A year-end review of tech’s five most important companies.
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?
Google and the Shift From Web to Apps, Indexing App-Only Content, Streaming Apps
Phase one of the shift from web to apps was a problem for Google, but a solvable one. Phase two, though, is much more of an existential threat.
Google Hires Diane Greene, Google the Cloud Company?
Google is signaling that it is getting serious about the cloud, so success is certain. Or is it? What actually matters in building an adjacent business for a different kind of market?
TensorFlow and Monetizing Intellectual Property
Google has said repeatedly that machine learning is key to their future. Why, then, did they open source the secret sauce? Is it a mistake, or are there lessons to be learned for IP creators everywhere.
Microsoft’s OneDrive Debacle, Google One Take Two, Google Developing Smartphone Chips?
Microsoft’s OneDrive team unceremoniously ended its unlimited storage offer, scoring an own goal in the process. How did this screw-up happen? Then, Google is re-launching its Android One program in India — should the program even exist? Or, for that matter, should a special Android chip?
Android > Chrome, LinkedIn’s Business Model Beats
Android is reportedly going to subsume Chrome OS; I’m bummed but it’s probably the right decision (and no, that doesn’t mean iOS and OS X will merge). Plus, LinkedIn had another strong quarter, and their smart business model deserves the credit. Is there a lesson for Twitter and other consumer companies?
Google Earnings and the Shift to Mobile, The Steve Jobs Movie
Google provided another set of strong earnings, and a return to their roots — search — is the biggest reason why. Plus, my review of the Steve Jobs movie.
YouTube Red, Yahoo Stumbles
YouTube Red doesn’t make much sense at first glance, but there might be something there if Google goes all in. Plus, the sad end of Yahoo.
Dropbox Paper, Dropbox’s Missed Opportunities, Google Apps Stagnation
Dropbox just announced a major new product, Paper. However, I think it is far too little far too later. Meanwhile, Google is using pricing gimmicks for Apps, which speaks to how little the core product has evolved.