Happy Thanksgiving! Tencent’s earnings and impressive diversification, and the impact on Apple, plus why MLB’s new deal with Fox shows that sports are as valuable as ever.
Google Cloud Changes CEOs, Layers of Surprise (or Not), The VMWare Analogy
Google Cloud has a new CEO: the news is a surprise at first glance, but may make more sense than it seems. To understand why, look at VMWare, outgoing Google Cloud CEO Diane Greene’s most famous startup.
Stratechery Merch, The New York Times on Facebook, Facebook Morale
Stratechery merchandise is now available. Then, the New York Times blockbuster story on Facebook, and how the company has misplayed its hand. Plus, why the real problem is employee morale.
Amazon “HQ2” Choice, Disney Earnings, Disney’s Hulu Plan
Amazon’s HQ2 process deserves the most cynical of lenses. Then, Disney revealed more details of their streaming service, with a surprising focus on Hulu — and linear TV.
Apple’s Social Network
Apple’s decision to stop reporting unit sales is defensible; the company, though, should provide more data to support its new growth story.
IBM’s Old Playbook
IBM has bought Red Hat in an attempt to recreate its success in the 90s; it’s not clear, though, that the company or the market is the same.
Facebook and Virtual Reality Follow-up, Tim Cook’s Speech on Privacy, What About China?
More on Facebook, virtual and augmented reality, and it’s long-term strategic play. Then, Tim Cook gave a remarkable speech on privacy; how much does Apple’s stance matter?
Oculus Founder Leaves, Oculus’ Products, Facebook and Oculus’ Inevitable Conflict
A quick update on the Bloomberg chip story, then another founder whose company was acquired is leaving Facebook. This may be a smoother exit on the surface, but the conflicts are likely more substantive.
Sears Files for Bankruptcy, Sears’ Spinoffs, Value in the Age of the Internet
Sears has (finally) filed for bankruptcy, thanks to a business model that was obsolete well before the Internet came along. Still, there are lessons to be learned from the Sears businesses that continue to succeed.
The Battle for the Home
Amazon, Google, Apple, and Facebook are battling for the home; what are their strengths, weaknesses, go-to-market strategies, and business models, and who is the favorite? Or does it matter?