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So long, in fact, Id forgotten the beta was still on my phone.
(I was in the beta testing pool?)
First things first, though its not a podcast app.
At least, so goes the messaging.
At least, partly wrong.
What they actually built is something nobodyhascreated yet, which is a portal to the world of audio journalism.
Specifically, its a portal to the New YorkTimes own vision of audio journalism.
To be sure, therearegenuine exclusives on the app.
When looking at the app all at once, a basic product question arises: Who is this for?
More importantly, is it enough to justify the existence of this app?
Furthermore, none of the exclusive content feels particularly fresh, exciting, or essential to compel usage.
Why not bake it into the main app everyones already using?
To be fair, I think I can see the intended long-term vision.
A strong New YorkTimesAudio app opens up new possibilities.
An assortment of different use cases duct-taped together into a bundle, it lacks a bold vision.
More simply, it just needs to pick a lane.
Make it a product for extremeDailyheads.
Make it about professionally narrated articles from the website.
Go full Luminary, pulling everything but a handful of shows behind the wall.
Thats a market begging to be revitalized, and a clear use case not being served.
I dont care; just go big.
TheTimescertainly has the cash, the model, and a willing consumer base to do it.
Speaking of AI-directed podcasts, the bot governingDudesycontinues to run amok.
Shout-out to public-domain works.
Its calledNightwalking, and its published throughThe BelieverMagazinesConstellation Prizepodcast.
Its very out there, but its definitely somethin.
Note, however: New episodes are published very sporadically.
