The podcast market, the next battlefield?
The battle of the podcast market
Believe it or not, podcasts date back to the '80s. What started as an alternative to radio shows is now a business with unimaginable growth. What I used to refer to as a podcast trend is now an everyday routine of my generation. The strength of the podcast market was recently confirmed by the latest Spotify investments.
Spotify goes all in
It was at the beginning of February that Spotify announced the purchase of Gimlet and Anchor, two podcast companies. Daniel Ek, the CEO, and founder of Spotify told the press that they are aiming to become the leading platform for podcasts. iTunes music added podcasts in 2005, since then Apple is generally considered the main actor of the podcast market. However, there is no question in my mind that the latest Spotify investment will contest that position. Really Bad Apps is excited about this purchase. It proves that there is a demand for a great podcast experience. Together with our listeners, we can build on something great.
The podcast market requires good apps
As a devoted podcast fan, I welcome the battle of the podcast. I have struggled enough with podcast apps to know that there are few fully functioning podcasts app out on the market. Since we launched Podcast Guru, I haven't had any problems, but my dear iPhone friends are still struggling. Spotify does not even have a sleep timer, making listeners oversleep with an empty battery. The Apple Podcast app, on the other hand, takes forever to load both new episodes and cover art. Improvements have been made since the failed 2017 update, but problems still exist. Has Apple been sitting on the podcast throne for too long? Might be time to switch to Android!
Podcasts should be free
To get the full podcast experience with Spotify, you have to pay. I think it makes sense to charge for music, the artists deserve compensation for their work. When it comes to podcasts, however, charging for the service results in the listener paying twice. Once with cash for the service, and second by listening to ads. One of the strengths of the podcast era is the possibility to target the audience with ads and allow the podcast creator to speak more freely. I don’t know about you, but I don't want to pay extra for listening to podcasts. Did I mention that Podcast Guru is for free? Download it on Google Play!
Listen to a Christmas podcast!
Listen to a Christmas podcast!
Yes, you read it right! Christmas podcasts are a thing and we love it. The truth is, there is no better escape from the cold and dark winter months than some old-fashion Christmas spirit. No matter if you are a full blown Christmas nerd or a critic, there is a podcast for you. Below, we are listing our favorite podcasts for Christmas. Search for the title in Podcast Guru and try them out!
Christmas Past
This podcast introduces you to the history of Christmas. Brian, the creator, hosts an expert guest every episode. Together they dissect different traditions and stories of Christmas. Therefore, this podcast is great for accumulating more conversation starters for the family gathering. If you are not in Christmas spirit yet, you sure will with Christmas Past.
Tis the Podcast
In this podcast, the hosts are reviewing Christmas movies and series. The makers of Tis the Podcast describes themselves as “three super Christmas nerds who love anything and everything Christmas”. This is truly a feel-good podcast. For a more enjoyable road trip or a less awkward family hangout, connect your phone to the closest speakers and play this podcast.
Weird Christmas podcast
Are all these jolly Christmas podcasts just not your cup of eggnog? Weird Christmas is focusing on the dark sides of Christmas. Horror stories, awkward Christmas cards, annoying Christmas music, Santa eating magic mushrooms. You name it, this podcast has it all.
Can’t wait for Christmas
Warning, this podcast might make you smirk awkwardly in public spaces. The podcast, Can’t wait for Christmas with comedian Tim Babb is hilarious. If you love Christmas you will giggle with recognition. If you think Christmas is a capitalistic pathetic holiday you will most probably laugh at the silliness of it all.
Tinsel Tunes
As the title suggests, Tinsel Tunes is a podcast about Christmas music. Each episode, the host analyzes and explains one classic Christmas song. This podcast is made for hardcore Christmas fans, and if you are not one of them you might find the podcast a little bit overwhelming.
Discover new podcasts
Most of the podcasts above are only made during the winter months. However, during the rest of the year, some of the hosts are making other podcasts for you to enjoy. Try at least one podcast, maybe you will find a new favorite host and enjoy their other productions as well. Merry Christmas, and happy holidays to you, no matter if you are a fan or not!
If you don't have Podcast Guru:
Listen to a Christmas podcast!
Listen to a Christmas podcast!
Yes, you read it right! Christmas podcasts are a thing and we love it. The truth is, there is no better escape from the cold and dark winter months than some old-fashion Christmas spirit. No matter if you are a full blown Christmas nerd or a critic, there is a podcast for you. Below, we are listing our favorite podcasts for Christmas. Search for the title in Podcast Guru and try them out!
