Even if Facebook is a monopoly, there’s nothing that can be done about it. Then, Facebook’s platform obsession now extends to the camera; this makes more sense, but Facebook will always have trouble being a true platform company.
2017
Facebook and the Cost of Monopoly
Facebook gave one of the worst keynotes in a long time: there was no vision, just the adoption of Snap’s. It’s the inevitable outcome of a monopoly.
Airbnb Versus Hotels, The FCC and Differences of Opinion, Airbnb Versus Uber
Opposition to Airbnb is often chalked up to regulatory capture, but it’s not clear that is the case, as illustrated by both the FCC and Uber.
Nintendo Discontinues NES Classic Edition, A Brief History of Nintendo, Nintendo’s Solipsism
Nintendo’s decision to discontinue the NES Classic Edition doesn’t make any sense, unless you understand Nintendo. Then it makes all the sense in the world.
Exponent Podcast: Moral Hazard
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss moral hazard and what seems to be going wrong with the U.S. economy, the different kinds of regulation, and how the App Store explains government policy. Listen to it here.
Jeff Bezos’ Annual Letter, Facebook Messenger and Payments, Facebook Instant Articles Fizzing?
Jeff Bezos’ annual letter is as illuminating as ever, particularly on how to achieve alignment in a business. Facebook demonstrates that, both positively and negatively.
Apple to Build Own GPU, The Evolution of GPUs, Apple and the General-Purpose GPU
Apple is building its own GPUs, but I doubt their goal is to save money.
Microsoft, eBay, and Tencent Invest in Flipkart; The Indian E-Commerce Market; Lyft Raises $500 Million
Microsoft, eBay, and Tencent are investing in Flipkart: the opportunity is just too big to miss out on, even if Amazon looks ever stronger. It’s the same reason investors are putting more money into Lyft.
The Walt Mossberg Brand
Walt Mossberg is retiring; his influence on tech is well-known, but his influence on the media is just as profound.
Exponent Podcast: Screw-ups Are Fun!
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Apple’s Mac Pro screw-up and what it might say about the company and its culture. Listen to it here.