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.
Google Earnings, Google Cloud Growth?, Microsoft’s Milestone
Google had great earnings again, although the usual questions — and a new one, about Google Cloud — remain unanswered. Then, Microsoft returned to annual revenue growth, an impressive milestone in the company’s turnaround.
Blue Apron Files for IPO, Network Effects and Customer Acquisition Costs, Uber Concerns
Blue Apron’s S-1 raises some red flags about unit economics and lifetime value; Uber, meanwhile, lost its CFO, who suggested the company is missing some key financial controls
Google Earnings and Mobile Questions, Google Optimism, Microsoft Earnings
Google’s earnings raise more questions about just how well their mobile business is doing, but there is reason for optimism. Then, Microsoft continues to execute.
Google Earnings, Microsoft Earnings
Google’s earnings were fantastic, but I’m still not totally convinced about their shift to mobile. Microsoft’s were good as well, but what was under the surface was more important.
Dropbox Leaves AWS, Should UPS and Fedex Be Afraid?
In an inconvenient bit of timing Dropbox announced they were leaving AWS just as I was singing its praises; in fact the storage company’s decision reinforces the benefits AWS provides. Then, why Amazon’s move into logistics makes sense, and how it might play out.
Stratechery Gifts and Announcements, Apple Open-Sources Swift
Stratechery gift subscriptions are now available, plus an important site announcement. Then, we all knew Apple was going to open-source Swift. What was impressive was how the company went about doing it; hopefully it will prove to be an example for a clearly divided company.
“Selling Feelings” Follow-up, Match.com’s IPO and Tinder, The Sean Rad Interview
Follow-up on my piece about Selling Feelings, and then an analysis of the Match.com IPO, and Tinder in particular. Plus, why I think Sean Rad is getting a bit of a bad rap for his disastrous interview.
Twitter’s Opaque Earnings, Twitter’s Misaligned Advertising Business, Twitter’s New Ad
Twitter’s earnings were concerning, and the explanation on the earnings call was opaque. What exactly is going on, and what is the company trying to hide?
The iPhone 6S, The End of the iPhone 5C, The iPhone Upgrade Program
The iPhone 6S is an impressive upgrade, particularly 3D Touch. The iPhone, though, has far deeper advantages: first, in China where its status remains unchallenged, and also in developed markets where Apple is commoditizing carriers.