Pocket Beacon Reviews

by Teddador

While I am a critter from near the very start, I hate using PocketBeacon. No Picture in Picture to allow people to do anything on their device other than watch the video (something that feels like a must have feature when most videos are multiple hours long), if you take a break from watching a video and PocketBeacon closes the. Upon returning the video will not resume where you left off, no way to turn off auto-play, and the autoplay will only play the next video of the same series (so if you are catching up after falling behind and you want to watch things like Critical Role Cool Down or 4 sided dive in between episodes you have to manually close out of the next main series episode that automatically started and then jump back to the bonus content). I am upset that I signed up for a year of this service just to find out that PocketBeacon had the worst video watching interface I have ever experienced.

by IMA_JRK

Dear Beacon App

I know that notifications are disabled. I disabled them. I also know that I can turn them back on. I really don’t need to be reminded at every launch of PocketBeacon that they are disabled and that I can turn them back on. I don’t let my phone control my life via notifications!

When on 5G, I have not been able to successfully transition to audio only as PocketBeacon freezes every time. This transition even takes a while on my WiFi 6 network with gigabit internet service.

PocketBeacon also reminds me of the media experience on an iPhone circa 2008. No background playing of media.

I’ll be happy to update my review as these items are addressed. I wish that I would have saved my annual subscription until after I read the reviews.

by JazzberryJam707

ETA: y’all can have your stars back when you give me background play dammit.

Really excellent place to access the most complete critical role library. I will echo the need for being able to play things while my phone screen is locked. Having audio only content on an app the required you to be watching feels a little clunky. Other than that it feels like a very well crafted and well thought out access portal for the new platform.

by Dougc84

It’s been a month since I last posted a review. Still no PiP. Still no background play. No new fixes or features at all, really. And I’m getting more and more annoyed at how poorly it keeps track of the play status. I was watching something, pulled out my airpods, and when I came back, it had… played to the end?!? And videos I’ve watched now show up under “Continue Watching.”

PocketBeacon is frustrating and makes consuming an awesome collection of content not worth it. Do better with PocketBeacon guys. PiP, background play, and better acknowledgement of system events is necessary to make this function properly, then actual user testing would go a long way to iron out bugs and weird interactions.

Original review:

Guys. It’s 2024. PiP/background play (for video and audio) is a necessity for a streaming app. At this point, I will not renew my membership unless this is added. This is a breaking feature IMO, and every review mentions this. The content is great, but there also needs to be some way of having an “up next” sort of playlist - not just in PocketBeacon but in the service as a whole. It’s hard to see what you have played and haven’t, and where you need to pick up from.

by PlaneMx

I love the Critical Role content but PocketBeacon is so glitchy and unstable. I have to log in multiple times, there are lots of freezes and crashes. It’s hardly usable on a mobile device on the go. I hope the ability to keep playing when I lock my phone is added soon. That would make it so much more useful. Also the ability to switch between video and audio and have it keep track of your progress on a video and especially the ability to download content to watch it offline.

by Coffeepopsicle

I’m certainly a critter at heart and would love to only watch on beacon, but PocketBeacon just isn’t there yet. Not saving progress, no PiP, and no Apple TV app is still a dealbreaker. Maybe I’m one of the few people who still watches things on a tv in the living room, but I need an Apple TV app. AirPlay streaming is dodgy at best. Just look at the Dropout app and get “inspired”. I won’t tell. I know PocketBeacon is new and making one is very hard, so I’m sure it will improve with time.

by Xtrajacob

I only have two complaints:
1. When using the audio only mode, I still have to keep PocketBeacon open and my phone unlocked which in my opinion defeats the purpose of listening to it like a podcast
2. Occasionally it will not let me scrub to find a part of the video and put me back at the beginning of the video.
3. When I switch to another app, the audio stops which is inconvenient if I am trying to send a text told want to multitask.

by ClutchGP

I love that all the content in the CR universe is under one roof. Unfortunately, PocketBeacon doesn’t allow for listening in the background, PocketBeacon must be open. This is painful when the content itself is audio-only, you have to continuously wake your phone to keep it from locking and stopping the playback. While the idea is on their feature tracker, it’s not under current development but listed as “Soon”. Surprisingly large miss in an otherwise great platform.

by TheArkbuilder13

If you leave PocketBeacon or even just the page from which the Audio or video is playing, the audio stops. I would maybe get it if just the audio from the video stopped, but even when you select the podcast version, you can leave PocketBeacon . Seems very weird and makes me way less likely to use PocketBeacon .

by AshBtweetin

It's great to be able to have Beacon as an app, but there is no mini-player, and with 4.5 hour videos, we need to check emails and stuff in between. Lol. If I log onto Beacon in my phone browser it allows the mini-player, so I'm probably not going to use PocketBeacon much until the mini-player function is added 🤷‍♀️

by Kirsten K

It’s really fantastic to have all of the Critical Role content in one place! The exclusive content is absolutely worth the subscription cost and I’m excited to see what else they will be able to do.

