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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYes. Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, acquired Pocket Casts on July 16, 2021. The precise statement is that Automattic—not “WordPress” itself—bought the podcast app. Pocket Casts remains a separate product within Automattic’s portfolio.
Pocket Casts announced it was joining Automattic, while WordPress.com described the deal as Pocket Casts joining Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com.
What “the company that owns WordPress” gets right—and wrong
Automattic is a privately held technology company founded and led by Matt Mullenweg. Its products include WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Tumblr, Simplenote, Day One and Pocket Casts. Automattic’s press information distinguishes WordPress.com from the open-source WordPress project.
WordPress.com is Automattic’s hosted website platform. WordPress.org and the open-source WordPress software are a separate project with independent contributors and governance. Therefore, “WordPress bought Pocket Casts” is shorthand, not the legally precise description. Automattic Inc. was the buyer.
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- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
When did Automattic acquire Pocket Casts?
The acquisition announcement was published on July 16, 2021. It was not a new 2026 transaction. The public announcements did not disclose a purchase price, valuation, shareholding breakdown or detailed list of transferred assets.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2019 | Pocket Casts made its mobile apps free and introduced subscriptions, before Automattic’s acquisition. |
| July 16, 2021 | Automattic announced that Pocket Casts was joining the company. |
| November 8, 2022 | WordPress.com announced a Pocket Casts block for embedding shows and episodes. |
| April 8, 2023 | New Pocket Casts Plus subscription prices changed; qualifying earlier subscribers retained legacy rates. |
| 2026 | Current company and product materials continue to identify Pocket Casts as an Automattic product, while WordPress.com offers Pocket Casts distribution tools. |
What did the acquisition mean for users?
Pocket Casts stayed a separate app
Pocket Casts was not turned into a WordPress editor feature or replaced by WordPress software. It continues as a podcast listening and discovery service with mobile apps, web and desktop access, and support for platforms and devices including CarPlay, Android Auto, watches, Alexa and Sonos. Pocket Casts’ press page continues to describe it as an Automattic company.
At the time of the deal, Pocket Casts said users should not expect immediate changes to how the app worked. Automattic said it would continue the existing listening experience while exploring deeper WordPress.com integrations. That was the companies’ initial position, not a promise that later pricing, features or policies would never change.
Rank #2
- Studio-Quality Sound for Clear Podcast Recording – The K66 USB podcast microphone delivers studio-quality, broadcast-level audio using a high-performance condenser capsule and cardioid pickup pattern that focuses on your voice while reducing unwanted background noise. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it features a wide 40Hz–18kHz frequency response and a 46kHz sampling rate to reproduce rich lows, smooth mids, and clear highs for natural, detailed vocals. With –45dB ±3dB sensitivity, it captures balanced sound without distortion during expressive speaking. Ideal for podcasting, voice-over, online classes, meetings, and professional content creation.
- Intelligent Noise Reduction Mode for Cleaner Podcast Audio – This podcast microphone features an advanced Noise Reduction Mode designed for clearer, more focused voice recording in real-world environments. Press and hold the mute button to enable noise reduction (blue indicator). In this mode, the microphone helps reduce keyboard clicks, PC fan noise, air conditioner hum, and background chatter. Default Mode maintains a warm, natural vocal tone for quiet spaces. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it allows creators to identify the active mode instantly and adapt as needed, ensuring clear audio for podcasting, gaming, streaming, online classes, meetings, and recording.
- True Plug-and-Play USB Microphone with Wide Device Compatibility – Engineered for effortless plug-and-play use, the K66 USB microphone requires no drivers, apps, or software installation. Simply connect and start recording on Windows PC, Mac, laptops, PS4, PS5, and tablets. Included USB-C and Lightning adapters ensure seamless compatibility with iPhone, iPad, and modern USB-C phones and devices, making it easy to switch between desktop and mobile recording. Ideal for creators working across multiple platforms, this microphone delivers consistent, high-quality audio for YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Zoom, Discord, OBS Studio, Streamlabs, podcasting, livestreaming, and professional voice recording.
