Image Credits:<\/strong> Google Search screenshot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When testing the changes by searching for \u201ccomedy podcasts,\u201d we found a box near the top of the search results that showcased a number of popular titles. In addition to being able to filter for things like \u201cstand-up comedy\u201d or \u201cTV\u201d among others, you could also tap on filter buttons to limit results to those podcasts found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.<\/p>\n

On the iPhone we tested on via Google mobile search, the Google Podcasts filter option was off to the side of the screen \u2014 it was not among the first set of filters.<\/p>\n

After tapping on an individual show, you\u2019re taken to a detail page where you can read a description and learn more about the program, like how frequently it releases and the average length of an episode, and see a list of the latest episodes. Here, a \u201cListen now on Apple Podcasts\u201d option is available and, when tapped, will directly launch the show in the Apple Podcasts app, courtesy of a deep link.<\/p>\n

Apple isn\u2019t the only beneficiary here, it seems, as the same functionality is available for Spotify, as well. To see Google Podcasts, you have to click another button \u2014 \u201cAll Listening Options,\u201d which reveals further choices. (No self-preferencing here, apparently!) Spotify said the feature has been live for its app for over a year, but Apple confirmed the functionality we\u2019ve described is, in fact, new for Apple Podcasts.<\/p>\n

This change may not be new to you, given the phased rollout. Often, that means some users will see changes before others.<\/p>\n

Apple said the update is a recognition of the fact that people don\u2019t want to listen to podcasts in-line \u2014 they would rather use the app of their choice.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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