That said, there are definitely still features missing that I think are really necessary for an app like this. Most important to me would be the ability to listen to content in the background - especially for the audio-only content that’s exclusive to this platform. I’d also like to see a better bookmarking system. That said, as soon as listening in the background is added, my rating would immediately go up to 5 stars.

by Swordofwit

The actual content available is fantastic!
However, the fact it has neither picture-in-picture to keep playing while using other apps, nor to even simply have it continue playing audio-only if the screen turns off makes it drastically less usable and is a tremendous flaw, especially when so much of Critical Role's content is *hours* long. I hope it gets remedied soon, as so far it means I can only really use PocketBeacon when I'm willing for that to be the *only* thing I'm doing with my phone or iPad (which is rare).
(I also hope we eventually get an ability to download things for easier on-the-go consumption, but understand that may take longer to make happen)

by TtCrookston

Love CR, and love that they finally have their own app. PocketBeacon ’s interface is beautifully done, and easy to use.

It’s just not reliable at this point. I am constantly getting playback and “technical errors” that require multiple restarts of PocketBeacon and simply resolve. PocketBeacon also does not currently support background play or Picture in Picture, so you have to keep your phone on and PocketBeacon open to watch any content. I currently use the beacon website more often than PocketBeacon , as it seems to be marginally more reliable for streaming (though it also doesn’t support background play).

I may take a break and continue using twitch instead. Again I absolutely love PocketBeacon and concept, but the frustration entailed to use it may not be worth using it in its infancy. Perhaps after another few updates I’ll give it another go!

by Nike159

Love having a dedicated Critrole app and happy to support the team, but needs a few features. Namely an offline download. Was excited to get PocketBeacon and download the latest ep for my 8hr plane ride, but alas.

I find Dropout’s app to be excellent and highly recommend copying their features as much as possible.

Otherwise, looking forward to the new programs and being able to support directly :)

by Mckennnnnnna

I love critical role and I will do anything to support this company but PocketBeacon so infuriating. It has a great idea but the amount of technical errors as well as times it does not save your progress in a video and makes you start from the beginning. Then when you try to scroll to where you were it auto put you back at the beginning, PocketBeacon is slow and has alot of issues. It is a great idea but there are way too many problems to make it function on the phone. Watch it on a computer web browser and it’s totally fine, just skip PocketBeacon for now until they make some necessary changes. Love you Critical Role, this isn’t your fault ❤️

by Rainbow171

App reminds me to allow notifications everytime I open it, no thanks
Player only works when PocketBeacon is on screen and not locked
Play next works well though, need a download for offline option and an audio only option

Cool down is great though. App and service is well worth it, just needs some QOL improvements

by L0tu53at3r

The content, including the Beacon exclusives, is top notch as expected.

PocketBeacon needed a couple features before going prime time though.

First and foremost, picture-in-picture mode is a must and should absolutely be in the next feature update.

Another thing I’d like would be the ability to make and share custom playlists. Sometimes you just need to watch a Sam Riegel emotional rollercoaster.

An added bonus I’d love to see would be if Critical Role could hire someone, preferably YouTube’s marisharaygun please and thank you, to do the shortened highlight reels but to be sure to include chapters with titles and bookmarking.

The picture-in-picture is certainly the most needed improvement, anything else would be gravy.

LET CHAOS REIGN!

by UghhhhhhhhhSTAHP

I love that I can watch CR content without ads now, but I really wish you could continue to listen to shows while your phone is locked. I was hoping this would make catching up on content easier while driving, but unfortunately I cant use navigation apps or anything at all simultaneously. If they’d add continued listening PocketBeacon would be perfect.

by Catcrazer27

I really love Critical Role, and was super excited for PocketBeacon when I heard about its release. I’ve been using it pretty often for the past two days, and it’s been mostly good. I have had some issues with it saving my place in videos; where after leaving PocketBeacon , while still only halfway through a video, next time I get back on, it sends me back to the beginning.

I only have a couple of suggestions, like the ability to still watch or listen while out of PocketBeacon , or while my phone is off. Other than that, I’m having a great time, thanks Critical Role for some Pocket Bacon!

by $d Money$

PocketBeacon needs to be updated to allow the audio to play while PocketBeacon is minimized, and allow for pop out player so playback doesn’t pause when leaving the Pocket Beacon app. Pretty standard feature, unsure why it was omitted here.

by Drvn2xtrms

1. Pinch/zoom is a must. You definitely need it for battle maps on IOS.
2. An Apple TV app is also very important. I can mirror my phone but it's an awkward workaround and still suffers from #1 above.