Christmas Past
This podcast introduces you to the history of Christmas. Brian, the creator, hosts an expert guest every episode. Together they dissect different traditions and stories of Christmas. Therefore, this podcast is great for accumulating more conversation starters for the family gathering. If you are not in Christmas spirit yet, you sure will with Christmas Past.
Tis the Podcast
In this podcast, the hosts are reviewing Christmas movies and series. The makers of Tis the Podcast describes themselves as “three super Christmas nerds who love anything and everything Christmas”. This is truly a feel-good podcast. For a more enjoyable road trip or a less awkward family hangout, connect your phone to the closest speakers and play this podcast.
Weird Christmas podcast
Are all these jolly Christmas podcasts just not your cup of eggnog? Weird Christmas is focusing on the dark sides of Christmas. Horror stories, awkward Christmas cards, annoying Christmas music, Santa eating magic mushrooms. You name it, this podcast has it all.
Can’t wait for Christmas
Warning, this podcast might make you smirk awkwardly in public spaces. The podcast, Can’t wait for Christmas with comedian Tim Babb is hilarious. If you love Christmas you will giggle with recognition. If you think Christmas is a capitalistic pathetic holiday you will most probably laugh at the silliness of it all.
Tinsel Tunes
As the title suggests, Tinsel Tunes is a podcast about Christmas music. Each episode, the host analyzes and explains one classic Christmas song. This podcast is made for hardcore Christmas fans, and if you are not one of them you might find the podcast a little bit overwhelming.
Discover new podcasts
Most of the podcasts above are only made during the winter months. However, during the rest of the year, some of the hosts are making other podcasts for you to enjoy. Try at least one podcast, maybe you will find a new favorite host and enjoy their other productions as well. Merry Christmas, and happy holidays to you, no matter if you are a fan or not!
If you don't have Podcast Guru:
iPhone camera specs
iPhone camera specs - What’s new?
At ReallyBad Apps, we are total geeks when it comes to iPhone camera specs. Since the new iPhones became available for purchase people are confused. The phones have similar names, different sizes, and prices that do not reflect the sizes. Here is our guide to the main differences of the iPhone camera specs.
The history of iPhone X
The first iPhone X came during the fall of 2017. The X is actually the roman numeral 10 and should, therefore, pronounce the name as “iPhone ten”. The camera is especially known for its double lenses on the back. In an article from Consumer Reports, the testers say that the camera of iPhone X is “the highest-rated smartphone camera Consumer Reports has tested”.
This fall, three new models where released. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are newer versions of iPhone X. iPhone XR however, is a new model made to be more affordable and can be considered a simpler version of iPhone X.
iPhone camera specs
iPhone XS and XS Max contain the same camera hardware. The phones have dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras just like iPhone X in order to take HDR photos. The new versions have smart HDR instead of auto HDR which makes it possible to combine several photos into one. The main upgrade is the portrait mode, with its advanced bokeh and depth control. In English, this means that you can blur or sharpen the background afterward.
The iPhone camera specs for XR are slightly different. It only has one camera in the back which does impair the quality of the photos. iPhone XR has a zoom function that allows you to zoom up to 5x, the versions mentioned above has a 10x zoom. XR also has the portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control but a limited amount of portrait lightings.
Improved video recording
The digital zoom also differs when it comes to recording. The iPhone XR has a capacity of 3x zoom, and the XS model has a capacity of 6x zoom. An exciting new feature for all of the latest iPhones is the ability to record in stereo sound.
We all know that size matters when it comes to displays so that you can watch your recordings and photos comfortably. As the name suggests, iPhone XS Max is the biggest iPhone with a 6.5” Super Retina HD display. The display of the smaller sibling the iPhone XS is 5.8”, which is the same as the old iPhone X. The cheaper model, iPhone XR, has a 6.1” Liquid Retina HD display which gives a less exciting experience than Super Retina.
Swipe to organize your photos
No matter if you decide to go for one of the new iPhones or stick with an older version, you will still take a ton of photos and need PhotoStacks to help you organize them. We always keep the app up-to-date and try to add the features we think will improve its functionality for our users. PhotoStacks works for photos, videos, Live Photos, bursts, portraits etc. The new iPhone camera specs are just going to make the experience even more exciting. Download PhotoStacks from App Store and have fun organizing your photos and save space at the same time!
iPhone camera specs
iPhone camera specs - What’s new?
