Examining the history of Android explains why the European Commission may be right to fine Google for its actions around Android, even as the reasoning feels off.
Ben Thompson
Another Congressional Hearing, The Genesis of Section 230, The Battle over Section 230
Section 230, which shields Internet companies from liability, is getting more attention: the only attention it should get is as a model for other regulations.
Netflix Earnings, Netflix’s Rising CAC, Content and Marketing
Netflix’s subscriber numbers were disappointing; does the company have a customer acquisition cost problem? Then again, customer acquisition costs should include content, which might not have been good enough.
Amazon Switches?, AWS Versus Azure, Photoshop on iPad
Amazon’s rumored move into Switches is being framed as being about Cisco, but I suspect it’s about Microsoft. Then, Adobe is making Photoshop for iPad, which benefits from subscriptions.
The Apple Espionage Case, Apple’s New Organization, The App Store Turns 10
A corporate espionage case involving Apple gives clues about Project Titan. Better news is Apple’s new organization. Plus, the App Store turns 10 and Apple won’t change its approach there.
Uber Invests in Lime, Uber Versus Google Maps, AT&T and HBO
Uber is investing in Lime along with Google: is the real competition between Uber and Google Maps? Then, AT&T is considering big changes for HBO — or are they?
Xiaomi IPOs, Samsung’s Profit Slips, The Smiling Curve
Xiaomi’s IPO shows a company that has come full circle but still has a long ways to go. Then, Samsung remains reliant on components for profit, and both companies show that the Smiling Curve applies to smartphones more than ever.
Facebook Filter Foibles, The EU Copyright Directive, Yelp and the Three Approaches to Internet Content
Facebook provides a useful example of how automated filtering goes wrong, even as the E.U. mandates exactly that. A recent court case about Yelp shows that the U.S. has the best approach to content law.
Apple’s Map Reset; CarPlay, Waze, and Google Maps; Disney Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Approved
Apple Maps is getting a reset; what is more encouraging is the company inviting competition. Then, Disney gets approval for its purchase of 21st Century Fox, and it raises questions about the entire process.
Twitter Reorganizes, Twitter Turnaround?, Twitter and the Extremes
Twitter is reorganizing the company, and it’s probably a good sign. Meanwhile, has the company made a turnaround? The product — and company — is inevitable high variance.