Outcast for Watch Reviews

by Miguel_roboso

I am just tired of this. Save your dollar and just use podcasts from the phone.

I bought it a month ago.

First, I tried to download a single podcast episode, and it was already a drama. I followed the Developers’ guidelines (disable bluetooth on the phone, make sure that the watch is connected to WiFi), and Outcast crashed two or three times before even starting to download.
Then you need to keep the watch screen on. Fine, let’s try that. Even when doing that, though, the download pauses every five seconds. I wanted to take a video but it was hard to keep the watch screen alive when pointing the phone at it.
After pressing “resume” 20 times, at the end apparently it worked. Or at least, it seemed to have worked.

I connect my headphones to the watch, press play. Nothing happens, and the podcast auto-pauses. The time stays at 0:00.I try again, no luck. It doesn’t pause, but the time does not progress. I feel a “tap” from the swatch every time I press play, but right now it seems like Outcast is mocking me.

In a month I could not make it work even once.
On the plus side, the developers are kind and responsive, but Outcast simply (most likely for Apple Watch’s framework) does not provide a decent podcast experience. Good for the lucky ones that managed to get it to work, I am not among them.

Summary: a pain to download podcasts, a pain

by Mrsaohall

Super disappointed about Outcast. Purchased because it was featured by Apple a few weeks ago as being one of the essential apps to download for your Apple Watch. You cannot download anything no matter what disconnect from your Apple Watch like it says no dice connected via Wi-Fi without your Apple Watch. No dice. I have an Apple Watch that’s enabled with cellular data and it still doesn’t work connected or unconnected from the Apple Watch. Not to mention that the user interface is just terrible seems OK but it freezes up and I’ve had to uninstall reinstall a few time. it’s not clear how to get to the settings etc. what a bummer since all I really want to do is listen to podcasts without having to carry my iPhone around. I think Outcast was able to download 1 episode a few weeks ago. Took forever made my watch hot. I’m not even able to that now.

by Plschauster

I run a lot and love my podcasts, so this was an obvious try as I try and not run w/my iPhone. So, it says it will download via WiFi after I turn off Bluetooth and put on airplane mode - this does not work, and I’m literally sitting next to my wireless router (and AirPort Extreme). Also, when I actually was able to download an episode (via the iPhone/Bluetooth b/c the WiFi ‘trick’ didn’t work), it wouldn’t play after I paired my headphones (iTunes worked thru my headphones; Outcast didn’t). So I deleted the episode and re-downloaded the same episode (again, the long way via iPhone/Bluetooth), re-paired my headphones and it worked. So, when I actually does what it says it’s supposed to do, it’s great. But, it’s mostly inconsistent. Any remedies?

by Uncle Farkus

It’s a good idea and I’m really happy to see somebody trying to tackle this problem. I’ve heard Marco Arment talk about how difficult it is and this solution is better than his was. Still, it’s unreliable at best. I’ve gotten one episode of a podcast to download on my cellular watch in the past 2 weeks of messing around with it. Have not been able to play said episode via AirPods however, so I’m not sure what the point really is. Despite spending money I’m not mad because I’m that desperate for podcasts on my watch and am glad somebody is working on it, so hopefully that money will go towards making it better until Apple inevitably brings it to the watch themselves. But I can’t say I’d recommend Outcast to anybody who isn’t in the same mindset as myself.

by Zagzagel

I’ve purchased all of the podcast players for the Apple Watch including Watch Player, Minicasts, Watch Casts, etc, and this is the best one so far. It freezes occasionally, but I really like the interface of this app better than the others. It displays graphics and episode descriptions on the Watch, and you can use use the crown to FF or RW. You have to turn Bluetooth off on the iPhone to quickly download episodes via WiFi, but this is a limitation with all the Apple Watch podcast apps. Until Apple gets serious about podcast support on the Watch and releases a native app, this one is my preferred solution.

by Sun Also Rises

Outcast works where many others do not. I cannot seem to get Outcast to push podcasts from my phone to the watch via the phone side. I end up having to download podcasts with my watch which takes a few minutes. Also, the podcasts seem to download faster when the watch is near the phone despite the directions. I cannot get Outcast to stream podcasts without downloading them first which is probably more of an indictment on how poor watch cell service is.

