Companies

Google

  • Portability and Interoperability

    Data portability is friendly to consumers, but it has very little to do with encouraging competition, at least relative to interoperability.


  • Facebook Pay, Google Checking, Tech Company Differences

    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.


  • The Google Squeeze Follow-up, Disney+ Launch, Instagram Influencer Follow-Up

    Google’s approach to travel mirrors its approach to Shopping, which, correctly or not, was already ruled to be illegal in Europe. Then, Disney+ rolls out like a movie, and fails like a service. Plus, more on Instagram and influencers.


  • The Google Squeeze

    Google, the real Aggregator, is squeezing OTAs, which acted like Aggregators while depending on Google for demand. It’s easy to say Google is being unfair, but this may be better for consumers.


  • 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.


  • Amazon Earnings, AWS Concerns, Google 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.


  • Ambient Computing and Antitrust, Google’s New Revenue Streams, Netflix Earnings

    The real antitrust concern is with potential constraints on ambient computing. Then, Google has its own Services Narrative, and Netflix’s earnings should be viewed with concern.


  • Google and Ambient Computing

    Google presented a vision of ambient computing that goes beyond the smartphone. The company is well-placed, but faces challenges both in the marketplace and in the mirror.


  • 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.