Google Cloud has a new CEO: the news is a surprise at first glance, but may make more sense than it seems. To understand why, look at VMWare, outgoing Google Cloud CEO Diane Greene’s most famous startup.
Daily Update
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Stratechery Merch, The New York Times on Facebook, Facebook Morale
Stratechery merchandise is now available. Then, the New York Times blockbuster story on Facebook, and how the company has misplayed its hand. Plus, why the real problem is employee morale.
More on Amazon’s “HQ2”, Two New Paywalls, Subscription Fatigue?
More details are out about Amazon’s site selections, including a 3rd city. Then, two new sites have paywalls, but the paywalls are different in important ways. Plus, why I think “subscription fatigue” both is and isn’t a thing.
Amazon “HQ2” Choice, Disney’s Earnings, Disney’s Hulu Plan
Amazon’s HQ2 process deserves the most cynical of lenses. Then, Disney revealed more details of their streaming service, with a surprising focus on Hulu — and linear TV.
Qualcomm Loses Preliminary Judgment; Qualcomm’s Earnings; More on Netflix and MVPDs
A federal judge rules against Qualcomm in a clear victory for Apple, just another area where Qualcomm is struggling. Then, why is Netflix allowing itself to be commoditized, at least a bit, by MVPDs?
Spotify’s Earnings; Spotify, Supply, and Acquiring Marginal Customers; Spotify’s Research and Development
Spotify’s earnings point to a disturbing trend of the company needing to spend to acquire marginal customers; this makes sense because the company does not have power over supply
Apple’s Earnings; Apple, Tencent, and China; iPad Pro Reviews
Apple’s earnings point towards a disappointing quarter, and there are also clouds on the “services narrative” horizon, particularly in China. Then, Apple’s (ongoing) mistake with the iPad.
Text Messaging in the United States; Google’s Earnings; Google, Facebook, and GDPR
An anecdote about permanence and file systems, an explanation of how the U.S. text messaging market is unique, then an overview of Google’s earnings and why GDPR might be having an effect.
Facebook’s Earnings, Facebook’s Stories Story, Additional Notes on Facebook’s Earnings
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?
IBM-Red Hat Follow-up, Microsoft’s Earnings, Amazon’s Earnings
More on IBM and Red Hat, then Microsoft and Amazon’s earnings.