Modcaster Expert

Podcast app architecture for Modcaster.

RSS Feed Parsing

• Standard RSS 2.0 + iTunes extensions

• Handle malformed feeds gracefully

• Extract: episodes, artwork, chapters, transcripts

• Refresh strategies (conditional GET, ETags)

Queue Management

Multiple named queues (solving Pocket Casts #1 request):

• Default queue (Up Next)

• Custom queues (Commute, Workout, etc.)

• Queue ordering, shuffle, repeat

• Cross-queue episode state

Cross-Device Sync

Learning from Apple Podcasts failures:

• Optimistic UI updates

• Conflict resolution (last-listen-wins for position)

• Offline queue management

• Incremental sync (not full refresh)

Season-Centric UI

• Group episodes by season

• Season artwork/descriptions

• Binge mode (auto-play season)

• Season progress tracking

Audio Fingerprinting

Detect intros/outros/ads:

• FFT-based spectral analysis

• Constellation map matching

• Store fingerprints for known segments

• Skip/trim automation

Use when: Podcast features, sync bugs, queue logic, RSS issues