Facebook gave one of the worst keynotes in a long time: there was no vision, just the adoption of Snap’s. It’s the inevitable outcome of a monopoly.
Amazon Shutters Quidsi, Amazon and CPG Companies, Amazon and Wal-Mart
Amazon is shutting down Quidsi, and taking the fight for CPG goods to Wal-Mart.
Manifestos and Monopolies
Facebook has long had too much power, but Mark Zuckerberg’s expressed willingness to use said power for political ends means it’s time to consider countermeasures.
Ben @ Code Media on The Great Unbundling
A video of Ben presenting at Code Media.
Google Earnings and Mobile Questions, Google Optimism, Microsoft Earnings
Google’s earnings raise more questions about just how well their mobile business is doing, but there is reason for optimism. Then, Microsoft continues to execute.
Ctrip Buys Skyscanner, Ctrip’s International Potential, Airbnb Rumored to Buy Xiaozhu
There is a lot of news about the Chinese travel space, particularly Ctrip’s acquisition of Skyscanner, but given the nature of travel it is news that resonates globally.
Fake News
Facebook is under fire for fake news and filter bubbles; they are a problem, but most of the proposed solutions are far worse.
Wearable Follow-Up, Google’s Amazon Problem, Marriott and SPG Combine Loyalty Programs
A follow-up about wearables to remind folks that the smartphone still matters. Then, why mobile is a struggle for Google, illustrated by Amazon. Plus, Marriott and SPG are finally together, and it’s clear they (rightly) want to own the customer relationship
Does Uber Have a Strategy Problem?, Netflix and Aggregation Theory, Google Trips
Is Uber bad at strategy? It would be understandable if they were. Then, Hollywood is finally realizing that Netflix is a textbook aggregator. Plus, why Google Trips exists
Trouble at Lending Club, Lending Club and Aggregation Theory, What Went Wrong
FinTech seems like the perfect application of Aggregation Theory, but over this past week it has blown up in the face of serious issues at Lending Club. The mistakes that were made in do to a degree validate why I haven’t covered the space to date.