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New: Ultra Podcast Player for BlackBerry

by Kevin Michaluk on 13 Apr 2009 09:26 AM
58
 

Ultra Podcast Player for BlackBerry

* Note - Appears to be working well for some, not well for others. Check out the full post and comments before trying. *

Good news for BlackBerry owners + Podcast listeners... there's a new podcast app to try! Developed by quotronics, the Ultra Podcast Player for BlackBerry puts thousands of podcasts and millions of episodes right at your fingertips.

Ultra Podcast Player for BlackBerry features include:

  • Ability to search from a library of thousands of podcasts
  • Automatic downloading using WiFi
  • Ability to download podcasts in the background.
  • One click playback using the Blackberry Media Player.
  • Changeable Colour Scheme UI.
  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Easy to install & upgrade
  • Support for touch screen navigation

One of the ironic issues with our CrackBerry Podcast is that because Craig and I always ramble on for an hour or more that the episode files tend to have a big file size (~35 - 45 megs), making them a pain in the butt to download and listen to directly on the BlackBerry. However, I just installed the Ultra Podcast Player on my 8900, searched for "CrackBerry", subscribed to the CrackBerry.com Podcast channel and downloaded our latest episode over WiFi. Within literally three minutes I was listening to a show. I haven't tried it on my Storm yet, but the features state support for touch screen navigation. If only RIM would build this functionality into the native Media Player I'd be so happy. [Update: Trying to use this app without WiFi is not nearly as painless - trying to download CB podcast and others on Storm produces errors - when oh when will those download limits get lifted?! And why can't WiFi just be on every single BlackBerry?! ]. 

Note: OS 4.3+ is required and it's still early days for this app, so there *could* be bugs. If you give Ultra Podcast Player a go, be sure to drop your feedback in the comments. 

** Pricing - The developer has us a little confused on this one for the time being - I downloaded it directly from the developer's site thinking it was free app but now it also appears the developer has put Ultra Podcast Player up for sale @ $4.99.  Likely the free version I downloaded is a trial and will expire, but I'll look to get clarification on that from the dev. As a free app you can never go wrong even if it's not *perfect*, but if you're shelling out $$ you should definitely try PodTrapper first too before buying either. You can read our PodTrapper review here.

** Pricing Update - The free version is available for download from their website. It's got full functionality but is limited to two podcast subscriptions at a time. The paid version has no limits. *

For more information, visit www.ultrapodcastplayer.com. To download on your BlackBerry, visit http://www.ultrapodcastplayer.com/device/lite/index.php from your device browser.  

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58 Comments

Posted by Bla1ze Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I could'nt get it too work, still can't for that matter..APN is correct etc..etc. I was only able successfully download one thing and that was CBC news and that was after having tried a lot of other things.

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

When it first came out a couple of weeks ago I couldn't get it to work either, but they just updated it and this latest version seems ok. At least so far on my Curve 8900 on Rogers.

Just installing onto a Telus Storm right now.... will see what happens sans Wi-Fi.

 
 
Posted by Jeffdc5 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Thank you!!!!! this is the one app my bold is missing

 
 
Posted by Roscopcoletrain Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

If it uses wifi how can you use the storm? Or if wifi just one of the DL options?

 
 
Posted by Jeffdc5 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I think its a dl option

 
 
Posted by vx1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

so i guess there is a pro version too the app seems ok - little jumpy with the track ball

 
 
Posted by Simon Sage Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Benefits over Podtrapper?

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Podtrapper is definitely solid though and worth checking out for $9.99. Craig reviewed it here:

http://crackberry.com/podtrapper-blackberry-podcast-aggregator-and-playe...

 
 
Posted by c5karl Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I haven't downloaded Ultra PodCast, so I can't compare, but I've been using Podtrapper for a couple of months and have been very pleased. The developer has released a steady stream of updates and is very responsive to customer questions on his forum. He just released a 2.0 version with a much-improved look & feel. It has very flexible downloading options & podcast management tools, support for video podcasts (at least on the Bold) -- all around a very polished and useful app that's well worth the $10 if you're a reasonably-frequent podcast listener.

 
 
Posted by Bob Penn Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

very Story unfriendly. I could get it to search for a podcast, but it found no "headlines," as they call it, for Windows Weekly, a twit podcast. Also isn't built for Storm screen: the keyboard stays on all the time to mask the half screen display for the non touchscreen Blackberries. Wait for Storm version.

 
 
Posted by cpuking2009 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

compatability mode turn it off >options>advanced options> highlight application> disable compatability mode = BAM works!

