Understanding why Twitter failed has strategic implications today. Then, Apple’s earnings were better than they looked, but despite the CFO’s protestations, they are still not a services company.
SideCar’s “Innovation”, Facebook Stadium and Twitter’s Conundrum, Tidbits
SideCar feels that Uber was unfair, but the truth is the company didn’t understand that product matters more than technical expertise. Plus, why Twitter doesn’t have an natural acquirers, and several other tidbits from this week.
Apple Scales Back iAds, The Apple News Mess
Apples struggles with iAd and confusion around Apple News spring from the same place: these are businesses that Apple is not set up to excel in, and the sooner they retrench, the better.
Car Follow-up, The Apple Car, Uber’s Financials
Google’s vision for driverless cars fails to take into account the world as it is. and Apple’s car efforts likely have a market for the foreseeable future. Plus a look at Uber’s financials.
Netflix Goes Global, iPhone Worry
Netflix’s surprising announcement that the company was extending its service to nearly every country on earth was impressive in its execution, what it said about the company’s strategy, and it raised interesting points about Aggregation Theory and Netflix’s future opportunities. Plus, there is a lot of smoke when it comes to worries about the iPhone.
The Big 5 Year in Review: Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook
A year-end review of tech’s five most important companies.
Apple’s Executive Shuffle, Adele’s Concert Tickets
Significant changes were announced at Apple yesterday, particularly in marketing. Then, what is so bad about ticket brokers?
Craig Federighi on Swift, Taylor Swift’s 1989 on Apple Music
John Gruber’s interview with Craig Federighi is an excellent opportunity to explore exactly why Swift is such a big deal. Then, Taylor Swift has an exclusive with Apple Music for the video of her 1989 concert.
Apple Drops Planned Live TV Service, YouTube’s Top Ten Videos of 2015, Apple and the NFL?
Apple gives up on its rumored live TV service, which should come as no surprise to Stratechery readers. YouTube’s top video list is a hint as to why. Might apple bid on the NFL to get the train rolling?
Stratechery Gifts and Announcements, Apple Open-Sources Swift
Stratechery gift subscriptions are now available, plus an important site announcement. Then, we all knew Apple was going to open-source Swift. What was impressive was how the company went about doing it; hopefully it will prove to be an example for a clearly divided company.