Google introduces Listen audio app for Android

Google announced the launch of Listen, a new Google Labs application enabling smartphones powered by the web services giant's Android mobile operating system to access thousands of podcasts and web audio relevant to users' search queries. Writing on the Official Google Mobile Blog, research scientists Bill Schilit and Sam Roweis note that Listen allows users to stream audio content over-the-air or download for later, as well as subscribe to fresh content from favorite feeds and searches. "In short, Listen helps organize the world of audio information and makes it easily accessible anytime, anywhere," Schilit and Roweis write. "Listen lets you stay informed even while engaged in other activities. Our colleagues use Listen as a personal audio-magazine while exercising, commuting, gardening, cleaning, dressing, cooking, and more."

Listen is now available for download via Android Market. "For inspiration, try hitting ‘Popular searches' from the home screen," Schilit and Roweis recommend. "This will show some of the fastest-rising audio searches that people are making now. Tapping one of the results reveals content that you can play, queue for later, or subscribe to."

For more on Listen:
- read this Official Google Mobile Blog entry

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