At ReallyBad Apps, we are total geeks when it comes to iPhone camera specs. Since the new iPhones became available for purchase people are confused. The phones have similar names, different sizes, and prices that do not reflect the sizes. Here is our guide to the main differences of the iPhone camera specs.
The history of iPhone X
The first iPhone X came during the fall of 2017. The X is actually the roman numeral 10 and should, therefore, pronounce the name as “iPhone ten”. The camera is especially known for its double lenses on the back. In an article from Consumer Reports, the testers say that the camera of iPhone X is “the highest-rated smartphone camera Consumer Reports has tested”.
This fall, three new models where released. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are newer versions of iPhone X. iPhone XR however, is a new model made to be more affordable and can be considered a simpler version of iPhone X.
iPhone camera specs
iPhone XS and XS Max contain the same camera hardware. The phones have dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras just like iPhone X in order to take HDR photos. The new versions have smart HDR instead of auto HDR which makes it possible to combine several photos into one. The main upgrade is the portrait mode, with its advanced bokeh and depth control. In English, this means that you can blur or sharpen the background afterward.
The iPhone camera specs for XR are slightly different. It only has one camera in the back which does impair the quality of the photos. iPhone XR has a zoom function that allows you to zoom up to 5x, the versions mentioned above has a 10x zoom. XR also has the portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control but a limited amount of portrait lightings.
Improved video recording
The digital zoom also differs when it comes to recording. The iPhone XR has a capacity of 3x zoom, and the XS model has a capacity of 6x zoom. An exciting new feature for all of the latest iPhones is the ability to record in stereo sound.
We all know that size matters when it comes to displays so that you can watch your recordings and photos comfortably. As the name suggests, iPhone XS Max is the biggest iPhone with a 6.5” Super Retina HD display. The display of the smaller sibling the iPhone XS is 5.8”, which is the same as the old iPhone X. The cheaper model, iPhone XR, has a 6.1” Liquid Retina HD display which gives a less exciting experience than Super Retina.
Swipe to organize your photos
No matter if you decide to go for one of the new iPhones or stick with an older version, you will still take a ton of photos and need PhotoStacks to help you organize them. We always keep the app up-to-date and try to add the features we think will improve its functionality for our users. PhotoStacks works for photos, videos, Live Photos, bursts, portraits etc. The new iPhone camera specs are just going to make the experience even more exciting. Download PhotoStacks from App Store and have fun organizing your photos and save space at the same time!
How to listen to podcasts
How to listen to podcasts
This is a guide for those of you that want to listen to podcasts but don't know where to begin. If you want a great way to learn new things, listen to podcasts. It will not only help you unwind, but it will also help you to develop as a person. Do you want to learn how to incorporate podcasts in your life? In this post, I’ll answer the most common questions that I receive as a podcast listener.
What Android podcast app should I use?
We might be a little bit biased, but we do recommend you to use our app Podcast Guru. It’s very easy to start with, doesn't require you to create a login and is completely free. When you learn the basics, you can try out the smart functions to make your experience even more enjoyable. You can download Podcast Guru from Google Play!
What podcasts should I start with?
Here are some of my recommendations for podcast beginner, they are easy to listen to and highly addictive.
- The Daily from The New York Times - the latest news every weekday
- RISE podcast from Rachel Hollis - a podcast focusing on career development
- This American Life - stories centered around different themes each week
- Almost 30 from Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik - a truly unfiltered podcast about personal growth
How do you have time for podcasts?
Listening to podcasts does not have to be time-consuming. You can combine most daily activities with listening. I, for example, like to listen while cooking, traveling, working out and doing laundry. Instead of just killing time, listen to podcasts and stay entertained.
How do you stay focused?
It can take a while to get used to paying attention to what you are listening to. I remember having to go back 10 seconds, over and over again, because I simply lost my focus. With time, I got used to listening to podcasts and now the attention is automatically there. Until then, Podcast Guru's 10-second rewind button is easily accessible.
How can I listen to podcasts that are more varied?
There are so many podcasts out there for you to enjoy at different times and moods. Use the Discover mode in Podcast Guru to find new ones. Another great tip for making your podcast experience more varied is to listen with speakers instead of earphones. Connect your Android phone to your home speakers and listen more freely, alone or with others.
