In the next article we are going to take a look at Vocal. This is an excellent application aimed at all Podcast fans. It is an application for GNU / Linux, which recently launched its first stable version with which anyone can listen to their favorite podcast.
With Vocal you will have a tool focused on the programs distributed in this type of format. While it may seem like another manager Podcast more, within the large number of programs of this style that exist, this visually it is very pleasant. It should also be noted that it works very smoothly.
In its origins, this application was distributed as standard in the Elementary OS distribution. Currently it can already be found available to be installed in the rest of Gnu / Linux distributions. Your interface can remember the one you use popcorn Time. This will be of help to users when browsing the content looking for available programs.
Vocal general characteristics
- The program offers support for streaming, as well as the possibility of use it offline.
- It goes to automatically download new episodes, thus seeking to keep our library always updated.
- The program performs a smart library management in order to improve the user experience.
- Integrates well with the desktop. Thanks to its integration, it will show users the notifications of the program.
- We will be able to import the libraries we have from programs like iTunes, Gpodder and other Podcast clients. In the same way we will be able to export from Vocal to other programs.
- It will give us the possibility of search on our computer or on Itunes.
- We will have the option to continue listening from the point where you left off last time.
You can consult all its characteristics in the project page or the one you have in GitHub,
Installing Vocal on Ubuntu using Flatpak
For this example I am going to install on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS using Flatpak. To do it you just have to go to the project page. There you have to select this option to download the package:
The package should be able to install using the option "Ubuntu software".
If you prefer use terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) for installation, you will only have to type the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak install --from https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/com.github.needleandthread.vocal.flatpakref
After the installation, it is recommended to restart the system.
Initiating Vocal
Once installed, the program can be easily found in Ubuntu:
Once the program is launched, it will show its welcome screen. In it we will be able to browse the Podcasts that we have on our team, add a new channel or import subscriptions from other Podcast managers.
Once we have a few programs added, if one of them is checked we will be able to see the information about the channel, the list of programs and information about the selected program, in addition to the image of the program. This is where you can fault this program. Some of the podcast covers are not loading correctly. But it is something you can live with.
In the upper right part we will find a series of buttons available. The first, in the shape of a star, will show the new shows of our favorite Podcasts.
Another interesting option is that it is going to offer us the possibility of access the top Podcast programs in the iTunes Store. In this case, the majority are going to be programs in English.
With the button in the shape of a magnifying glass we will be able to find the programs on our local computer or on Itunes.
From the button in the form of a mechanical wheel, we will have access to a drop down with options to add new Podcast feeds. We will also be able to search for program updates, import or export subscriptions, report a bug or edit program preferences.
In addition to the options mentioned here, in the program you will be able to find others that complete the program to make it comfortable when using it.