More on why Apple News is both different than Facebook, and yet similar from a publisher perspective. Then, how publishers should think about their business — and Apple News — plus two new entrants in the podcast space.
2019
The Cost of Apple News
Apple News is primed to offer a subscription bundle, but publishers should be wary of being Aggregated.
Amazon Acquires Eero, Owning the Home, Amazon Earnings
Amazon acquires Eero, solidifying its play for the home. Then, Amazon’s Earnings show an e-commerce business that is slowing.
Spotify and Podcasts Follow-up, Apple and Podcasts, Luminary and Himalaya
More on podcasts, including why I’m cautiously optimistic, plus Apple’s missed opportunity, and why I’m skeptical of startups in the space.
Exponent Podcast: Why Exponent Isn’t On Spotify
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Spotify’s Podcast Aggregation Play. Listen to it here.
Spotify’s Podcast Aggregation Play
Spotify is making a major move into podcasts, where it appears to have clear designs to be the sort of Aggregator it cannot be when it comes to music.
Google “Other Bets” Follow-up, Angela Ahrendts Out at Apple, Microsoft Earnings
Does Angela Ahrendts’ departure from Apple signify a pivot in retail? Then, Microsoft’s earnings highlighted how the company has benefited from its focus on being a horizontal company.
Google Earnings, Other Bets Compensation, 30% and Smartphone Competition
Google’s Earnings are increasingly problematic because the company doesn’t break out critical information about its business. Then, Other Bets compensation, and why Google’s 30% App Store take shows Apple’s power.
Exponent Podcast: Vigilante Justice
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Apple vs Facebook (and Google!). Listen to it here.
Facebook Versus Apple: Background, Facebook Versus Apple: Fallout, Facebook Earnings
The full context of Facebook’s dispute with Apple, why the former was wrong, yet why Apple’s actions are just as problematic. Then, Facebook beats expectations with results that aren’t a surprise.