Amazon Studios is shifting its strategy, which rationalizes Prime Video; the big winner is Netflix. Then, Spotify makes a smart move with Hulu, while Facebook is resorting to brute force in video.
The Platform Paradox, Voice Assistants Vulnerable?, Facebook and Russian Ads
Aggregators have value not only because they benefit consumers but also because they enable new businesses. Then, voice assistant vulnerability shows how focusing on the user experience can backfire; Facebook is arguably the best example.
Everything is Changing; So Should Antitrust
WPP is dealing with not only a changing advertising industry but a changing world, thanks to the Internet. Antitrust needs to change as well.
Alexa and Cortana, Apple Moves Siri, Tim Cook’s Blindspot
Alexa and Cortana’s partnership makes sense when you consider the company’s business models, goals, and partnership impetus (and it shows why Apple and Google won’t come along). Then, why Siri’s reorganization won’t help much.
Uber CEO Follow-up, BuzzFeed Adds Banner Ads, Google Offers Cheaper Networking
Who wanted Dara Khosrowshahi as Uber CEO? Then, BuzzFeed is making the right move in adding ads, and why Google’s seemingly innocuous decision to offer cheaper networking is so interesting.
Disney Follow-up, The Re-Bundlers, Medium Claps
Disney is approaching streaming from a different place than its competitors, and the Conservation of Attractive Profits explains why its past success works against it.
Disney’s Choice
Cable TV created a world where differentiated content could profit from everyone; that is why it will be hard for Disney to make the choices streaming will force on them.
Tencent Earnings, WeChat Advertising, The Potential of WhatsApp Status
Tencent’s earnings were good, but as opaque as always. Still, there are insights to be gleaned about advertising in particular, and what that says about Messenger and WhatsApp.
Box and Google Cloud Vision, An Interview with Box CEO Aaron Levie
Box has made a deal to offer Google’s Vision AI services to its customers; is there space to be the intermediary between technology providers and end users? Box CEO Aaron Levie answers those questions and more.
Disney Shifts to Streaming, Disney Versus Netflix, ESPN
Disney is making big changes — finally. What will be fascinating to watch is if the company is willing to fully embrace the Internet and its own brand and become an aggregator.