When it comes to podcasts, there is literally something for everyone. While managing your podcasts can become a chore, there are many Android podcast apps that will download, organize and play your podcasts, allowing you to focus on listening, rather than spending time tracking them down. Boasting a handful of awards, Castbox is one of the most popular podcast apps for Android. Featuring a clean, easy-to-use interface, Castbox allows you to subscribe, listen and create customized podcasts playlists. In addition to podcasts, Castbox boasts a vast library of audiobooks, FM radio programming and more. It also allows you to download episodes for offline listening, perfect for going long stretches without Internet access . Castbox supports syncing across multiple devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off. Podcast junkies will be happy to know that Castbox is 100% free to use, as it is ad-supported, and some features require payment to unlock. Payment also unlocks various features, like automatically trimming silence, playback speed control, CarPlay support and more. Thankfully, you can cherrypick the features that are important to you and leave the others behind the paywall. Do you wish you could manage your podcasts, Internet radio, audiobooks, YouTube, Twitch, SoundCloud and RSS news feeds from a single app? With Podcast Addict , it is possible. The Android app has access to the top podcast networks and features a robust discovery system to help you find new podcasts. Podcast Addict had cross-platform support, downloadable content for offline listening and cloud backup to Google Drive . Additionally, the app has some unique community building features. For example, you can engage with like-minded podcast fans through reviews and follow content creators via social media platform integration. Powerful playback options are featured in the app, such as variable playback speeds and full chapter support. You can also configure automatic downloads and deletion. For example, you can set the app to download episodes while sleeping, ensuring the episodes are ready to go when you wake up. While it’s a free app, in-app purchases remove ads and offer more robust customization options. Due to the extensive customization, though, the user interface can be somewhat overwhelming. Pocket Casts does pretty much everything all the other podcast apps do. It supports cross-platform syncing, and customizable settings, like playback speed and cutting out the silence. It also supports downloading episodes for offline listening. Other than those standard options, it stands out for the app design. The user-friendly interface is quite intuitive. It’s simple to navigate, making it easy to find your favorite pods and fine-tune settings to your preferences. The aesthetics of Pocket Casts is worth a mention. We know that podcasts aren’t a visual medium, but the app is clean and complements the artwork of the podcast. While Pocket Casts doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it just looks good doing what it’s supposed to do, and that is appealing in its own right, especially when you consider how a common criticism of podcast apps is that their UIs can be cluttered. There are some features locked behind a paywall, and Pocket Casts Plus runs $10 per year, giving you exclusive themes, cloud storage and Apple Watch /Wear OS support, among other features. Premium costs $39.99 per year and gives you access to exclusive content. PodBean , like many other podcast apps on this list, offers access to a wide variety of podcast networks, offline listening and cross-platform support. However, what really sets it apart is the inclusion of a variety of tools to assist in podcast creation. The PodBean app boasts a full-on podcast recording studio. This includes not only a platform for recording and editing, but also the ability to host your own podcasts, distributing across major platforms, like Spotify and Apple , as well as monetization tools. PodBean has in-app purchases that apply to the listening side of the app, as well as subscription plans associated with creation. The free version caps hosting at 500 MB, or roughly 5 hours. It also limits the bandwidth your podcast can consume to 100 GB per month, which could inhibit the growth of your pod, and there are other minor limitations too. Plans vary depending on your needs, but they can be as little as $10 per month and as much as more than $100 per month. AntennaPod boasts an extensive library, syncing across devices, and many customization options. However, there is one thing about AntennaPod that makes it truly unique among its competitors. It is completely open-source . While this means that you can tinker with the app, the real advantage is that AntennaPod is built and maintained by volunteers. With no commercial interests, AntennaPod is completely ad-free. It has a strong focus on user privacy . Since they’re not in it for money, they’re not collecting all of your data and selling it to the highest bidder. AntennaPod can come off as less polished than some of the other apps on this list, and due to the open-source nature of the app, updates and bug fixes could be less frequent. But if you’re in the market for an Android podcast app and want to eliminate annoying ads without having to fork over cash, AntennaPod is a must. There are many podcast apps that can help you organize, listen and discover new podcasts across every genre imaginable. While all apps essentially do the same things, their features, price points and interfaces all vary greatly. Furthermore, don’t forget that many podcasts offer their episodes as downloadable MP3s that are playable on your Android device with a music player app . Pop on your headphones , or pair your Bluetooth speaker , and queue up the next episode of your favorite pod! All screenshots: Ryan Lynch Feature Image credit: Unsplash Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Ryan is an English & Film Studies teacher. He splits his time between Australia and the United States. He passes the time on long haul flights by playing retro video games from his youth.Best fall and winter farmers' markets to shop in Vancouver
Christian Davies , Edward White , Kang Buseong , Song Jung-aMANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is rarely one to point the finger at his players and despite a calamitous 3-3 draw at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday after they threw away a three-goal lead the Spaniard stuck by his team again. City find themselves in uncharted territory, now mired in a six-game slump after they arrived at the Etihad Stadium for Tuesday's match on the heels of five straight losses, including a 4-0 rout by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. It was another miserable night as defensive blunders saw Feyenoord strike three times inside 15 minutes and what could have been a confidence boost for City turned into anything but. "It was not necessary to say anything to (the players), they know it perfectly," Guardiola said. "It is what it is, difficult to swallow now. We give away especially the first one and after we are not stable enough." A double from Erling Haaland and a goal from Ilkay Gundogan had the home fans cheering before Anis Hadj Moussa pulled one back for Feyenoord in the 75th minute when he pounced on a terrible back pass from their Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol. Another sloppy pass by the 22-year-old led to Santiago Gimenez making it 3-2 seven minutes later before David Hancko equalised for the