- Real-Time Zero-Latency Monitoring with Adjustable Volume Control – This podcast microphone features real-time, zero-latency monitoring through a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to hear exactly what’s being recorded without delay. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it includes a dedicated monitoring volume control that lets you adjust headphone listening levels independently for accurate and comfortable audio monitoring. Real-time feedback helps identify distortion, background noise, or uneven volume before it affects your final recording, making this podcast microphone ideal for podcasting, streaming, online teaching, voice-over work, and professional content creation.
- Precision Audio Adjustment Knobs for Full Sound Control – This podcast microphone gives creators hands-on control with dedicated knobs for microphone volume, monitoring volume, and echo adjustment. Fine-tune mic gain to maintain clear, balanced vocal output, adjust headphone monitoring levels independently for comfortable listening, and add or reduce echo to enhance depth and presence. Designed as a reliable PC microphone, these intuitive physical controls allow fast, on-the-fly adjustments without software, helping identify distortion, background noise, or level inconsistencies instantly. Ideal for podcasting, streaming, ASMR, voice-overs, singing, and professional multi-platform recording.
WordPress integrations were added
WordPress.com’s Pocket Casts block lets publishers embed shows or individual episodes in posts and pages. WordPress.com also says its podcast-distribution tools can submit a WordPress.com podcast to Pocket Casts. Those integrations reflect common ownership; they do not make Pocket Casts WordPress software.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The founders’ role was stated only for the acquisition period
The 2021 announcements said co-founders Russell Ivanovic and Philip Simpson would remain with the company and continue leading Pocket Casts as part of Automattic. That describes the arrangement announced at the time and should not be read as confirmation of their roles in 2026.
Did Automattic change Pocket Casts pricing?
The important chronology is that Pocket Casts’ move to a free mobile app with subscriptions began on September 18, 2019, almost two years before the Automattic deal. The acquisition therefore should not be credited with introducing that model.
Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
Pocket Casts’ current pricing support page lists these base prices for new Plus subscribers:
| Plan | Base price | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Plus monthly | $3.99 | For new subscribers; price effective April 8, 2023, before applicable taxes and fees. |
| Plus annual | $39.99 | For new subscribers; price effective April 8, 2023, before applicable taxes and fees. |
| Legacy Plus monthly | $1.49 | For qualifying subscribers who subscribed before April 8, 2023. |
| Legacy Plus annual | $14.99 | For qualifying subscribers who subscribed before April 8, 2023. |
Actual charges can vary with country, currency, taxes, fees and whether payment is processed through Apple, Google or Pocket Casts’ website. The official pricing page is the current reference.
Do former paid customers get lifetime Plus?
No. Eligibility depends on what you bought and when.
Rank #4
- USB/XLR Connectivity-AM8T comes with a dynamic microphone and a boom arm stand. Versatile PC gaming microphone kit with USB compatibility plug and play for PC in streaming or recording, without additional drivers. And also, while in XLR compatibility for mixer or sound card connection, the XLR studio vocal microphone is good at vocal, podcast, or musical instruments creation.
- Vibrant RGB Light-The streaming microphone RGB illuminates your gaming setup with customizable RGB lighting for a visually stunning game experience. You can easily control the RGB mode/colors or turn off by simply tapping the RGB button without making any complicated settings on specific software.
- Enhanced Features-Featured -50dB sensitivity and cardioid polar pattern, the USB recording mic kit not easily pick up background noise for delivering clear audio. The PC gaming microphone USB kit includes a boom arm for easy positioning, mute button and gain knob for precise control, headphones jack for real-time monitoring, and headphone volume control while streaming or recording.
- Decent for Gamers and Streamers-The XLR microphone designed specifically to meet the needs of gaming enthusiasts and streamers. Ideal for various applications, including gaming, streaming, podcasting, voiceovers, and more, which also works with popular streaming software like OBS and Streamlabs.