I'm a founding subscriber on twitch that is looking forward to this new amazon-free chapter!

by _Mr.Anderson_

Rating 3/5 stars for now because there’s some things I would need to really love it. Being able to play in the background, or have Picture in Picture, would be great. I like listening when I’m doing other things so having my screen on depletes my battery which limits when I can watch it through PocketBeacon . Also being able to download would be great. I listen a lot while I drive or travel and downloading ahead of time is really helpful for when my service might not be reliable. I hope it’ll be coming up soon though and I can improve my rating!

by Rachel<>Ann

I love Critical Role and am genuinely excited for PocketBeacon, but it needs a lot of TLC. My biggest gripe is that the continue watching is trash. When reopening PocketBeacon to click on a video I haven’t finished watching it starts back at the very beginning instead of where I left off. It is very annoying to have to guess the time stamp of where I think I left off on. Also, are we getting PocketBeacon on the Apple TV? Mirroring my screen works, but I mostly watch TV using my Apple TV

by Jason_a

It’s making its way, not bad and improving everyday, can’t wait to see it grow into a more user refined interface. I’m glad it’s not identical to every other app however, it lacks some simple creature comforts I’d like to see implemented over time. Bidet !

by Hunter Tor

Truly my only wish is picture in picture. I haven’t listened to podcasts yet but I’ve read they act the same as video, so you can’t leave PocketBeacon and still listen. Once that’s updated, I’ll have no complaints. I love the layout, it’s pretty easy to navigate, and the content is top notch.

by Lng11.jeg13

I have enjoyed it so far but an option to play the video in Picture in Picture or to listen to it while in the background (such as when my phone is locked) would be perfect, like with twitchtv. I spend most of my time listening while driving, working out, doing the yard, etc and it is the only thing keeping me from subscribing or using it consistently.

by SwimWhit

Love the content but dang is it frustrating being forced to keep PocketBeacon open because Picture in Picture isn’t available. Even more frustrating when swiping up to leave PocketBeacon and it auto scrubs the time, completely losing my timestamp. But I love Critical Role and I’m so happy to support them directly!

by Norr1n'sGotSk1llz

Critical Role’s new platform, Beacon, is a great value! There is a ton of content available for a really reasonable monthly subscription. This is critical role we’re talking about, so it’s high quality content too! Really, the one thing I’d change about the mobile experience would be adding the ability to watch videos in Picture in Picture mode when I leave for another app and to have the videos keep playing while I lock my phone. Or, at the very least make it so if I watch an episode and then switch to listening instead it’ll sync my progress instead of having me start over and scrub through. Otherwise, this is a perfect app!

by A Forester

Love PocketBeacon UI and how responsive it has felt while navigating through show series pages and collections. The only QoL addition that’s missing is the picture-in-picture player, would love to be able to catch up on campaign VODs while browsing my phone

by LoverOfBrennanLeeMulligan

Huge Critter here and absolutely love Critical Role, so much so that I would love to listen to it at work. Problem is that it eats my battery while my phone is open, PLEASE let me close my phone. Bidet.

by CR Hubbard

Definitely hoping for picture in picture soon.

My only real gripe is that every time I open it, it opens a dialogue asking me to turn on notifications. I neither need nor want notifications from PocketBeacon.

by KjerstinSpark-Stahl

PocketBeacon seamlessly streams to my TV and the quality is great. Happy with continued use, especially if they continue to improve it.

Things I hope they’re working on:
1. Holding your spot on a video you’re watching - so far I’ve had them restart at the beginning and have to scroll to where I left off.
2. “Return to watching…” on the Home Screen
3. Air dates of live episodes in the title or another obvious way because I don’t always know the episode title.

by Bja2008

I got PocketBeacon yesterday and it’s great! I love that all the shows I watch are in one place! I wish that “Critical Role Abridged” covered the other two campaigns as well!

But, I’m kind of puzzled why I can’t download PocketBeacon on my Apple TV?

Otherwise, it’s great! Can’t wait for more content!

by The Cahill Author

Hey guys! Loving PocketBeacon so far. Very accessible, and user friendly. Loving all of the new programming available so far, look forward to seeing what else you guys develop.
One suggestion though. When watching a show, I’d love to be able to minimize the screen so I could access other apps on my phone without loosing connection to the show or not being able to listen while my phone is off.

Anyway, still a full 5 stars!

by Blake_(set Of Random Numbers)

The only real change I think would be good would be making so you can view the stream minimized so we can watch with our phone off, or doing something else.

by ¡Awesome!

Pocket beacon, as enjoyable as pocket bacon!

I love the new content and content organization. It’s so easy to find the video I want. As others have mentioned, further app functionalities like picture-in-picture, saving/syncing your video progress, and the ability to download content would be fantastic. I have faith we’re only seeing the beginning of what PocketBeacon will do though! Thank you CR for developing this lovely platform!!

by CYendula7

Loving Beacon so far! Support team is good with responding about any issues with PocketBeacon . I appreciate the closed captioning and organization of all the different videos. Would love for a download function on PocketBeacon so that I can watch things on the go.

Also agree with another reviewer about having Picture in Picture mode and having PocketBeacon remember our progress through a video that we don’t have to scrub to find our last time stamp

by WAZ_S.S.

Hope I can support where I can.

by Telesthesia

Love all the series on PocketBeacon and can’t wait for more. Works flawlessly too!

by Skatfitzpat

So excited for PocketBeacon! Functionality is great so far! I would love to see Picture in Picture in the future so I can keep listening to the story or show while I use other apps in my phone.

by Forgetful Parker

Really needs a Picture in Picture update and the ability to continue to listen with the screen locked. Then PocketBeacon will be perfect