[Downcast](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=r*bqlTuiXSo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fdowncast%252Fid393858566%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30)[^aff] has been chipping away at the [issuses I had with it](https://johnkiv.us/2012/07/20/making-the-best-of-the-current-ios-podcast-player-options/). This time, they have reduced the amount of time necessary to refresh the feed list by having the feeds auto-update via geo-fencing[^fn1]. Unfortunately, Downcast still appears to suffer from the [battery drain issue](https://johnkiv.us/2012/07/20/making-the-best-of-the-current-ios-podcast-player-options/) that was one of the show-stoppers for me previously.[^downcast] If Downcast were to get this fixed, it would probably be my sole podcast app.
[^aff]: Affiliate Link (as are all app links in this post.)
[^downcast]: Talking with Downcast support, it appears that this battery drain is likely a result of the iCloud syncing. In fact, the support representative encouraged me to try to use the app without syncing turned on to see how it performs. Maybe it is time for Downcast to follow the lead of [Instacast](http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=r*bqlTuiXSo&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=httpThursday094094itunes.apple.com094us094app094instacast094id420368235094mt?8?o?4PMartnerId?30) and [explore some other syncing alternatives](http://vemedio.com/blog/posts/state-of-instacast-sync).
[^fn1]: It is very similar to the way [Instapaper does it](http://blog.instapaper.com/post/24293729146)