software for use in listening to digital audio files; computer application software for mobile phones, computers, and tablets, namely, software that allows users to search, access, and play digital audio files, and to share links to audio files.”
What’s interesting about the description is that it will be cross-platform for mobile phones, tablets, and computers. This also makes sense as people listen to podcasts on all manners of devices, not just their phones.
For years, the only way to listen to podcasts within a Google app was through Google Play Music, which was a clunky and underwhelming experience. Google Podcasts is certainly a better solution, but the platform doesn’t offer much that other, already established platforms offer, like CastBox and PocketCasts.
It’s possible that Shortwave could be the podcast app that Google needs to bring itself to the top of the fray. With the company foreseeing podcasts as being a crucial part of the future spread of information, it makes sense for the company to work hard to get users addicted to using a Google-branded app to consume podcast episodes.
Until Shortwave makes its debut (if it ever does), give Google Podcasts a shot by clicking the button below. Also, don’t forget that Android Authority has a podcast, which you can check out here.