A correction and follow-up on Spotify, and why the streaming service and the labels need each other. Then, the theory behind Nutanix and hyper-convergence in the data center.
Spotify to Buy Soundcloud?, Apple Logs iMessage Contacts, Aetna and Apple Watch
Once you understand Spotify’s long-term business model buying Soundcloud makes a lot of sense. Then, Apple didn’t do anything wrong with iMessages, other than show they’re (rightfully) not privacy absolutists. Plus a few quick words on a big deal with Aetna.
Disney to Buy Part of MLBAM; Netflix, Comcast, and Verizon; Spotify’s Fruitless Antitrust Griping
Disney continues to invest in the future by buying part of MLBAM, while Comcast and Verizon settle into their roles as utilities. Plus, why Spotify’s antitrust complaints don’t make much sense, even if Apple isn’t being very fair.
Apple-FBI Follow-up; Xiaomi, Samsung, LG and High-End Android, Spotify Moves to Google’s Cloud
First some follow-up on Apple versus the FBI, then a discussion about how high-end Android is a distinct market, and how that impacts new phones from Xiaomi, Samsung, and LG. Finally, why Spotify’s move to Google makes sense.
Bill Simmons to Launch ‘The Ringer’; More Media Notes on Yahoo, BuzzFeed, Vox
Bill Simmons’ new site looks to take an integrated approach to money-making. Plus, strategies for content creators with examples from Yahoo, BuzzFeed, and Vox
Adele Won’t Stream 25, Windowing Versus Piracy
Adele won’t stream her new album, and I think that makes a ton of sense. Monetizing IP might be hard, but I don’t think it’s necessarily hostile to your fans. Plus, what really ended piracy and what will be the biggest conflict in IP-related industries in the future.
Apple Loses E-books Appeal; Apple Music and Antitrust; Producers, Consumers, and Apple
Apple’s E-book case finally came to it’s likely end a few week’s ago; it’s worth reviewing what was at stake in light of recent news that Apple Music could face a similar investigation. Then, if Apple Music will do for musicians what the App Store did for developers, is that a good thing? Plus, why sites are bad and no one is at fault.
Apple Watch, Platforms, and Ecosystems; AdBlock Plus Launches Android Browser; Spotify and the Power of Labels
This update expands on my Apple Watch review by discussing the differences between platforms and ecosystems and why that matters for the Watch’s long-term success. Then, a revisit of the ad-blocking debate, and a discussion of why labels are more powerful now than previously.
Carriers to Implement Ad-Blocking?, Mad Men and Optimism, Spotify and Starbucks
Today’s update is a Media Monday on a Tuesday. First, a reported ad-blocking initiative from European carriers and a discussion on its moral, legal, and business aspects. Then, reasons to be both pessimistic and optimistic about the future of publishing. Finally, a discussion of Spotify’s deal with Starbucks, it’s symbolism, and the similarities and differences between the music and content industries.
Media Monday: Bill Simmons vs ESPN, Spotify and the Content Hierarchy, Periscope and Piracy
Today’s Daily Update is all about the media:
– ESPN will not renew Bill Simmons’ contract, which leads into a discussion of the value of individual brands, particular writers, and how that value can best be captured
– Not all content is created equally, which helps explain Spotify’s surprising decision to diversify
– Periscope presents a unique challenge to sports in particular