There have always been iPhone bears, but the latest set seems to be ignoring reality. Plus, the amazing success of the Mac and what that means for the iPhone.
Microsoft’s Hardware Event, Satya Nadella Versus Windows, The Surface Strategy
Microsoft’s hardware event was very compelling on multiple levels: what it said about Windows, what it said about Microsoft, and what it said about Satya Nadella.
The iPhone 6S, The End of the iPhone 5C, The iPhone Upgrade Program
The iPhone 6S is an impressive upgrade, particularly 3D Touch. The iPhone, though, has far deeper advantages: first, in China where its status remains unchallenged, and also in developed markets where Apple is commoditizing carriers.
From Products to Platforms
Apple was at its best in its most recent keynote: unveiling the sorts of products the company is uniquely capable of creating. The question, though, is whether the company has the vision and capability of making those products into platforms.
Amazon Retrenches on Hardware, Apple to Create Original Programming?
Amazon is making big changes at Lab126, its hardware subsidiary, after the Fire phone flop. I think it’s a fantastic sign for the company going forward. Plus, Apple is reportedly thinking about getting into original content; there are both optimistic and pessimistic spins to put on this, but ultimately I think it’s a bad idea.
Verizon Changes Rate Plans, The Importance of Upgrades, iMessage and the U.S. Market
Verizon announced they were changing the structure of their phones plans away from subsidies and towards phone financing. I think it’s less of a big deal than many are painting it to be, and if anything, it will help the iPhone. Plus, why iMessage is particularly important in the U.S.
Meetup Information; LinkedIn Beats, Slumps; Samsung’s Shift Continues; Sony’s Specialization
LinkedIn and Samsung both had negative reactions to their earnings, but both are in the middle of a shift to a better position going forward; Sony’s results were worse on an absolute basis but better received because they’ve already gone through the hard work of focusing on what works.
Plus, meetup information for Chicago, New York, and Madison
The Remarkable iPhone 6, The Apple Watch, Microsoft Earnings
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the iPhone 6 is that Apple itself keeps getting it wrong. Plus, some observations about the Apple Watch and an appreciation of Satya Nadella.
Yelp is for Sale, Fitbit Files for IPO, HERE Maps Update
In today’s Daily Update:
– Yelp is for sale. I discuss the problem with Yelp’s advertising business, as well as who might buy them and why
– Fitbit is filing for an IPO. The company has some impressive numbers, and they are an interesting contrast to a company like Yelp. However, the Watch is coming…
– An update on the HERE Maps bidding
Twitter Follow-up, Microsoft’s Build Keynote
Good morning, Just a reminder, there will be no Daily Update tomorrow, as I will be traveling with my family. In addition, the plan is to launch an updated design of Stratechery, along with a brand new membership system, and a Discourse-based discussion forum this coming Monday. There shouldn’t be any interruption in the dailySubscribe […]