Acquisitions that make sense involve network effects; that is why the long-term future of antitrust is about network analysis (not that it will affect this deal). Plus, John Mackey’s pragmatic fit with Amazon.
The Uber Endgame, Unchanging Uber, Uber Justice
The Uber endgame has arrived, and the events of last week showed what should happen — even if they might not. Plus, Kalanick’s fatal flaw and broader questions for all of tech.
Jeff Bezos’ Annual Letter, Facebook Messenger and Payments, Facebook Instant Articles Fizzing?
Jeff Bezos’ annual letter is as illuminating as ever, particularly on how to achieve alignment in a business. Facebook demonstrates that, both positively and negatively.
Twitter Loses NFL Streaming, Amazon Adds NFL Streaming, Apple and the Mac Pro
Twitter lost the NFL streaming deal to Amazon; all the reasons why the deal didn’t make sense for Twitter explain why Amazon is doing it. Then, the most interesting part of Apple’s Mac Pro news is the timeline.
Tech Morality, Facebook and the BBC, Wikileaks’ CIA Trove
The analysis of technology cannot escape questions of morality, and certainty is dangerous. Plus, the CIA leak, and the difference between exploits and encryption.
The Uber Conflation
It’s easy to conflate criticism of Uber’s regulatory approach with accusations about the company’s culture. That is CEO Travis Kalanick’s responsibility; it’s also a failure of all of tech.
Crisis at Uber, Uber’s Culture, Who is Responsible?
Uber is facing explosive allegations of sexual harassment and general corporate dysfunction; the seeds, though, were planted years ago.
Google and the Limits of Strategy
Google went wrong in the past by abandoning their horizontal business model; are they repeating their mistake, or does the future give them no choice?
Sports and TV Follow-up, Intel Licenses ARM IP
First, why I don’t think sports is a bubble, then, Intel finally gives in to reality and licenses ARM IP, a necessary step in becoming a foundry-for-hire.
Apple’s PR Push, Maps and Apple’s Organizational Structure
Why is Apple on a PR blitz in the middle of August? Plus, what Apple’s executives said about Maps and its relationship to the company’s organizational structure