Dutch side in the 89th minute. "He is so young, he'll learn," Guardiola said of Gvardiol, who looked distraught after Feyenoord's second goal. "... I'll be so wrong if I point specific things at him. He's a fantastic player, fantastic boy and more than ever must be helped." At the end of the game the crowd booed City, who dropped to 15th in the 36-team table on eight points, two points off the top eight who qualify automatically for the last 16, with the next 16 sides entering a two-leg playoff to try to join them. "They come here not to remember the success in the past, but to see the team win," Guardiola said of the shell-shocked City supporters. "Of course they are completely right to express what they feel. Of course (they are) disappointed." Feyenoord manager Brian Priske was beaming with pride after his team became the first in Champions League history to draw after trailing by three goals as late as the 75th minute. "I just love that word resilience and that's what these boys have," he said. Guardiola's side next face one of their toughest tests of the season when they visit Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. A loss would leave City 11 points adrift of the Reds. Asked if he could lift his players for a mammoth challenge, Guardiola said: "We have to, we have to. It's my job." (Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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Saturday, November 30, 2024 Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its tourism sector as part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Under the leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, the Kingdom is investing $100 million annually to empower youth and women through skill-building programs. With plans to add 250,000 hotel rooms and host global events like Expo 2030 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself among the top global tourism destinations. This article delves into the strategic initiatives propelling this change, highlighting the focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural exchange redefining the nation’s tourism landscape. As part of its national tourism strategy, launched in 2019, Saudi Arabia has committed to investing $100 million annually to train 100,000 young Saudis in tourism-related skills. This initiative aims to attract both men and women to the sector, offering competitive wages and career growth opportunities. The Riyadh School for Hospitality and Tourism is a key project under this initiative, providing world-class training for 50,000 to 60,000 individuals annually. Additionally, scholarships have enabled over 100,000 Saudis, including 60,000 women, to train in prestigious institutions in Switzerland, Spain, and the UK. Empowering women is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. With more than 100,000 women employed in the sector since 2019, women are taking leadership roles in tourism and hospitality. The Vice Minister of Tourism and the head of Human Capital Development are women, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to gender inclusivity. Also Read: Saudi Arabia Hosts Expo 2030, Winter Olympics, and Meeting Gatherings, Elevating Cultural Exchange, Global Events and Tourism Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes a massive expansion of tourism infrastructure, with plans to add 250,000 hotel rooms over the next decade. Iconic projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Global resorts, and Qiddiya are set to redefine luxury, entertainment, and sustainable tourism. The Red Sea project, for instance, has already launched four resorts, employing over 2,000 women. By next year, an additional 18 resorts will open, requiring thousands more workers. These developments aim to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and Arabian hospitality to the world. Expo 2030 Riyadh is poised to be a monumental event, drawing more than 40 million visitors from around the globe. As a cultural and economic hub, Riyadh will host countries worldwide to showcase their traditions, innovations, and achievements over six months. His Excellency emphasized that Expo 2030 will not only boost tourism but also position Riyadh as a global capital for events, exhibitions, and cultural exchange. With this, Saudi Arabia is set to become one of the top seven most-visited countries by 2030. Also Read: Saudi Arabia to Launch Tourist VAT Refund System in 2025, Boosting New Vision 2030 Tourism Tourism in Saudi Arabia is primarily driven by the private sector, which manages hotels, resorts, and restaurants. The government supports private enterprises with land leases, soft loans, and regulatory ease to encourage development. The Tourism Development Fund, chaired by Al-Khateeb, plays a vital role in financing private sector projects, ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and inclusive. The private sector is also encouraged to hire women and youth, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating diverse career opportunities. Saudi Arabia aligns its tourism initiatives with global sustainability goals, focusing on creating jobs and empowering marginalized groups. Women make up 45% of the global tourism workforce, and Saudi Arabia aims to increase this figure to 50% and beyond. The Kingdom’s collaboration with organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) underscores its commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development. While embracing digital technology, Saudi Arabia ensures that tourism remains a people-centric industry. Innovations like biometric systems at airports enhance efficiency, but human interaction remains integral to the travel experience. His Excellency highlighted the importance of maintaining the human touch in tourism, emphasizing that meaningful connections and storytelling are vital to creating memorable guest experiences. Also Read: “Saudi Arabia emerging as a global hub of tourism and women empowerment” says, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia Tourism currently contributes 5% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, up from 3% in 2019. By 2030, the goal is to increase this to 10%, making tourism a major economic driver. Employment in the sector has grown from 750,000 in 2019 to 950,000 today, with plans to add 600,000 more jobs by 2030. With a revised target of 150 million annual visitors, Saudi Arabia is set to become a global tourism powerhouse, attracting both domestic and international travelers. Also Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism: Riyadh Season and Affordable Flights Highlight Riyadh as a Must-Visit City Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a transformative journey for the Kingdom, with tourism playing a pivotal role. Through investments in youth and women, ambitious infrastructure projects, and global collaborations, Saudi Arabia is redefining its image on the world stage. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be the crown jewel of this transformation, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich culture, innovation, and Arabian hospitality. As His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized, the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism lies in its people, culture, and commitment to excellence. With Vision 2030, the Kingdom is poised to lead the global tourism industry, offering unparalleled experiences to travelers worldwide. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.
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