As the holidays draw closer, the subscription economy is abuzz with discounted products and services, promotional offers and plans for the New Year. Here are other subscription stories in the news this week: Time Warner’s HBO hits its highest quarterly growth in 13 years, the Android Guys say Google’s Play Store will win the battle of the app store, and data reveals that publishers are buying more facetime on Facebook. We’re also reading about taxing Netflix, profitability for Spotify and ThredUp subscription boxes. 

Time Warner’s HBO Hits Highest Quarterly Growth in 13 Years
Market Realist

Spotify Will Become Profitable After Its IPO
Seeking Alpha

Why Google’s Play Store Will Win the Great App Store Battle of 2018
Android Guys

Why the Liberals Don’t Want to Tax Netflix
Vice

Shine’s Rebranded Ad Company Rainbow is Now Called Prism and It’s Joining IAB UK
The Drum

ThredUp’s Goody Boxes Are Like a Subscription Service for Thrifted Clothing
Bustle

For Disney CEO Bob Iger, Fox Deal is All about Future of TV
The Register Citizen

Facebook Always Wins: Data Shows Publishers Are Buying Far More Facebook Traffic
Digiday