63% of the world's smartphones run Android

• 63% of the world’s smartphones run Android, say ScientiaMobile, however Apple iOS slightly gained over Android in the last quarter. At least 80% of Android users have the Google Podcasts player, if not app, preinstalled; Android users can also use Spotify, Pocket Casts or other apps, but not, of course, Apple Podcasts. (We’ve updated our Google Podcasts FAQ today).

• Forever Dog’s comedy podcasts will be on Stitcher Premium first, the companies have announced. Shows will play first on the Stitcher Premium platform, released ad-free and in multi-episode sets: described as “binge-friendly”.

• YouTube have released new terms of service, which allow the company to terminate your access if YouTube think you’re “no longer commercially viable”. The company says this is nothing to worry about. We’ve added them to our unusual terms of service section.

• Descript has released a new update. It features “um-detection”, and a way to remove all those “um”s and “er”s with a single click. It can also deal with audio levels, including setting a correct LUFS level. (We’ve more on LUFS here).

• The BBC and UK pay-TV operator Sky have agreed a new content and technology partnership. The press release notes “The broadcasters are also exploring a range of other partnership opportunities, including the availability of BBC Sounds on Sky and NOW TV platforms”. NOW TV is a rebadged Roku device within the UK.

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• Podcation 2, an audio fiction creation event, will take place in mid May in Salem MA. Last time, the event was responsible for the birth of Jupiter Saloon. The press release goes into more detail; applications are being accepted until November 22.

• Transcriptions come cheap - very cheap, according to this contributor, claiming that Rev·com has cut its base rate by a third to US $4.50 per hour, pre-tax. The US federal government has mandated a minimum wage of $7.25.

• Storyboard, an app for hosting private podcasts, has launched a new Enterprise plan including single sign-on capabilities.

• Entries for the Publisher Podcast Awards close on November 22. The event celebrates the best in podcasts from media and publishing organisations, and is open worldwide.

Podcast News - with Spreaker Prime

Spreaker Prime: Sistah Speak: The Walking Dead is a podcast devoted to the AMC series, The Walking Dead. Sistah J, Sistah K, and guest hosts discuss the latest episodes, theories raised by fans of the show, and give personal opinions from a Sistah’s point of view. They’re using Spreaker Prime to earn money and cut their hosting costs.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Norway’s VG newspaper have launched Hunting Warhead, a true-crime podcast following a chase of a darknet forum operator only known as Warhead. Hunting Warhead launches today. (CBC Radio)

Crooked Media and Pineapple Street Studios are releasing a Pod Save America special series on the Iowa Caucuses. The series aims to help listeners understand why Iowa is the first state in the primary process, how the caucuses work, and what it takes to win. (Megaphone)

Juntos We Shine's season one returned yesterday with more guest details: it’s a collaboration between Univision and POPSUGAR, showcasing the stories of remarkable men and women who are committed to making a difference in their communities. (ART19)

A new scripted podcast from Gimlet launches tomorrow. Motherhacker stars Carrie Coon (Emmy & TONY nominee, Fargo, The Leftovers) as a single mother struggling to support her children, and the sharp turn her life takes when she starts phishing over the phone for a shady identity theft ring in order to survive. (Gimlet)