 
 
Posted by paulanthonyc Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

VZW needs to enter the 21st century and allow wi-fi. Let's see how this great app works on the Storm. Even if it IS able to get the downloads properly, which I doubt it will, How much use do you think someone will get out of this program with the 5G "unlimited" data plan? Just another program that VZW customers (like myself) won't be able to take advantage of. Yeah, I like VZW service, and I love my Storm...but this stuff gets to the best of us after a while.

 
 
Posted by cpuking2009 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

there is no data cap on smartphones i.e. blackberry. there is however one on the evdo network adapter for a computer / laptop.

 
 
Posted by fatla Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 1136 days ago

I've already subscribed to a couple channels and am downloading a podcast as I type. I didn't change any of the settings and it works great on my storm. Nothing is wrong with the keyboard or touchscreen...definitely compatible with the storm. A great app!

you can only subscribe to two channels at a time. Have to upgrade (pay) for more i guess.

 
 
Posted by R1cowl Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I tried it with my Bold on ATT 3G and got a 413 Error. I will try it when I get home where I have WiFi. I hope it works. I want my Cracberry podcasts on my CRACKBERRY!

 
 
Posted by blacklighter11 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I have a bb bold and when I accessed the link on my bold, it said that access id restricted for Blackberry users only. Weird.

 
 
Posted by R1cowl Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Is your Browser Identification set to BlackBerry? In your Browser menu Options -> Browser Configuration change the Browser Identification to BlackBerry.

 
 
Posted by friedriceballer Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I'm getting the same message on my 8900 when I try the website through my WiFi connection. My browser identification is set to BlackBerry...

 
 
Posted by Truth.Theory Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Copy the link and paste into your browser

 
 
Posted by wojtas25 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Ok, but one important question: CAN I CONNECT VIA BIS, OR ONLY TCP ???

 
 
Posted by Quanius Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I get "invalid address http://" whenever I try to play the episode.. I am on Storm / Verozon

 
 
Posted by plexus Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Sorry, but this application is pretty much nigh on useless. It doesn't show you the progress of downloads, and plays podcasts via the media player invoked from the web browser, which means you can't surf the web at all whilst a podcast is running.

I found this out when I couldn't find a process in the task switcher to switch back to the media player to stop the podcast - but the browser appeared in the task list instead.

And since it plays via the media player, then you can't pump the audio through the Bluetooth stack on the Bold (at least not with 4.6) and that's a real deal-breaker for me, as I use Podtrapper to send podcasts to my Jabra headset while I'm driving.

So yes, I know it's a free app, but to be honest I'd rather stick with Podtrapper. The chasm between them is enormous.

 
 
Posted by Truth.Theory Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

It does give a download status in the download manager as the app calls it.

But you're right about the rest, and PodTrapper is my app!

 
 
Posted by ytsejam1138 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Can't get this work on my AT&T Bold. It gets stuck on downloading data.

 
 
Posted by 1jaxstate1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Can't get it to work on AT&T Bold. It never downloads the Podcast.

 
 
Posted by YHY Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Podtrapper is a phenomenal podcast listening program. Its constantly being updated largely on user-feedback. The developer is really accessible and works pretty hard. I'd wholeheartedly recommend giving podtrapper a try first.

 
 
Posted by 1jaxstate1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

About to give this Podtrapper a try.

 
 
Posted by bobkramer Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I downloaded to curve 8330 Would not work

 
 
Posted by 1jaxstate1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

LOL, Podtrapper isn't working either. Keeps saying "NO COVERAGE" yet I have 4 bars with 3G.

 
 
Posted by Marcus (VersatileMonkey) Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 1136 days ago

Hi there, generally when you're getting 'no coverage' it means you haven't turned on cell downloading yet. (It's not enabled by default so I can show a warning when you turn it on). If you go to Settings -> Download Settings -> Enable downloads over cellular you should be all set. If you still have issues definitely hit the 'Email Developer' menu item and it'll ask if you want to send your logs over to me. Hope this helps,

-Marcus
VersatileMonkey.com

 
 
Posted by 1jaxstate1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Ultra is working now, after a rebooting the Phone.

 
 
Posted by Quanius Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

So I got it to start downloading after I forced it to "Resume download" and then it died halfway through and said connection timeout.. I assure you I did not go out of coverage area. This app needs some help on the Storm.

 
 
Posted by Quanius Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I rebooted my phone which allowed me to download one complete podcast but my next one timed out.

 
 
Posted by spradj89 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I've got it working on my 8330. so far, so good

 
 
Posted by pmich Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Not working ...it won't download the podcast.. lots of errors in the app. Needs major work but a good attempt.

