Thoughts and notes from the FTC discussion on digital platform and competition, plus how Google’s remedy in Europe will mean more of the same when it comes to Android.
Data Factories Follow-Up, Amazon’s Pay Raise, Amazon Makes Hay
Follow-up to Data Factories, then Amazon’s pay raise, which is of course good for workers and also, unsurprisingly, good for Amazon.
Data Factories
Facebook and Google and other advertising businesses are data factories, and regulation will be most effective if it lets users look inside
New Alexa Devices, Amazon and the EU Commission
Why is Amazon selling more Alexa devices? More broadly, do the company’s house brands leave it susceptible to an antitrust challenge?
The European Commission Versus Android
Examining the history of Android explains why the European Commission may be right to fine Google for its actions around Android, even as the reasoning feels off.
Apple’s Map Reset; CarPlay, Waze, and Google Maps; Disney Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Approved
Apple Maps is getting a reset; what is more encouraging is the company inviting competition. Then, Disney gets approval for its purchase of 21st Century Fox, and it raises questions about the entire process.
AT&T, Time Warner, and the Need for Neutrality
It is no surprise that a judge allowed the AT&T-Time Warner acquisition to proceed given the government’s poor case; the question is if a better case could have been made. What is ultimately needed, though, are new laws.
Snap’s Monetization Flaw; Microsoft and the Effect of Antitrust; Apple, Russia, and Telegram
Reactions from the Code Conference interviews with Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith, plus a very problematic demand of Apple by the Russian government.
The Bill Gates Line
Understanding the differences between aggregators and platforms matters for companies interacting with them and also regulators considering antitrust.
Qualcomm, National Security, and Patents
The Trump administration blocked Broadcom’s acquisition of Qualcomm, and I think it was the right move. Understanding why means understanding Qualcomm and Broadcom’s plan for the company — and the problem with patents.