All said and done, Outcast helps make up for the fact that the Apple Watch is very limited in streaming podcasts which was the entire reason I bought it—to stream podcasts without having to take my phone on runs or to the gym. If my gripes above were addressed Outcast would be perfect but it works so it is hard to complain too much.

by NicholDad3

Outcast would be much better if I didn’t need to disable Bluetooth on my iPhone to enable even a mediocre download speed. Also there’s no setting that will allow for automatic downloads and removal of podcasts once they’ve been consumed.
Don’t get me wrong; Outcast takes a huge step in the right direction for searching for and listening to podcasts; and all this without having the functionality that an updated Watch OS 5 API may soon enable.
When that happens I’ll upgrade my rating.

by Jmac213108

Love Outcast . Easy to use. Quick downloads. My only suggestion would be to manage downloads from the iPhone portion of Outcast . Sometimes it is frustrating having to make changes (adding sorting, deleting and searching for podcasts) from the watch itself. The screen is not big enough and sometimes it tends to slow down and freeze. But overall I love Outcast , and would recommend downloading. However, the new Apple OS is reportedly adding the Podcast app to the watch so you can make these sort of adjustments from the iPhone app. But for now, it’s the best app for podcasts.

by Ryanramsey

Works really well, and pretty much to only transparent way to make sure your podcasts are downloaded to your Apple Watch before leaving your phones connection.

I just wish that their phone app also played podcasts, as I have to now have two different podcast libraries to manage. I end up just looking on my phone to see what podcasts I want to listen to right then and search this app for those episodes and download them. It works but if their phone app played podcasts I’d strictly use their whole ecosystem.

by Stefanojo

As the developer said in a response to a bad review, Outcast was a bit “fiddly” at first. But, once I played with it a bit, it works flawlessly. Forcing the watch to go into cellular or WiFi modes is the key. Once that was done, downloads were surprisingly fast. I just downloaded three 60 minute-ish podcasts in less than one minute each. Brilliant! Plus, its super ease to find new podcasts, add episodes, delete episodes and play episodes. Just a really nicely designed and easy to use podcast app for the watch. Finally!

by Pegasus314

Updating my previous review. App works so much better now in all respects EXCEPT it kills my battery! I use it about an hour a day on my walk and my watch battery which started above 90% is routinely down to 35-40% by the end of the walk. I have to charge the watch right away or I can’t get through the rest of the day (gotta close those rings!) If The watch could be charged while wearing it wouldn’t be a problem but since I can’t this bothers me. It’s probably more an Apple problem than an this app problem but we all know how responsive Apple is to customer concerns! Just be aware when using Outcast that your battery will drain super fast. Still, it’s a great app.

I was very excited that Outcast was finally filling the podcast gap in my Gen3 Apple Watch. Exported my podcasts from Overcast and I was good to go. It worked great for a couple of days then locked up. Had to restart the watch to get it to work again. A week later I’m having the same problem. I think Outcast has great potential and just needs a little tweaking. Maybe when the next update comes out it will be more stable. This is well worth trying, just know you have to work with it. Hoping to give the next update 5 stars.

by Nmlb6f

I have the Apple watch with LTE but haven't been able to justify getting cellular service since my phone is almost always with me. Outcast has been a great addition for those times I dont want to carry the phone around, like when I'm doing stuff in the yard or walking the dog. The first few downloads took several minutes- which really isn't that terrible for those of us that remember what life was like with dial-up - but then Outcast suggested putting my phone in airplane mode and voila, almost instanious download of a 45 minute podcast. Well worth the .99 price tag

by JCgr84me

I bought an Apple Watch 3 with Cellular for 2 reasons; I’m sick of carrying around a gigantic phone and I wanted to be able to listen to Christian podcasts while I was hitting golf balls, shooting hoops, etc...without having to lug around my phone...and Outcast is excellent for your Apple Watch. I have no complaints...I simply love it and I did try a few others and they were not nearly as user friendly as this app. Thank you my good people at this app! FYI - for those of you on the fence about adding your watch to your cell plan, it’s worth it...well worth it. I think it’s like $10-$15 per month with a $30 activation fee but it is SO worth it! I know this will ensure no one reads this review but God bless and I hope you find great podcasts that are uplifting and help you in your walk!

