Google and Facebook represent one philosophy, and Microsoft and Apple represent another; tech needs both, but ultimately platforms are more important than aggregators.
2018
Microsoft’s Build Keynote, Microsoft and IBM, Microsoft’s Realism
Microsoft’s Build keynote didn’t garner much attention, because there was nothing for consumers: that is exactly what made it so compelling.
Spotify Earnings, Spotify’s Free Plan and Hulu Partnership, Snap Earnings
Spotify’s earnings were not what the market expected, but the company gained credibility. Snap, meanwhile, doesn’t have any credibility at all.
Exponent Podcast: Round Numbers
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Divine Discontent: Disruption’s Antidote. Listen to it here.
Apple Earnings, Facebook’s F8 Keynote, Facebook Dating
Apple’s earnings were less interesting than the expectations game. Facebook’s F8 conference, meanwhile, again cast Zuckerberg’s vision of technology in stark contrast to Steve Jobs. Plus, why Facebook Dating will likely flop.
Divine Discontent: Disruption’s Antidote
Apple has long defeated disruption by focusing on the user experience; Jeff Bezos and Amazon, though, show that user expectations for their experience are ever-changing.
Softbank and Sprint, Amazon Earnings, Jeff Bezos’s Letter and Interview
Sprint and the problem of fixed costs, Amazon and the advantage of fixed costs, and Jeff Bezos’ fundamental optimism
T-Mobile to Acquire Sprint, Microsoft Earnings
T-Mobile is acquiring Sprint. The deal makes a lot of sense, particularly in the context of 5G — will regulators look forward or backward? Then, Microsoft continues to own the CIO relationship.
Exponent Podcast: Zillow and Sustaining Aggregation
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Zillow, Aggregation, and Integration. Listen to it here.
Open, Closed, and Privacy Follow-Up; Facebook Earnings; Notes on Facebook Earnings
A follow-up to Open, Closed, and Privacy, then multiple notes on Facebook’s earnings: the company’s executives sounded confident, and they should be.