Libra launches, but may be dead before it begins. Then, Facebook v Warren is a reminder of the value of the U.S. approach — and an indirect way to explain how silly San Francisco is.
2019
Apple Pulls Hong Kong App, Tim Cook’s Memo, Honesty and Control
It was Apple’s turn to be in the spotlight in China; what was surprising was how unprepared the company seemed to be. Then, why companies dealing with China, including Apple, should be more honest.
China Cultural Clash Follow-Up, Disney and Blizzard, Choosing Customers
More on TikTok, then Disney and Blizzard demonstrate how expensive customers can be, while Google and Facebook benefit.
The China Cultural Clash
The NBA controversy in China highlights a culture clash that both tech companies and the U.S. government need to take to heart. Plus, why Tiktok being Chinese is increasingly a problem.
Apple App Store Changes, Google to Remove French News Excerpts, Europe Bans Content Worldwide
Apple is softening App Store lock-in by the barest amount possible. Then, Google shows its power in France, but a case against Facebook shows how limited that power is.
Exponent Podcast: Distracted at Facebook
On Exponent, the weekly podcast I host with James Allworth, we discuss Facebook from multiple angles, including child sexual abuse material, encryption, Oculus, and a leaked all-hands meeting. Listen to it here.
Microsoft’s Surface Event, Victors and History, Microsoft’s Hardware Prospects
Microsoft (eventually) selling a phone that runs Android is not particularly meaningful in terms of its impact financially but is a totem of a major shift culturally.
Facebook’s All-Hands Leak, Facebook Versus Warren, Zuckerberg’s Culture
The most newsworthy aspect of Facebook All-Hands leak is what its existence says about Facebook itself. What is most interesting, though, are not the comments about Elizabeth Warren but what Mark Zuckerberg showed about himself.
Beachheads and Obstacles
Facebook and Amazon had events on the same day for Oculus and Alexa. Both are driven by lessons from the mobile era, but Amazon seems to have learned more than Facebook.
Child Sexual Abuse Material Online, The Problem With Community, Towards More Friction
A horrifying article on Child Sexual Abuse Material online is actually a sign that Facebook is doing the right thing, at least for now. Encrypting private communications, though, may make things worse.