Castella: Voice-Enabled Podcast Services

Castella is a pioneering web-based system designed to enhance the podcast-sharing experience through voice-enabled interactions. The system addresses significant shortcomings of traditional podcast services, such as limited accessibility and the lack of natural navigation, by utilizing voice recognition technology that allows users to search, play, and navigate podcast content using simple voice commands. This functionality greatly improves usability for individuals with visual impairments or limited technical expertise. Castella supports podcast producers with an intuitive interface to upload, tag, and organize audio content, fostering a shared and open content environment. Built on the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) stack, the platform features a scalable backend for effective data management and a responsive frontend for seamless performance across various devices. The integration of hands-free voice interaction not only boosts user engagement but also aligns with current accessibility standards in web app development. Castella exemplifies how new technologies can be leveraged to create inclusive, community-focused digital platforms for content sharing and discovery. Key Words: Voice-enabled interface, MERN stack, accessible podcast platform