To enhance its podcast offering, Apple bought the Scout FM podcast app earlier this year, according to Bloomberg.
The Scout FM website is no longer active, but was available for iPhones, Android devices, and Amazon smart speakers. Scout FM has spawned podcast stations covering different topics, similar to a radio station but in podcast format.
A person might select a specific topic and find podcasts related to that topic. In addition, the service offered suggestions based on your personal history and preferences. TechCrunch explained how it worked in 2018:
Scout.fm wants to change the way people listen to podcasts. Instead of having to go through the 500.000+ podcasts you have in your podcast app, this startup offers a moderated podcast service that will ask you a few questions to find out what you like, to create a customized podcast station for you. The experience is meant for use in smart speakers, such as Amazon's Echoes, but is also available as an app for iOS and Android.
According to Bloomberg, Scout FM was a popular podcast app for iPhone, compatible with CarPlay, as well as being available on devices using Alexa.
