This year’s Google I/O built on last year’s focus in a way that lends credence to Google’s longer-term goals. Plus, Pixel hardware and the problem of design by regulation.
Google IO: Google’s Reality, Workspace and Smart Canvas, Wear + Tizen
Google’s IO seemed boring, but taken in totality, revealed Google’s ambition to create a new reality. Plus Smart Canvas and the partnership between Wear OS and Samsung’s Tizen.
Google Buys Fitbit, Why Fitbit is a Good Idea, Why It Isn’t
First some important updates about Stratechery, then Google is seeking to acquire Fitbit. Why the acquisition makes sense, and why it doesn’t.
Apple Earnings, Fitbit Earnings, Nintendo Earnings
Apple’s earnings showed slowing growth but a seemingly impenetrable moat; Fitbit, meanwhile, is in very bad shape, while Nintendo is learning harsh truths about the smartphone market
Opendoor Follow-up, Fitbit Buys Pebble Assets, GoPro Closes Entertainment Unit
The point of writing about Opendoor was to praise the ambition for the very reason that it might not work. Then, hardware continues to be hard: Pebble is out of business, and GoPro is in very big trouble.
Twitter to Sell?, Twitter’s Paradoxes, Whither Google?
Twitter is caught in three paradoxes that make the company nearly impossible to sell, even if that is exactly what needs to happen
Samsung “Recalls” Galaxy Note 7, Fitbit Updates Fitness Trackers, Apple to Repatriate Profits?
Samsung seems to have handled the exploding Note 7 as well as they could have, Fitbit releases new products that raise questions about Apple Watch pricing, and a follow-up on Apple’s tax mess
Yelp is for Sale, Fitbit Files for IPO, HERE Maps Update
In today’s Daily Update:
– Yelp is for sale. I discuss the problem with Yelp’s advertising business, as well as who might buy them and why
– Fitbit is filing for an IPO. The company has some impressive numbers, and they are an interesting contrast to a company like Yelp. However, the Watch is coming…
– An update on the HERE Maps bidding