After a month of beta testing, Apple has finally released the iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates, introducing a ton of features including new emojis, support for third-party app stores, and the ability to choose your default browser. In addition to the new update, Apple has also added new transcription features to the Apple Podcasts app. This is touted to significantly improve your podcast listening experience.
Also read | Apple releases iOS 17.4 with third-party app support: 5 new features you need to know
With the launch of this new feature, Apple will automatically generate transcripts for podcasts as soon as they are published. Users can read the entire episode, easily navigate to the word or phrase they were looking for, or even read as the episode progresses. Apple also said that transcripts of previously released episodes will also be available “over time.”
Explaining the need behind this feature, Apple says, “Transcript allows users to read the entire episode, search the episode for specific words or phrases, and tap text to search for that part of the episode. You can play the podcast from that point.” . As the episode plays, each word is highlighted, making it easier to understand. ”
Apple says it has worked to improve the accessibility of podcasts through its transcription feature by designing font and color contrast to make long-form text easier to scan and read. Additionally, the Cupertino-based company claims that hearing-impaired users can access transcripts without having to press play on an episode.
With the iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates, transcripts are now available in over 170 countries, but are currently only accessible for English, French, Spanish, and German podcasts. However, transcripts do not provide translation from one language to another.
Here is a comprehensive three-minute summary of what Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech: Click to download!
