What is podcast?



A podcast is a digital audio or video file that a user can download or stream and listen to. It is like an on demand internet radio where you can listen to anything you want whenever you want Usually, a podcast is an episodic series, but an individual file can also be called a podcast. The word podcast was suggested by British journalist and technologist Ben Hammersley in 2004.



Podcasts can be accessed through several mediums such as Ipods, desktop computers and smartphones. The first podcast commonly believed to have been published online is the Matt Schichter Interviews in October 2003.



One can find podcasts on a variety of topics from education to travel and life experiences. While most podcasts can be accessed for free. some are also available on a subscription basis.



How can you listen to a podcast?



Podcasts can be listened to on a desktop computer, smartphone or a digital media player such as an iPod. On a smartphone there are several apps that offer free podcasts such as Google Podcasts Spotify and Podcasts Just download any of the apps and get started. On the desktop, you can visit podcast sites directly or go to a website which also hosts podcasts, such as the BBC and The Guardian.



Podcasts for you



Here are a few websites offering podcasts that you can listen to in your free time:



BBC Podcasts



The BBC offers free podcasts on several topics. It also has a special station called School Radio which has podcasts that introduce you to the world of drama language and dance among others.



Science Friday



As the name suggests the website has podcasts on topics related to science and technology. The site has discussions by eminent personalities on topics such as alien life. climate change. and neuroscience. Apart from listening to podcasts, you can read up on several topics and also take part in STEM activities created by educators from around the world.



Wow in the World



Premiered in 2017. this podcast is by the National Public Radio. Aimed at kids, it explores several topics that will leave you thinking. It can be listened to online, or via one of the many podcast smartphone apps. It can also be downloaded for later use.



Can you upload a podcast?



Yes. Several podcast websites allow you to record your own podcast and upload it. There are also sites such as iTunes that let you host publish and maintain your own podcast series.



So, make the best use of your free time and listen to resourceful podcasts on a range of topics. And, if you fancy, you can upload your own and share your stories with the world.



 



Picture Credit : Google


Which are the best games on Google search?



Rubik's Cube



Don't have a Rubik's Cube at home, but have always wanted to try your hand at solving it? Then look no further than the Internet. Type out Rubik's Cube Google Doodle in the search bar and hit enter. You will find a link to the game right at the beginning of the search results page. The doodle was a tribute to Hungarian inventor and Professor of Architecture Emo Rubik.



The game is as simple as it gets. You have a 3x3 Rubik's Cube whose rows and columns you have to move around to ensure that each of the six colours on the cube forms a 3x3 grid on each side of the cube. Simply put all the nine green coloured squares need to be on one side of the cube and this is the same with the rest of the colours on the cube. If you manage to achieve this, then you're a Rubik's Cube master.



Crossword



If you are a crossword enthusiast, there's a Google Doodle to satisfy your love for the puzzle. To mark the 100th anniversary of the crossword puzzle on December 21, 2013, Google collaborated with a crossword constructor to come up with an interactive crosswords doodle.



Just head to the Google search bar and type out Crossword Google Doodle' and you will find the link. Once you begin the game, you will realise it is just like any other crossword puzzle. Clues are given on the right side. When you click a clue, the relevant portion on the grid will get highlighted and you can key in the solution.



If you think the clues are a little difficult, take your parents help. Or else, you can always Google and find the answers



Magic Cat Academy



This is a fun and exciting Google Doodle game created by Google to mark Halloween on October 31, 2016. Just key in Magic Cat Academy Google Doodle and a link to the doodle will appear



The premise and the rules of the game are explained at the start. In this game, you are a wizard cat and the ghosts have taken over the Magic Cat Academy where you study. You need to fight and kill them to get your academy back. There are a total of five levels in the gameplay. To kill the ghosts at each level, you will have to draw the symbol appearing above each ghost's head. Sometimes, you will have to draw a combination of symbols. At the end of each level, you will face a powerful ghost to kill whom a long combination of symbols needs to be drawn multiple times. Once you do so, you will move on to the next level. You have five chances to stay in the game and win. To improve your chances, sometimes a special power with a heart symbol on top will appear. If you draw the symbol, you will get an extra chance.



 



Picture Credit : Google