The Internet has removed scarcity, meaning business models based on controlling distribution are no longer viable. Instead, the key to success is controlling access to the best customers — and that means being the best.
2015
China: A Disclaimer, Reasons for Concern, Connecting the Dots…Or Not
Today’s update is a little out of the ordinary: a brief discussion of my relationship — or not — with China, and then a discussion about whether or not people in tech should be concerned about what is happening with the country.
Semiconductors and Industry Cycles, Deals Galore, Intel to Acquire Altera
After a brief follow-up to my Google I/O Daily Update, I dive into the history of semiconductors and how it fits the traditional industry cycle. Then, an overview of recent transactions and how they fit in.
Google I/O: Android and Serving the World; Photos, Google Now, and the World’s Information; Google’s Turning Point
Google’s IO keynote had three parts: the Android part, the machine learning part, and a glimpse into the future. The connections between the three, though, matter far more than any one single announcement.
Vox Acquires Recode; Stars, Money, and Reach; The Apple Car and Jony Ive
Recode has sold to Vox, and while everyone involved is putting a happy face on the matter, it seems highly likely that Recode failed as a business. Understanding how content businesses work show where they went wrong, but what does that mean for someone like Bill Simmons?
Also, Jeff Williams spoke at Recode, and he just might have changed my mind about Jony Ive.
21 Inc. and the Future of Bitcoin
Bitcoin is commonly characterized as an alternative currency, but actually the core concept has little to do with money. The potential as a protocol is massive, but only if everyone everywhere is connected to the network. 21 Inc. is trying to make that happen.
Jony Ive “Promoted”, The Implications of Not Managing, What About Apple?
Jony Ive has been “promoted”; is this one step towards retirement?
Podcast: Exponent 046 — Everything Has a Price
In this week’s episode, Ben and James discuss ad-blockers, both personal ones and the rumored carrier-implemented one, as well as Internet.org and the moral quandary that is the Internet.
Medium the Network, Automattic Buys WooCommerce, Google and the Value of Identity
This Daily Update examines Medium’s seeming pivot towards being a network instead of a publisher, which is a contrast to WordPress.com’s latest move towards e-commerce. Finally, a brief examination of why identity matters.
Apple Watch, Platforms, and Ecosystems; AdBlock Plus Launches Android Browser; Spotify and the Power of Labels
This update expands on my Apple Watch review by discussing the differences between platforms and ecosystems and why that matters for the Watch’s long-term success. Then, a revisit of the ad-blocking debate, and a discussion of why labels are more powerful now than previously.