Blue Apron’s S-1 raises some red flags about unit economics and lifetime value; Uber, meanwhile, lost its CFO, who suggested the company is missing some key financial controls
Ford Fires CEO, Car Companies and the Future, Anthony Levandowski vs. Google
Ford has a new CEO, and it probably doesn’t have much to do with the tech industry. That said, what car companies are best placed for the future? Plus, 100x engineers and the problem of culture.
The Uber Disaster Round-up, Waymo and Lyft Form Partnership
Uber’s disasters continue, but the Lyft partnership with Waymo has a chance to be existential.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch
Airbnb Versus Hotels, The FCC and Differences of Opinion, Airbnb Versus Uber
Opposition to Airbnb is often chalked up to regulatory capture, but it’s not clear that is the case, as illustrated by both the FCC and Uber.
Medium and Bundle Economics, Text vs Music vs Video, Another Uber Scandal
More on Medium: the company is trying to sell a bundle, but there are no bundle economics in its favor. Then, Uber has another scandal, with a familiar person at the center.
Waymo’s Lawsuit Against Uber, Existential Logic, Uber — and Google’s — Miscalculation
Uber looks to be in very big trouble if the allegations in Waymo’s lawsuit are true; this also may be what finally does in Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Google, though, messed up too, in the same way they have before.
Tech Morality, Facebook and the BBC, Wikileaks’ CIA Trove
The analysis of technology cannot escape questions of morality, and certainty is dangerous. Plus, the CIA leak, and the difference between exploits and encryption.
The Uber Conflation
It’s easy to conflate criticism of Uber’s regulatory approach with accusations about the company’s culture. That is CEO Travis Kalanick’s responsibility; it’s also a failure of all of tech.
Google Assistant Added to Android, Amit Singhal Out at Uber
Google Assistant is being added to Android, which makes the company’s previous statements and actions even more confusing than they already are. Then, another controversy hits Uber, but Google is implicated as well — along with the entire industry.