Apple is belatedly waking up to its Congressional risk; Congress, though, needs to consider the risks of unintended consequences.
Evaluating Sundar Pichai, EC Announces New Google Investigation, Amazon Blocks FLoC
Google doesn’t have a leadership problem, it’s just getting old. Plus, another EC investigation, and why Amazon’s advertising business is well-placed.
Pandemic Progress
Marc Andreessen has changed his tone over the past year; there is a cynical interpretation, but I think the shift is justified.
Stripe Tax, Stripe Identity, Stripe’s Missed Opportunity
Stripe launched two new products: one makes perfect sense, while the other feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.
The Cicilline Salvo
A package of new proposed laws for regulating tech companies are in part a negotiating ploy, but also an indicator of change.
ShazamKit and Weather, iOS 15’s New Privacy Approach, Mail Privacy Protection and Newsletters
Apple and Microsoft have similar approaches to developers, and iOS 15’s approach to privacy is better than iOS 14.
Integrated Apple and App Store Risk
WWDC highlighted how Apple’s differentiation is based on integration; the company ought not risk that differentiation for exploitive App Store policies.
Passport Update, F8 Refresh, Trump Ends Blog
F8 was all about developers, and there is reason to believe that Facebook is serious about building a real platform, particularly on messaging.
Amazon Buys MGM, The Streaming Opportunity, Anti-Monopoly vs. Antitrust
Amazon’s purchase of MGM makes sense strategically, but also points to bigger ambitions; it also highlights how a lot of antitrust talk is actually anti-monopoly.
Apple Ads and the Anti-Steering Argument, Additional Follow-up
Apple’s argument defending its anti-steering provisions also explain the company’s approach to its burgeoning ad business.