BuzzFeed’s relative scale problem, and why venture capital doesn’t make sense for content, because the future is niche. Plus, important follow-up on Bing and Atlassian.
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.
Apple Follow-Up, Apple Earnings, Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai Steps Down
Is Apple setting itself up for disruption, or will its integration lead to more markets? Its earnings offer evidence in both directions, and worrisome China results. Then, Kazuo Hirai steps down after setting Sony on the only sustainable path.
Popping the Publishing Bubble, Revisited; BuzzFeed’s Struggles; Axios’ Success
News from BuzzFeed in particular suggest the digital publishing bubble may be bursting. Axios, meanwhile, shows that subscriptions aren’t the only answer — but niche may be.
ESPN’s Cuts, ESPN’s History, ESPN: From Franchise to Business
ESPN’s cuts are not a surprise if you understand how ESPN has made money in the past, and where it must go in the future
The State of Technology at the End of 2016
The annual Stratechery review of the state of technology, and call to build products that unlock human potential
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
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
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.
Dollar Shave Club and the Disruption of Everything
Dollar Shave Club is a textbook example of how the new Internet economy will destroy value in incumbent industries.