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Spotify expands to Russia and 12 other countries in eastern Europe
In all, Spotify says the move gives it access to 250 million potential customers.
Spotify debuts podcast charts to let you know what's popular
Like the company does for music, Spotify will now offer charts that rank the most popular shows based on audience and the biggest trending selections. They’re called Top Podcasts and Trending Podcasts, and they’ll be easy to find under Browse > Podcasts > Podcast Charts on both iOS and Android.
SoundCloud now offers Dolby audio mastering for $5 per track
The company says the Mastering on SoundCloud will be the last step in the upload process, making tracks “release ready” in minutes. If you’re unfamiliar, the mastering process is what makes professional recordings sound... professional.
SiriusXM acquires podcast platform Stitcher from Scripps for $325 million
Thanks to a report from The Wall Street Journal, we knew this was coming. Now it’s official: SiriusXM is buying podcast platform Stitcher from the E.W. Scripps Company for $325 million. For that investment, SiriusXM gets a popular destination for publishers, creators and advertisers with both production and distribution capabilities.
SiriusXM reportedly buying Stitcher to bolster its podcast efforts
Sirius XM is reportedly spending a lot of money to pick up Stitcher's stable of big-name podcasts.
Spotify is testing in-app ads on podcast episode pages
Basically, you’ll see the ad details on the episode page for that podcast inside the Spotify app.
Recommended Reading: Why is Apple breaking up with Intel?
The week's noteworthy writing on technology and more.
Apple Podcasts may get personalized recommendations in iOS 14
The leak comes ahead of the virtual WWDC next Monday, where Apple is expected to reveal more about iOS 14. Apple Podcasts will learn from your listening preferences and suggest new podcasts.
Spotify is working with DC Comics to create exclusive podcasts
Spotify and Warner Bros. have teamed up to produce a slate of original narrative podcasts featuring DC Comics characters.
Apple pressured to remove respected podcast app Pocket Casts in China
Apple has pulled Pocket Casts, one of the most popular podcast apps on iOS, from its App Store in China. China’s regulator made the demand to Pocket Casts through Apple, according a Pocket Casts Twitter thread.
BBC will open its Sounds app to non-BBC podcasts
The BBC is opening its Sounds app to third-party podcasts in a bid to be a hub for audio talent.
Spotify is testing video podcasts
Spotify is reportedly testing video podcasts.
Google Podcasts now offers analytics to producers
If you upload your podcasts to Google Podcasts, Google now offers an analytics tool to track how show does on the platform.
Anchor converts your video calls into podcasts
Spotify's Anchor is adding yet another way for people to more easily produce their own podcasts.
LeVar Burton will read to you live on Twitter starting this week
In one of the few pleasant surprises of the coronavirus pandemic, the former Star Trek star and Reading Rainbow icon announced he's taking the premise of his popular podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, and making it available on Twitter.
Google Podcasts app comes to iOS as part of a larger redesign
It turns out that an updated Android app was just the start of Google's plans for a Podcasts overhaul. The internet giant has released its first version of Podcasts for iOS, giving you a way to listen to the likes of Dolly Parton's America or The Engadget Podcast (you knew we'd plug it) that syncs with virtually any device where your Google account works. This new app is also a showcase for a larger redesign (including on Android and the web) meant to not only help you find new shows, but satisfy your curiosity about subjects mentioned in those shows.
Anchor makes it easier to invite guests to your podcasts
If you've been thinking about creating a podcast to document your experience of the coronavirus pandemic or to discuss important related issues, DIY podcasting platform Anchor may be able to help with a feature update that makes it easier to invite guests. Starting today, you can invite up to four other people to join a recording. If they don't have Anchor installed on their device, no problem. The Record with Friends feature will launch in your friend's favorite browser -- with support for Google Chrome coming soon. All your guests need to do is click on the link you send them and type in their names.
Google is rolling out a redesigned Podcasts app to some Android users
According to 9to5Google, Google has started rolling out a redesigned Podcasts app to some Android users. Thankfully, it appears to address at least some of the issues people have with the company's current offering.
What we're listening to: 'Hunting Warhead' and Grimes
This month, commerce editor Valentina Palladino explains why you should listen a true crime podcast about the dark web, despite its subject matter. Contributing Editor Igor Bonifacic discusses the merits of the latest album from Grimes.
After Math: How COVID-19 is already clobbering 2020
Welp, we had a good run, America. While every other developed nation on the planet scrambles to defend itself against the deadly spread of COVID-19, the US had to be dragged into fielding a response. This year everything is cancelled. Schools have been shuttered, universities have migrated to online classes, and group gatherings larger than a couple hundred people are being postponed. Major league sports might be back sometime next year, workers are being asked to work from home and engage in social distancing to help slow the coronavirus' spread. Oh, you think it's a hoax? Then how do you explain all of this week's headlines about the coronavirus?