 
 
Posted by Tshombe Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

First thank you for keeping us in the loop on apps and releases; I'm an avid reader. This app works well on my OS .247 Bold, but there was an issue with searching that hadn't yielded any results. Once I entered a direct link to a known podcast it was very responsive. WRT the cost, when I downloaded it I didn't get the usual msg about a trial or a requirement for registration at all, I have even searched through the menu options and all...so yeah I am scratching my head too.

I am addicted to Versatile Monkey's app for my podcast and have been since its release. How does this rival? It does video podcast VERY WELL!!!! and that makes a HUGE difference in regards to capability. Now, PodTrapper may offer video, but I haven't seen this feature or tried to use this feature and probably wouldn't have tried if were not for the fact that UPP offered a "most popular" section and listed was Game Trailers and I was excited for the video option.

I am running a podcast now and it is clean and clear and works well with the BBPlayer. So give it a spin and I think you might like it. Now to decide which will maintain a residence on my BB....hmmmm!

 
 
Posted by pastorhudson Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 1135 days ago

Podtrapper does video podcasts excellent. In fact Podtrapper does everything excellent.

 
 
Posted by spradj89 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

timed out here as well. also, it won't even allow me to view the Crackberry podcasts!

 
 
Posted by 1jaxstate1 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Very buggy and gives mixed results. When they get all the kinks worked out it will be a very nice app.

 
 
Posted by mmaestro Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

It didn't have a free trial up on the CB store, so I just put down the $4.99. Honestly, this app is not ready to be paid. It's really glitchy. When I first installed, it sat on a "downloading" screen for forever, and every time I tried to do something with it. Did a battery pull, and that worked better, but it's been hit and miss working with podcasts. A few, it insists there are no headlines for (and when I check the feed, that's not true). Others it works fine with. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to this - I have BBC podcasts that work fine, and ones from the same company it won't see. Having to manually tell it to update and which files to download is a pain, too. I had been hoping for something automated. I guess it's time for me to drop the money on podtrapper.

 
 
Posted by ixl333 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I know that we all hate to spend money, but PodTrapper is on my short list of vital apps, and its design and usability is outstanding.

 
 
Posted by L-Swift Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

so will this allow me to get video podcasts working on my storm? thats one thing i really miss now that my ipod classic died (replaced under warranty 4 times now its out of warranty, screw that!).

I wish there was a way to sync podcasts from my itunes to my storm! (bb media sync dont do my video podcasts)

 
 
Posted by pastorhudson Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 1135 days ago

Podtrapper will do video podcasts, and has a desktop application that will download and sync podcasts if you don't want to download them over the air or via wifi.

 
 
Posted by dterio Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Works ok for Telus 8330...but only allows 2 channels...pay if you want more!!

 
 
Posted by J.Conman Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Friggin love it!!

 
 
Posted by Truth.Theory Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Ok so UPP has a problem downloading WHOLE Episodes. I gotta say that PT has my attention and my loyalty for such a solid app

 
 
Posted by pjurbina Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I just dl on my Tmobile runnin the 5.0 OS and it works fine. This "free" version only allows subscriptions to two channels. It seems like the paid version is unlimited to channel subscription.

 
 
Posted by uncleman Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Seems to work fine on my 4.7.0.122 Storm. Found a 7.92MB podcast (BS Report) and it dl'd in around 3 minutes.

 
 
Posted by uncleman Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Free version only allows you to subscribe to a max of 2 channels.

 
 
Posted by Scarlett Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

Free if you only want access to two channels. To me you would need to purchase otherwise it isn't worth the trouble unless you only listen to two feeds.

 
 
Posted by blackberry9999 Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

The link is invalid.....?..

 
 
Posted by yogirl Monday, Apr 13, 2009 1137 days ago

I am going to stick with PodTrapper.

 
 
Posted by justne Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 1136 days ago

bought it installed it, still cant install more then
2 channels it LOCKS UP THE HANDSET ON adding the 3rd
channel.
waste of 5 bucks.

 
 
Posted by optimo Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 1136 days ago

im running this on my bold and seem to only be able to download podcast using wifi

 
 
Posted by Kronk Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 1136 days ago

I just get a constant spinning "Downloading Data" bar.

 
 
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Posted by RicardoLKd Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 1135 days ago

I have a BB curve and use Podtrapper from versatilemonkey.com, It is very stable and easy to use. The developer Marcus quickly responds to questions and suggestions. He also updates the player with excellent features. Highly recommended

 
 
Posted by rancancito Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 1134 days ago

I have a 8900 and its work pretty good. the only issue i have is that for some reason it will only dowload about 5mb and then tells me the file is bigger than the alocated space. Well i have it to go to the sd and i have a 16gb card, so space is not the issue?