The Uber endgame has arrived, and the events of last week showed what should happen — even if they might not. Plus, Kalanick’s fatal flaw and broader questions for all of tech.
Facebook Content Guidelines, Facebook Video, Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV
Facebook faces a daunting challenge when it comes to policing content, but it is a challenge the company brought on itself. Then, Facebook’s video tab is competing against YouTube, not Amazon or Netflix, and business models explain why — and probably explain the Amazon-Apple truce.
Ford Fires CEO, Car Companies and the Future, Anthony Levandowski vs. Google
Ford has a new CEO, and it probably doesn’t have much to do with the tech industry. That said, what car companies are best placed for the future? Plus, 100x engineers and the problem of culture.
The Uber Disaster Round-up, Waymo and Lyft Form Partnership
Uber’s disasters continue, but the Lyft partnership with Waymo has a chance to be existential.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch
The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence? Is it really any different than technology? In my estimation machine learning is truly something new, and the effects on society will be significant.
Medium and Bundle Economics, Text vs Music vs Video, Another Uber Scandal
More on Medium: the company is trying to sell a bundle, but there are no bundle economics in its favor. Then, Uber has another scandal, with a familiar person at the center.
Ad Agencies and Accountability
Google is in hot water again, this time for ads placed against objectionable content. However, ad agencies and brands are just as responsible, and can no longer live in the past.
Tech Morality, Facebook and the BBC, Wikileaks’ CIA Trove
The analysis of technology cannot escape questions of morality, and certainty is dangerous. Plus, the CIA leak, and the difference between exploits and encryption.
The Uber Conflation
It’s easy to conflate criticism of Uber’s regulatory approach with accusations about the company’s culture. That is CEO Travis Kalanick’s responsibility; it’s also a failure of all of tech.