Podcast Lounge hits version 1.8, introduces continuous playback and more

Podcast Lounge is a popular app for Windows Phone, enabling users to check out and enjoy thousands of recorded shows while on the go. We've been covering the app since it appeared on the Windows Phone Store, witnessing the developer publish multiple versions with each introducing new features and functionality. We're now on version 1.8 and this is no minor refresh, so let's jump in and see what's new.

There's a lot here that'll make avid podcast fans real happy. Continuous playback will ensure there's no interference with the experience should there be a newer episode within the same programme (perfect for catching up on favourite shows), as well as a collections section with podcasts from major providers (which will grow in the future as more are added) - even the Mobile Nations is featured here! To join the new collections is a play history section.

Completed podcasts can now be automatically deleted by the app, should the user so wish to have this functionality configured. The favourites pane will now show when new episodes are available (the app will check on start-up and users can force a check using pull-to-refresh). OPML files are supported, though this is exclusive to the Windows Phone 8 version of the app. Apologies, retro fans!

As well as the above, the developer has also included a number of fixes and under-the-hood optimisations, which also focus heavily on hardware with low amounts of memory. That's not a bad update. So what's next on the horizon for Podcast Lounge? We've been informed the team is already working on gPodder import, SkyDrive import and export, as well as addition playlists/digest support and improved playback controls.

You can download Podcast Lounge from the Windows Phone Store for $1.99 (£1.49). A trial is available and the app supports both Window Phone 7 and 8.