Amazon Go exemplifies how Amazon is building its monopoly in three ways: horizontally, vertically, and financially. Plus, why automation is worth being optimistic about.
Gatekeepers Follow-Up, Hollywood and Venture Capital, The New York Times versus Tech
The removal of Gatekeepers should not drive the demand for new ones; then, why venture capital has a lot in common with Hollywood, which should serve as a warning. Finally, a reminder, courtesy of the New York Times, of why the Fake News campaign is dangerous.
The iPhone 8 Price Rise, The Cellular Apple Watch, Apple TV 4K and Disney
The iPhone 8 price raise was unexpected and a reminder of how much Apple values margin. Then, the cellular Apple Watch was the real glimpse of the future, and why no one should be surprised Disney didn’t make a deal with Apple.
The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence? Is it really any different than technology? In my estimation machine learning is truly something new, and the effects on society will be significant.
Alexa: Amazon’s Operating System
Money is made at chokepoints, and the most valuable chokepoints are operating systems; Amazon is building exactly that with Alexa.
The State of Technology at the End of 2016
The annual Stratechery review of the state of technology, and call to build products that unlock human potential
OpenAI Universe and DeepMind Lab, Amazon Go
OpenAI and DeepMind released broadly similar products that speak to their different approaches, but what is most interesting from a business perspective are products like Amazon Go.
Uber’s Problematic Google Deal, Lyft’s Sales Pitch, Twitter’s Live Hail Mary
Uber took a shortcut with Google two years ago and are paying the price today, even if the wound is only temporary. Meanwhile, Lyft is costing Uber money but not strategic positioning, and seem to be marketing themselves to acquirers. Plus, mourning the end of what Twitter could be (and no, the NFL didn’t help).
Apple Watch = Health and Fitness; Apple’s Shifting Strategy; Beyond the iPhone, Continued
The Apple Watch event was on the surface about focusing on health and fitness. However, I also think it signified a shift in focus and a much clearer path to the future for 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.