Implement “Smart Speed” Functionality Similar to Overcast for E

  • Unknown's avatar
    lxyer1 · Member ·

    Dear Pocket Casts Team,

    As a loyal user who deeply appreciates your app’s excellent design and existing features like Trim Silence, I’d like to respectfully propose an enhancement to your playback speed functionality that could significantly improve the listening experience.

    Current Limitations:
    While Trim Silence and fixed speed adjustment (1x-3x) are useful, they maintain a rigid approach to time compression that doesn’t account for natural variations in speech patterns. This results in:

    1. Inconsistent listening experiences when speakers have different natural paces
    2. Over-compression of already fast dialogue
    3. Under-utilization of potential time savings in slow-paced segments

    Proposed Solution:
    Implement a “Smart Speed” feature similar to Overcast’s innovative approach, which intelligently adapts playback speed based on speech patterns while maintaining a user-defined target speed. Key characteristics would include:

    • Dynamic speed adjustment within a user-set range (e.g., 2x-4x)
    • Context-aware compression that considers:
    • Natural speech tempo variations between speakers
    • Pacing changes within a single episode
    • Preservation of vocal clarity and natural tonality
    • Automatic calibration to maintain an average speed matching the user’s preferred rate (e.g., 3x)

    Technical Implementation Advantages:

    1. Leverage existing audio analysis infrastructure used for Trim Silence
    2. Utilize variable-speed algorithms that maintain pitch integrity
    3. Add optional visual indicators for speed fluctuations (user-toggleable)
    4. Allow user-defined parameters for maximum/minimum speed thresholds

    User Benefits:

    • 25-40% more effective time compression compared to static speed settings (based on Overcast user reports)
    • More natural listening experience with reduced “chipmunk effect”
    • Better accommodation for podcasts with multiple hosts/guests
    • Maintains Pocket Casts’ position as an innovator in audio playback technology

    Suggested Implementation Approach:
    Phase 1: Basic variable speed algorithm using speech pattern detection
    Phase 2: Customizable sensitivity controls for speed adjustment
    Phase 3: Machine learning optimization based on user feedback

    This feature could be marketed as “AdaptiveSpeed™” or “SmartPace™”, potentially becoming a premium subscription differentiator. Many users in our community have expressed desire for this functionality, and its implementation would greatly enhance Pocket Casts’ competitive edge in the podcast app market.

    Thank you for considering this suggestion. I’d be happy to participate in beta testing or provide additional user insights if helpful.

    Best regards

  • staff-donnie · Staff ·

    Hi @lxyer1 – Thanks for the detailed suggestion. We have an existing feature request for this kind of enhancement, so I’ve added your comment there for consideration.

  • Unknown's avatar
    bikrrr · Member ·

    Excellent write-up, @lxyer1! You’ve just convinced me that I also need this feature!

    I’ve never used Overcast, but “smart speed” sounds perfect—it’d eliminate my current tedious process of setting podcast-specific effects for each new subscription

    One addition I’d love: a music detection toggle. In music podcasts, I want songs to play normally but speed up the talking between tracks. In all other podcasts, I’d want smart speed to work on all speech, even when background music or intros/outros are playing.

  • staff-donnie · Staff ·

    @bikrrr Thanks, I’ve added your vote and your suggestion about music detection.

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