Start to listen to podcasts today!
They say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. Start today and you will have a habit of listening to podcasts within three weeks. Download Podcast Guru, pick some podcasts, add them to “My Podcasts” and enjoy!
How to listen to podcasts
How to listen to podcasts
This is a guide for those of you that want to listen to podcasts but don't know where to begin. If you want a great way to learn new things, listen to podcasts. It will not only help you unwind, but it will also help you to develop as a person. Do you want to learn how to incorporate podcasts in your life? In this post, I’ll answer the most common questions that I receive as a podcast listener.
What Android podcast app should I use?
We might be a little bit biased, but we do recommend you to use our app Podcast Guru. It’s very easy to start with, doesn't require you to create a login and is completely free. When you learn the basics, you can try out the smart functions to make your experience even more enjoyable. You can download Podcast Guru from Google Play!
What podcasts should I start with?
Here are some of my recommendations for podcast beginner, they are easy to listen to and highly addictive.
- The Daily from The New York Times - the latest news every weekday
- RISE podcast from Rachel Hollis - a podcast focusing on career development
- This American Life - stories centered around different themes each week
- Almost 30 from Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik - a truly unfiltered podcast about personal growth
How do you have time for podcasts?
Listening to podcasts does not have to be time-consuming. You can combine most daily activities with listening. I, for example, like to listen while cooking, traveling, working out and doing laundry. Instead of just killing time, listen to podcasts and stay entertained.
How do you stay focused?
It can take a while to get used to paying attention to what you are listening to. I remember having to go back 10 seconds, over and over again, because I simply lost my focus. With time, I got used to listening to podcasts and now the attention is automatically there. Until then, Podcast Guru's 10-second rewind button is easily accessible.
How can I listen to podcasts that are more varied?
There are so many podcasts out there for you to enjoy at different times and moods. Use the Discover mode in Podcast Guru to find new ones. Another great tip for making your podcast experience more varied is to listen with speakers instead of earphones. Connect your Android phone to your home speakers and listen more freely, alone or with others.
Start to listen to podcasts today!
They say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. Start today and you will have a habit of listening to podcasts within three weeks. Download Podcast Guru, pick some podcasts, add them to “My Podcasts” and enjoy!
The best iPhone album hacks
How iPhone album hacks helped me
I consider myself an unorganized person. It doesn’t come naturally for me to put things in order, be on time, and to keep my plants alive. To function properly in society, I have come up with several strategies to keep my life somewhat organized. In this post, I will share my best iPhone album hacks.
Create a new iPhone album
Some of the photos you take with your iPhone are automatically added to a photo album. The photos taken with for example panorama mode, the selfie camera or portrait mode are added to their respective iPhone album. You can easily add new albums with the add button in the top left corner.
In our app PhotoStaxx, iOS albums are shown as if they were in a real stack of photos. When using the app, you can select a destination album. This makes it easy to add photos to specific albums when swiping through your photos. Swipe the photo upwards to copy it to the destination album. These are the three albums that I use to make my life a little bit more organized.
Outfits
It doesn’t matter if it is 7 am before heading to work or 7 pm going to a dinner party, I never have anything to wear despite having an overflowing closet. My boyfriend has learned to stay away when this happens, I tend to get quite frustrated. I now keep an album with photos of me in different outfits. Every time I take a photo of myself in an outfit that I like, I save my photo in the outfit album on my iPhone. Next time I feel like I don’t have anything to wear, I go to my outfit album for inspiration.
Beverage labels
Is it just me or do you also keep photos of wine labels? Every time I drink a new wine that I like, I take a photo of the label and tell myself that I’ll buy it again. My unorganized self would forget about those photos but I now have an album designated for it. Every time I am buying wine or another beverage, I open up the iPhone album to find my favorites.
Show off photos
Imagine this, you are talking to a colleague about your dog and decide to show a photo. Instead of scrolling through awkward screenshots, party photos and selfies, keep a show off album! In this iPhone album, save the photos that you tend to show people. Mine has photos of my family and friends. You can thank me later when your mom doesn’t accidentally see what you did last Saturday night.
Use your imagination
Those are just a few ways to use albums to your benefit. I recommend you to figure out what albums fits your life the best and create your own kind. Once you have them, make it a regular routine to go through your photos with PhotoStaxx. I go through all my new photos once a week and organize them. Some go to the trash and some to my custom albums. It’s easy and it makes me feel like I’m actually an organized kind of person. Good luck with creating your personal albums!
