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