by Brianthat

I never take the time to fill out these reviews, let alone base my choices on them. Especially since I used to think the reviews weren't real. I decided to find out for myself by fill out this comments. tried several other podcast players for my watch, and none of them can even begin to compare to this one. This Player is the best one available on Outcast store, it not only streams podcasts but it's the only app to allow streaming audio without having to connect a separate device. It has also allowed me to stream the latest videos. Don't waste the time that I did downloading and ultimately deleting those other worthless apps, go with the best one first, you won't regret it. So why are you waiting for? Get Outcast!

by Benjamin Hobbs

Sure Apple Podcasts can automatically sync podcasts to your watch but here’s the catch: you can’t do it on demand and it has to be on the charger. If you use your Apple Watch to track your sleep and then go on a morning run wishing to listen to a morning podcast? You are out of luck. That is where this app comes in. A stand-alone Apple Watch Podcast app that allows for on demand downloads (which are quick by the way) without a charger. I can wake up in the morning from tracking my sleep and then download a 25 minute podcast in about two minutes or less and be on my run listening within the next few minutes. Outcast is a must (ps: I have tried Overcast and pretty much every other claimed stand alone Apple Watch podcast app, none come close). I am so glad with recent updates the developer shows their current interest in keeping this app alive. Keep up the good work and don’t stop support!

by 1dopebloke

Everything about Outcast is great EXCEPT the horrible BATTERY DRAIN. U can see the battery v life going down as the minute goes by. It's insane.
I had Outcast installed when I had my Applewatch series 3 running watch OS whatever version it was during late 2017 until buying my Series 4 here in October. It was the only podcast app that allowed me to download podcast episodes straight to my watch. It was key. It has its faults but that was Apples restrictions. Now with watch OS5.0 With the series 4, they updated some things making Outcast much better n easier allowing u to download straight from ur phone app then just unpausing it on ur watch to finish the download. I prefer it to Apples Podcast app n also now seen like I owe them some sort of loyalty for getting me my podcasts back when no other app could on my Applewatch. The best part about the update is the volume and also being able to restart it podcasts from where u were last listening. In the old version, I always wrote down the time I was at n then fast forwarded to the correct spot. Props 2 Outcast developers.

by MrNoName777

I spent the better part of a day trying different podcast apps trying to find one that would let me choose exactly which podcast episodes I wanted to download to my Apple Watch. Many apps had some vague promise this could happen but couldn’t explain how, or a subscription was required to unlock this functionality.

And then I found this app. For $1 it does exactly what I want and I don’t have to go through a complicated syncing with my phone or make tons of different playlists. I can simply search for a podcast on my watch, download whichever episode I chose, and off I can go on a jog- leaving my phone at home.

I usually don’t write reviews, but Outcast deserves some praise for its simplicity and doing exactly what it promises. Thank you!

by Fitz3891

Outcast is a big deal! It solves one of the biggest problems in watchOS. One of the things I really love about Outcast is that it is starting to treat the Watch as a separate entity away from the phone. I actually love that I can just turn off the Bluetooth on my phone and download things over Wi-Fi. I hope that more watch apps go in this direction. Also great use of user interface, by searching with your voice. This is a great app and it also feels like the future. Thanks for putting my podcasts on my wrist!

by Reggae Ball

Works way better than the natural podcast app and only app I’ve seen that lets you play, search and select podcasts directly from your watch without needing your phone nearby. It can have glitches but every app deals with that when playing directly from the watch. Read the tips they recommend (like turning off Bluetooth on your phone if it’s connected can help sometimes). I leave the house most of the time with just my watch so this is the best! Thanks so much!!!

by Domics

Fantastic app if you like listening to podcasts without having to be tethered to your phone. The UI is has a bit of a learning curve but it’s easy once you get used to it. Works best when you DON’T have the phone nearby. I use Outcast mostly on walks and bike rides, and I usually wait until I’ve left the house to grab episodes to listen to because getting them over LTE is so much faster than the Bluetooth connection on the phone.

LTE Apple Watch is so liberating because of apps like this one.