Intel’s earnings are brutal, but it is a brutal result years in the making. That mismatch between decisions and consequences probably explain why Intel continues to pay a dividend despite its need for cash.
Tech Layoffs, Big Tech’s Hiring Rates, Microsoft’s VR Layoffs
Tech’s layoffs are popularly thought to be because of over-hiring during the pandemic, but in fact there isn’t much evidence that tech over-hired based on past rates. Then, Microsoft still has a metaverse strategy, it just doesn’t involve hardware.
Twitter Timelines, Azure and OpenAI, Apple and China
Introducing the Greatest Of All Talk, a new addition to the Stratechery Plus bundle. Then, more on Twitter and Microsoft/OpenAI, plus the Financial Times covers Apple and China.
TSMC Earnings, Geographic Flexibility, The 7nm Question
TSMC’s earnings, even when disappointing, show how strong the company’s position is. Still, there are open questions about using leading edge capacity in the future.
Twitter Kills Third-Party Clients, Twitter’s Tortured History With 3rd-Party Apps, The Twitter Files Business Model
Twitter’s decision to kick-off third party clients is classic Musk; it also gives a signal as to Twitter’s business model focus going forward.
Musk vs. Apple; Advertising, App Store Review, and 30%; Google Headcount
Elon Musk vs. Apple has felt like an inevitability, and the battle was joined over advertising, App Store control, and 30% fees. Plus, Google’s money-making employee base is remarkably small.
Disney Expectations, Twitter Expectations, Silicon Valley Expectations
Bob Chapek’s failure was about managing expectations; expectations are why the perception of Musk’s tenure have switched. The ultimate impact may be on Silicon Valley as a whole.
Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA, The Zaslav Doctrine
Warner Bros. Discovery is clearly still interested in the NBA, Twitter chatter notwithstanding; then, the Zaslav doctrine about content becomes clearer.
Musk’s Twitter Blue; A Twitter Subscription, Revisited; Apple Earnings
Elon Musk’s Twitter Blue proposal seems reasonable, and the company is not in as dire financial straits as reported. Then, revisiting the idea of a Twitter business model pivot, and why Apple’s services revenue is so impressive.
Meta Myths
Meta deserves a bit of a discount off of its recent highs, but a number of myths about its business have caused the market to over-react.