BeyondPod Goes Above
If the words Podcasts, RSS and Free get you excited then BeyondPod is something you should check out. Being actively developed in an Open Source environment, BeyondPod is your solution for a free Podcast and RSS aggregator. It’s simple to setup, go to BeyondPod.Mobi and download and run the install file. Once you have that setup you are free to add, edit and change your RSS subscriptions all from the comfort of your phone. Keep reading for the full scoop…
It doesn’t come alone either. BeyondPod comes with BeyondScheduler, a great application for scheduling everything from turning on your Wifi and opening an application to powering off your phone at a predefined time. A suggested method for handling the download of Podcasts so it doesn’t interrupt your normal day is to schedule the wifi to come when you are sleeping and for BeyondPod to begin downloading after.
For optimal set up it is suggested you use a storage card as the storage folder for Podcasts as the file sizes can be large (5-50MB average).
To setup BeyondPod to automatically turn on your wifi, download your podcasts and turn off the Wifi first go to Menu > Tools > Settings > General Settings and scroll down, check the box next to ‘Update on Schedule’ and then select ‘Set Schedule’. Choose a time when your phone is usually charging and you are not going to use it for a bit. Have it set to run every 1 day if you like new content daily. You can also choose hourly or weekly if you like. Press ‘Done’ when finished.
Select ‘Launch BeyondScheduler.’ Then select Menu > Add New Task and set up your Wifi to turn on a minute before you set BeyondPod to begin updating. Repeat the task except have it turn off the Wifi sometime after the ‘Update’ task has run. Depending on the speed of your home connection and the number of Podcasts to be updated you might need to set it for thirty minutes to an hour later.
Now all you have left is picking your Podcasts. To be sure the Podcasts are downloaded, highlight your favorite feed and select Menu > Manage Feeds > Edit Feed > scroll down and check the box for ‘Download Podcasts.’ You can set the number of Podcasts to be downloaded here as well.
For some practice or suggestions use the NPR Podcast Directory on the main screen for sample feeds. When you find a Podcast that looks interesting highlight it and press the Right Soft Key for ‘Import To’ and choose a category you want to list it under. Soon you will be on your way to Podcast Gurudom! Enjoy!
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4 Comments to BeyondPod Goes Above
Wow kinda cool. I downloaded it easy enough. I have no experience with podcasts but always wanted to try. I find it a little overwhelming. I think I got it all scheduled though! So, anyone use this for podcasts? Anyone, listen and find them cool / helpful?
Brandon MinimanAugust 4, 2008
You know, I never got into Podcasts, Kalvindawg. My friends who do listen to them say that they’re great during long drives or commutes on the subway. If you subscribe to a Podcast, you can have your device automatically download the new ones, so that every few days (or however often it’s updated), you have a new Podcast waiting for you.
KalvindawgAugust 4, 2008
I think I got it all setup. Kinda excited to see if they download tonigh while I am asleep! Also, the included scheduler program is very cool. I scheduled my bluetooth to turn on automatically everyday at 4. Which is when I leave work, so now when I get in the car I don’t have to manually turn it on anymore! How fun is that!?
Thanks Brandon, I look forward to seeing if podcasts are going to be for me or not. I have a couple of hours each morning I could fill with them, if they are cool. Can anyone suggest some good ones that they enjoy?
Mike BentonAugust 4, 2008
Kalvindawg,
I like listening to a variety of things, sometimes for long drives across the desert (where there is no reception of anything) I will listen to a NPR Story of the Day podcast. When doing some things around the house it’s always great to listen to Comedy, find a comedy podcast that works for you.
On the other hand I also use Rhapsody a lot to transfer large amounts of music/comedy. However this requires me to be at my computer for a good period of time while it transfers. I prefer the podcast method for when traveling and away from home/office. Independence Man!
August 4, 2008