For Apple, hitting middle age means a strategy primarily focused on monetizing its existing customers. It makes sense, but one wonders what happens next.
HomePod Goes on Sale, The Smartphone and the End of History, The Success of the Nintendo Switch
The HomePod goes on sale tomorrow — finally — and it’s still not clear whether or not Apple is ready to move beyond the smartphone; the success of the Nintendo Switch suggests the world isn’t waiting.
Why Facebook Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Buy tbh
Facebook is acquiring tbh, another burgeoning social network; regulators erred in allowing the Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions, but there is no better place to start enforcing the law than now.
Google’s Search for the Sweet Spot
Google’s hardware event shows the company’s commitment both to devices and to artificial intelligence; just doing what you are good at, though, is not always enough.
Apple and the Oak Tree Follow-up, Is HomePod Late?, Apple Earnings
More on Apple’s earnings, China prospects, and HomePod’s potential beyond simply being a speaker.
Apple’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Both Apple’s strengths and weaknesses were on full display at its annual WWDC keynote; the HomePod is a perfect example.
Alexa: Amazon’s Operating System
Money is made at chokepoints, and the most valuable chokepoints are operating systems; Amazon is building exactly that with Alexa.
Apple Event Follow-up: Super Mario Run, iPhone 7 Pessimism, Additional Notes
More on Apple’s event, in particularly Super Mario Run and why there is reason for pessimism around the iPhone 7 announcement. Plus additional notes on the event and Apple’s big chip advantage.
The Big 5 Year in Review: Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook
A year-end review of tech’s five most important companies.
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.