The best iPhone album hacks
How iPhone album hacks helped me
I consider myself an unorganized person. It doesn’t come naturally for me to put things in order, be on time, and to keep my plants alive. To function properly in society, I have come up with several strategies to keep my life somewhat organized. In this post, I will share my best iPhone album hacks.
Create a new iPhone album
Some of the photos you take with your iPhone are automatically added to a photo album. The photos taken with for example panorama mode, the selfie camera or portrait mode are added to their respective iPhone album. You can easily add new albums with the add button in the top left corner.
In our app PhotoStaxx, iOS albums are shown as if they were in a real stack of photos. When using the app, you can select a destination album. This makes it easy to add photos to specific albums when swiping through your photos. Swipe the photo upwards to copy it to the destination album. These are the three albums that I use to make my life a little bit more organized.
Outfits
It doesn’t matter if it is 7 am before heading to work or 7 pm going to a dinner party, I never have anything to wear despite having an overflowing closet. My boyfriend has learned to stay away when this happens, I tend to get quite frustrated. I now keep an album with photos of me in different outfits. Every time I take a photo of myself in an outfit that I like, I save my photo in the outfit album on my iPhone. Next time I feel like I don’t have anything to wear, I go to my outfit album for inspiration.
Beverage labels
Is it just me or do you also keep photos of wine labels? Every time I drink a new wine that I like, I take a photo of the label and tell myself that I’ll buy it again. My unorganized self would forget about those photos but I now have an album designated for it. Every time I am buying wine or another beverage, I open up the iPhone album to find my favorites.
Show off photos
Imagine this, you are talking to a colleague about your dog and decide to show a photo. Instead of scrolling through awkward screenshots, party photos and selfies, keep a show off album! In this iPhone album, save the photos that you tend to show people. Mine has photos of my family and friends. You can thank me later when your mom doesn’t accidentally see what you did last Saturday night.
Use your imagination
Those are just a few ways to use albums to your benefit. I recommend you to figure out what albums fits your life the best and create your own kind. Once you have them, make it a regular routine to go through your photos with PhotoStaxx. I go through all my new photos once a week and organize them. Some go to the trash and some to my custom albums. It’s easy and it makes me feel like I’m actually an organized kind of person. Good luck with creating your personal albums!
Serial season three is finally here!
Serial season three is finally here!
We are entering October and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one dreading the cold months to follow. Lucky us, we can keep our minds busy with some thrilling podcast this fall. Since last week, we can enjoy episodes from Serial season three weekly. Continue reading to learn more about Serial and my other favorite crime podcast. No spoilers!
Two seasons to remember
Four years ago, Sarah Koenig from This American Life grabbed everyone’s attention with the first season of Serial. How could we forget? By then everyone was talking about the podcast. The storyline was thrilling and we were all excited to find out whether or not Adnan Syed was wrongly accused of Hae Min Lee’s murder. The second season followed a similar narrative when Sarah Koenig walked us through the story of the American soldier Bowe Bergdahl and his curious experiences.
Different setup of Serial season three
The first two seasons of Serial focused on two specific cases, but the third season has a different setup. Throughout the season, Sarah Koenig will present us with different courthouses located in Cleveland. Serial claims that each episode will tell us “extraordinary stories about ordinary cases”. Unsurprisingly, Serial season three highlights the faults of the American justice system. We could enjoy the first episode of Serial season three 20th of September and we cannot wait to listen to all them all!
If you are a true crime podcast addict like me, one podcast is not enough to fill my daily quota. Serial is not the only true crime podcast in my Podcast Guru playlist. Here are some of my favorites that you should make sure to listen to after finishing Serial season three.
- S-town is another great podcast made by the team of This American life. S-town tells the odd and unexpected story of a man living in Alabama.
- Finding Cleo is a well-made podcast about a missing person case in Canada. I guarantee you that it will make you shiver.
- Unsolved Murders introduces an unsolved murder each episode and gives us all the mysterious clues.
- Alibi takes place in South Africa and unfolds the story of Anthony deVries, who pleads innocent for a crime he is incarcerated for.
At Really Bad Podcasts, we use Podcast Guru to listen to all the true crime podcasts. Is true crime podcasts not your piece of cake? Try the browse function, pick the genre you desire and browse through the podcasts. We have a podcast for every preference. Enjoy the thrill this fall!