Some Stratechery announcements around gifts, schedule, and subscription switching, then a reminder that AWS is still the clear leader in the cloud, and why Google has a customer service challenge
AT&T Launches DirecTV Now, Sling TV Adds Cloud DVR, Regional Sports Networks
AT&T’s DirecTV Now product seems underwhelming, but there is a market for it, and zero rating is a big differentiator. Plus, the problem with OTT and regional sports networks
Fake News
Facebook is under fire for fake news and filter bubbles; they are a problem, but most of the proposed solutions are far worse.
Samsung Buys Harman International, Qualcomm Acquires NXP, The Nintendo Classic Edition
Both Samsung and Qualcomm are moving into cars: I like Samsung’s move better, but both make sense. Then, Nintendo continues to have trouble adapting to the reality of today’s market
Snapchat Spectacles “Launch”, Facebook’s Real Problem
Recent news about Snapchat (Spectacles) and Facebook (its effect on elections) couldn’t be more different; that’s why they are, in fact, related.
Microsoft Teams versus Slack, Facebook Earnings
A follow-up on Microsoft Teams and Slack after having used the former; then, Facebook’s Earnings were more concerning than expected.
Google Earnings; The Problem with Alphabet; Twitter Earnings, Layoffs, Vine
Google’s earnings were good, but maybe not quite as revelatory as they could be. What is clear, though, is that Google, not Alphabet, will drive growth. Then, Twitter made some changes; they’re probably not enough in the long run, but a good start.
Surface Studio, Nintendo Switch, and Niche Strategies
Microsoft’s Surface Studio and Nintendo’s Switch are exciting products because unlike previous failures, they start with the assumption that smartphones matter most
Follow-up, Snapchat Changes Publisher Monetization, The Return of the Bundle?
Follow-up to The IT Era and the Internet Revolution, then why Snapchat’s new paid-content model is such a great idea.
The IT Era and the Internet Revolution
The history of technology is of two distinct eras: information technology enhanced existing business. The Internet revolution is destroying them.