Version 0.7.8rc1: GPodder Sync Overhaul, Queue Fixes, and New Features

I'm excited to announce PinePods 0.7.8rc1, a release candidate packed with foundational improvements and big new features—most notably a complete rebuild of the GPodder sync system with an internal Gpodder sync process now embeded right into Pinepods. We’re also introducing quality-of-life enhancements across the board, from episode handling to UI scaling on mobile, alongside fixes to some long-standing issues.

Please note that since this is a release candidate, the Docker container for 0.7.8rc1 is currently x86-only. There ARE known bugs in this version. It's almost there but there are a few issues to sort out yet. Update at your own risk.

Pull this release with:

docker pull madeofpendletonwool/pinepods:0.7.8rc1

🔄 GPodder Sync Reimagined

• Full GPodder Sync Rebuild – The entire GPodder sync process has been rebuilt from scratch. You now get device management, manual sync options, and session-based authentication working cleanly.
• Built-in GPodder API Server – No more separate GPodder server needed! PinePods can act as its own GPodder sync server. Just enable it from the podcast sync area in settings and connect apps (like AntennaPod) directly to PinePods. This server is built in Golang for speed and reliability. It can handle thousands of podcasts and will automatically use the Pinepods database you configure from the start.
  Example: Use https://my-pinepods-server.com and your PinePods credentials for user and password when connecting via external apps.

🛠️ Core Fixes and Features

• Description Timestamps – Podcasts with timestamps in their descriptions will now appear as links. As long as that episode is playing you'll be able to jump between the times.
• Episode Queue Removal Fixed – You can now properly remove episodes from your queue again.
• Improved Episode Duration Handling – For podcasts missing episode times in their feeds, we now approximate duration based on MP3 file size (instead of showing 0).
• Episode Count Bubble – The grid podcast page now displays the episode count in a small badge on each podcast.
• YouTube Download Retention Setting – You can now adjust how many days to keep YouTube audio downloads—there's a new setting for this in each Youtube channel settings area. It defaults to 30.
• Chapters Modal Usability – Clicking outside the chapters modal now properly closes it.

📱 Android & UI Improvements

• Better Android Scaling – General improvements to item scaling and usability on phone screens.
• Various Styling Fixes – Numerous small visual polish items across the interface.
• Improved Podcast Removal Handling – Removing a podcast no longer incorrectly throws an error (it always worked behind the scenes, but now no error shows).

📄 Documentation & Miscellaneous

• Helm Repo URL Fixed – The Helm repo URL in the README has been corrected.
• Special thanks to @bbirney – Huge thanks to @bbirney for their work on the Feed Cutoff assistance on the backend! Their contribution makes it possible to control how many days of YouTube podcast episodes are retained. This feature is now integrated into the app with an easy-to-use frontend option.

🚧 Bugs I am currently aware of that will be fixed prior to 0.7.8 proper:

• PostgreSQL Podcast Removals – Podcast removal fails with internal pod sync enabled (works fine on MySQL).
• Image Caching Issue – Images always reload when scrolling past them; caching isn’t working properly.
• Crash on MP3 Duration Mismatch – If the actual MP3 time exceeds the expected feed episode time (often due to injected ads), a hard crash occurs.

Thank you to all PinePods users and testers! Your feedback has made these improvements possible. As always, feel free to reach out or create an issue if you spot anything new. Happy podcasting! Look forward to the full 0.7.8 release coming in the next couple days after a bit of testing 🎧🚀