- Recording Microphone Kit-The dynamic microphone is more convenient for working from home or going out for podcasts, and the complete accessories allow for faster recording work due to its simple straightforward assembly. External windscreen of the XLR dynamic microphone filter out plosive voice.
- People who bought the web or desktop app before September 18, 2019 qualify for lifetime Pocket Casts Plus under the Champion program.
- Earlier Android and iOS purchases do not automatically qualify for lifetime Plus.
- Previously paid-for mobile features can remain available without granting all Plus benefits.
These distinctions are set out in Pocket Casts’ lifetime-access documentation. A historical mobile purchase is not equivalent to a qualifying pre-2019 web or desktop purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about privacy and account data?
Pocket Casts has its own service-specific privacy policy, which identifies Automattic as the company behind the applications and related sites. The policy discusses affiliates and potential business transfers, including transfer of information in an acquisition or sale.
Automattic ownership does not establish that Pocket Casts listening data was merged with WordPress.com accounts or databases. The available policy describes the corporate and data-governance framework, not a completed cross-service data merger. Check the current policy before making decisions about your account or data.
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- Cut the Cables, Free to Pod - Dynamic microphone MAONO PD200W hybrid enjoy 3 ways for broadcast audio: go wireless for maximum freedom, USB for easy plug-and-play on phone, tablet, or computer, or XLR for a pro-level stable setup with audio interfaces
- Simple Setup, Studio-Level Sounds - With a premium 30mm dynamic capsule and cardioid pickup, the mic delivers studio-quality vocal reproduction for podcasting, streaming, and vocal recording. It achieves an ultra-clean 82dB signal-to-noise ratio and handles up to 128dB SPL without distortion
- Two Voices, One Perfect Conversation - PD200W supports a single receiver to connect two wireless desktop mics for duo podcasts or interviews. Records each mic to its own track so you can edit with precision, and keep every conversation crystal clear. The device also captures audio and video in perfect sync directly on the camera, eliminating the need for post-production alignment. (Note: Camera/Lightning accessories are sold separately.)
- Focus on Voice, Not Noise - Built for No-worries Recording even without a soundproof booth. Cardioid microphone design and advanced three-stage noise cancellation ensures your voice remains rich and focused, effectively minimizing background noise and room echo for broadcast-ready clarity
- Personalize Your Sound with MaonoLink - Take full command of your audio directly from your PC or smartphone through the MaonoLink app. Access 4 master-tuned preset modes to instantly adapt to different scenarios, while the powerful app enables precise adjustments to key parameters like EQ and reverb for a personalized sound profile
What remains undisclosed?
- The 2021 announcements did not publish a purchase price or valuation.
- They did not provide a detailed legal structure, shareholding breakdown or asset-by-asset transaction list.
- Later product or price changes cannot automatically be attributed to Automattic merely because it owns Pocket Casts.
How to describe the relationship accurately
- Accurate: “Automattic acquired Pocket Casts in July 2021.”
- Accurate: “Automattic owns and operates WordPress.com and owns Pocket Casts.”
- Misleading: “The open-source WordPress project bought Pocket Casts.”
- Misleading: “Pocket Casts became a WordPress app.”
Current first-party materials continue to identify Automattic as Pocket Casts’ owner or provider. The U.S. Apple App Store listing names Automattic as developer, and Pocket Casts’ terms of use and privacy policy identify Automattic as the service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Automattic buy Pocket Casts from NPR?
Pocket Casts had earlier ownership involving public-radio organizations, including NPR. The relevant transaction here is the later July 16, 2021 acquisition by Automattic.
Can a WordPress.com podcast appear in Pocket Casts?
Yes. WordPress.com’s podcast-distribution tools can submit a WordPress.com podcast to Pocket Casts; eligibility and hosting features depend on the WordPress.com plan.
Is Pocket Casts free to use?
The mobile apps are available free, while Plus and Patron memberships add paid features or support tiers. Prices and availability vary by platform and region.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
