Facebook announced Facebook Pay, which is far different from Libra. Then, Google is apparently getting into checking, which leads to a question of motivations: each of the tech companies are approaching financial services from a different angle.
Amazon Earnings, AWS Concerns, Google’s Earnings
Amazon’s earnings are encouraging because profits are down. Still, there is reason for concern around AWS. Then, Google’s top-line continues to impress, but the company continues to waste huge amounts of money, hurting the bottom line.
Microsoft Wins JEDI Contract, Microsoft Versus Amazon, Microsoft’s Earnings
Microsoft won the JEDI contract with the Department of Defense under questionable circumstances, which shouldn’t disguise the fact that Microsoft had a compelling case. Then, Microsoft’s earnings are impressive but too vague.
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.
Day Two to One Day
Amazon.com was showing signs of being a Day Two company, including the alleged manipulation of search. There is reason, though, to be optimistic that the company has gotten back to Day One. Plus, where are the other big tech companies?
Apple Updates Siri Policy, The Missed Middle Way, Alexa and Automobiles
Apple has updated its Siri policy, but misses a middle way on privacy that Amazon gets right. Then, Alexa has an opening in cars, but probably not for long.
The WeWork IPO
The WeWork IPO is defined by audaciousness and excess, all of which is driven by unlimited access to capital.
Google’s Earnings, Amazon’s Earnings
Google’s earnings came with the usual dearth of information, although it appears that Google Cloud is growing more than expected. AWS growth, meanwhile, is definitely slowing as Amazon’s business broadly is running out of low-hanging fruit.
Shopify Follow-up, Defining Definitions, OpenDoor Partners with Redfin
More on Shopify, including why I was reluctant to cover the previously, but now see the promise of the Internet in their model. Then, why I’m excited about being uncertain, and how Redfin and Opendoor’s partnership helps define the market in home-buying.
Shopify and the Power of Platforms
It is all but impossible to beat an Aggregator head-on, as Walmart is trying to do with Amazon. The solution instead is to build a platform like Shopify.