Facebook’s earnings were as disappointing as promised, which was ok with the stock market. Still, is there more going on than simply a transition to Stories?
2018
IBM-Red Hat Follow-up, Microsoft Earnings, Amazon Earnings
More on IBM and Red Hat, then Microsoft and Amazon’s earnings.
IBM’s Old Playbook
IBM has bought Red Hat in an attempt to recreate its success in the 90s; it’s not clear, though, that the company or the market is the same.
Facebook and Virtual Reality Follow-up, Tim Cook’s Speech on Privacy, What About China?
More on Facebook, virtual and augmented reality, and it’s long-term strategic play. Then, Tim Cook gave a remarkable speech on privacy; how much does Apple’s stance matter?
The Problem with Facebook and Virtual Reality
Virtual reality has always been destined to be less important than augmented reality, and Facebook taking a stake has never made much sense.
Oculus Founder Leaves, Oculus’ Products, Facebook and Oculus’ Inevitable Conflict
A quick update on the Bloomberg chip story, then another founder whose company was acquired is leaving Facebook. This may be a smoother exit on the surface, but the conflicts are likely more substantive.
Netflix Earnings, Netflix’s Marketing Choice, Additional Notes on Netflix
Netflix’s earnings had both good news (subscribers) and bad news (spend); the latter might signal a positive shift in how the company acquires customers. Plus, how Netflix is integrating.
The Conflation of Consumer Welfare with Antitrust, More Panel Notes, Google to License Play Store in Europe
Thoughts and notes from the FTC discussion on digital platform and competition, plus how Google’s remedy in Europe will mean more of the same when it comes to Android.
Paul Allen Passes Away, Photoshop on iPad Announced, The App Store and Incumbents
Paul Allen helped create Microsoft, but it didn’t define him. Then, Photoshop for the iPad is announced; it has a chance because it’s from a big company.
Sears Files for Bankruptcy, Sears’ Spinoffs, Value in the Age of the Internet
Sears has (finally) filed for bankruptcy, thanks to a business model that was obsolete well before the Internet came along. Still, there are lessons to be learned from the Sears businesses that continue to succeed.