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.

Snapchat Spectacles and the Future of Wearables

Creating the future is not just about technology but about creating markets. Right now Snapchat is doing that as well as anyone, which bodes well for Spectacles (but don’t count out Apple).

Beyond the iPhone

Apple’s event may have been lacking on the surface, but it laid the groundwork for innovations that will be revealed in time. And yes, it was courageous.

Softbank Buys ARM; Taylor, Kanye, Kim, and Twitter

Softbank is buying ARM, which is interesting in its implications for both companies, but probably not that big of a deal for the industry. Then, what the latest Taylor Swift-Kanye West episode says about Twitter.

Microsoft and Apple Double Down

Both Microsoft and Apple made news yesterday, and while one was unexpected and the other predictable, both are effectively doubling down on their strategies. And both may not matter.

Google’s Go-to-Market Gap

Google is unique in that their business was built on being the best. The company, though, benefited from the open web. That is not the case in mobile.

It’s a Tesla

Tesla is not a disruptor, but then again, neither is Apple, the closest comp: both succeed by building a brand around being the best.