Version 1.2: Widgets, Top Podcasts, and Faster Updates

January 26, 2026 · earsay staff

earsay 1.2 is out. This one's been in the works for a while, and it's got some things we're genuinely excited about.

Widgets that actually make sense

We added lock screen and home screen widgets. Here's why they matter.

The lock screen widget shows your current episode with play/pause controls. No unlocking, no app switching. You finish a voicemail, glance at your phone, tap play. That's it.

The home screen widget shows your Up Next queue and what's currently playing. It's useful for seeing at a glance whether you have anything downloaded for your commute, or for jumping straight into playback without opening the app first.

earsay now playing screen
Now playing view
Sleep timer menu
Sleep timer options

Browse Top Podcasts

Finding new podcasts shouldn't require leaving the app. We added a Top Podcasts section where you can browse popular shows across different genres.

Tap something that looks interesting, preview the description, and subscribe if you want. No account needed, no algorithmic recommendations based on your listening habits. Just a list of what's popular right now.

Top Podcasts browser
Browse popular podcasts by genre
Podcast search
Search still works for specific shows

Smaller updates

This is the boring one, but it matters. We moved some large resources out of the main app bundle. The first install is the same size, but future updates will download much faster.

Previously, any update meant re-downloading the full app. Now you're only getting what changed. On a slow connection, that's the difference between "update in the background" and "I'll do it later" (which means never).

Bug fixes

The usual. Things that should have worked now work. Nothing dramatic, but the app is more stable than it was.

Unplayed episodes list
Your unplayed episodes
Episode detail view
Episode details

Get the update

Version 1.2 is available now on the App Store. If you have automatic updates enabled, you might already have it.

If you're new to earsay, it's free to download. The full version with unlimited subscriptions is a one-time $7.99 purchase. No subscription, no account required.