InstaCast HD Now Available For The iPad

Tweet

We have previously mentioned InstaCast for the iPhone, and well, it looks like the app is now also available for the iPad. The iPad specific version of the app arrives as InstaCast HD and it is currently available in the iOS App Store.

That being said, we cannot help but think it would have been nicer to see this come as a universal app with support for both the iPad and iPhone, however that point aside, it looks like those looking for an iPad friendly podcast listening app should find this worthy of consideration. Anyway, the InstaCast HD app arrives as version 1.0, requires iOS 5.0 or later and is priced at $4.99.

In terms of features, InstaCast HD arrives with what we would expect based off the previously existing non-HD (iPhone) version. In other words, it brings the ability to manage, download and listen to both audio and video podcasts. Plus, there is the iCloud Syncing which will allow you to sync your podcasts with iCloud. Moving past that and there is also a new feature that (at least for now) is exclusive to the iPad app — push notifications.

Push Notifications
Exclusively on the iPad, Instacast HD can notify you automatically as soon as a new episode gets published by the author. Get the notification, tap it and Instacast will refresh and automatically download the episode and boom, you’re ready to play.

Otherwise, the InstaCast HD app touts features to include Direct Download, an enhanced video player and easy-to-read show notes.

Direct Download
Instacast automatically downloads the most recent episodes and caches it on the device for later offline consumption. With the integrated Download Manager you can pause downloading, resume later and re-prioritize downloads. If the connection drops, Instacast will resume downloading later as soon as the internet connection is available again.

Enhanced Video Player
Instacast HD has an enhanced video player, that lets you control the video with minimal interaction. Change the screen brightness in low light situations or stream the video to your Apple TV via AirPlay. Playback controls are positioned in a way that you don’t have to touch the middle area where the video is playing, keeping the important parts of your screen fingerprint-free. Hide the player and continue playing only the audio portion of the video while surfing the show notes or browsing the web.

Easy-to-read Show Notes
Show notes are the heart of the app. Surf links along playing the show and read in-depth information about the things the hosts are talking about. Save articles for reading later using your favorite Read-Later service such as Instapaper or Readability. Show notes also include chapter lists when available and let you jump directly to a certain point in the show. Surf through the show archive by swiping and flicking with your fingers.

Bottom line here, while there are similar iPad friendly apps that offer the ability to manage your podcast habits, we can say that InstaCast HD arrives as one of the nicer ones. The app is easy to navigate, easy to use and perhaps the icing on the cake — nicely designed.