How TikTok exposed Facebook’s blindspot, thanks to its Chinese roots, and why those Chinese roots make TikTok a genuine concern.
Uber Acquires Postmates; DoorDash Optimism; TikTok, Apple, and Hong Kong
Uber acquires Postmates, which makes me bullish about DoorDash. Then, TikTok invokes Shakespeare.
Hong Kong and Facebook, The Pacific Light Cable Network System and Stripe, Facebook Lasso and Instagram Reels
Facebook responds to China in Hong Kong, while Stripe avoids the complication. Then, Instagram Reels shows why Instagram Stories succeeded.
India Bans Chinese Apps, The App Store Firewall, Reddit and The Donald
India is banning Chinese apps, in a reminder that nations still matter; China knows the more than anyone. Then, why centralized App Stores make this easier, and why Reddit is a reminder that infrastructure matters.
TikTok and Quibi, TikTok and Shopify, TikTok Complications
Quibi — and Shopify! — explain why TikTok is so successful. As always, though, the TikTok story is complicated by the Chinese connection.
Integration and Monopoly Follow-Up, Apple Paternalism, TikTok and CFIUS
More on Apple and restrictions on competition, and why it is different than Google. Then, Apple’s actions around vaping cross the line, plus why TikTok does not deserve the benefit of the doubt.
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.
Zuckerberg’s House Hearing, Toutiao’s Apology, Apple’s Siri Hire
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was back on the hill, using his usual talking points; the contrast with a Chinese news app, facing its own political pressure, was striking. Plus, why Apple’s Siri hire is so important.