Podcast

Downtime podcast #387: In loving memory of the HomePod

Sebastien and Cody discuss the wild ride of last week’s AirPods 3 rumors and give their thoughts on talk of a bigger iPhone battery. The pair also talk about Apple discontinuing the original HomePod and what that means for the fledgling smart speaker line. Finally, they answer listeners' questions.

Kids programming coming to Apple Podcasts via Common Sense Media

The iPhone maker has teamed up with age-based content review service Common Sense Media to curate kids-focused narrative audio collections in the Apple Podcasts app.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

Kid-approved content on Apple Podcasts. Collections are updated monthly. Currently a US-thing.

Listening to podcasts with kids

Unlike rival Spotify and Amazon which split out children-approved content into separate apps, these shows will appear on the Apple Podcasts platform and within the Apple Podcasts apps.

The Verge has more:

The initial four themes focus on narrative storytelling, shows that kids themselves recommend, mysteries and dramas, and Common Sense’s all-time picks. Programming comes from Tinkercast, American Public Media, WNYC Studios, Rebel Girls, and Nickelodeon, among others, and Common Sense will provide age group recommendations.

The collections will be highlighted on Apple's website at apple.com/showsforkids.

Common Sense Media Picks: All-time favorites that families are sure to find entertaining and informative. One More!: Mysterious tales and action-packed dramas that kids of all ages won't want to stop listening to. Kids Know Best: Popular shows for kids, selected by kids themselves. Story Time: Story-driven shows that transport kids into a world of imagination.

Suggestions regarding those shows should start appearing today in the main carousel within the Apple Podcasts tab. They’ll also be available via the Browse tab indefinitely.

Apple and kids

Kid podcast creators have apparently experienced a boost in listeners at the start of the pandemic. For far too long, many parents have been using smartphone and tablet screens to entertain and occupy their children.

By contrast, listening to podcasts is more of a passive experience than interacting with apps or watching video. Most importantly, it doesn't mean exposing your kid to screens and the blue light which can disrupt their sleep and slow down cognitive development.

Apple also recently launched a new Apple for Kids section on its support website.

Downtime 384: The self-certified life coach

Sebastien and Cody announce the winner of last week’s giveaway, discuss their news intake strategies and cover this week’s top tech headlines. The pair also get into the future of Apple TV hardware and why switching to Android isn’t as enticing as it once was.

Downtime podcast: New name, same us

Sebastien and Cody officially announce the rebranding of the podcast to Downtime, and explain how the change came about. They also get in their regular tech discussions with headlines involving Apple earnings, GameStop fever and more.

Let’s Talk iOS podcast #380: The screen queen

Let's Talk iOS propped up

Cody and Sebastien dive into the recent MacBook rumors and talk about everything from SD card slots to built-in cellular chips. The pair also discuss Sebastien’s recent Apple TV problems and Cody’s love for bigger displays. Finally, they both wonder how much Cody should charge for his OnlyFans account.