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Latest Podcast

Concepts

Technology and Society

  • Trump Visits Mac Pro Factory, Apple’s Tariffs, Apple Versus GitHub

    Trump visited the Mac Pro factory, and people are disappointed in Tim Cook. First off, tariffs are certainly the driving fact, but I am disappointed too, for different reasons than most.

  • Integration and Monopoly Follow-Up, Apple Paternalism, TikTok and CFIUS

    More on Apple and restrictions on competition, and why it is different than Google. Then, Apple’s actions around vaping cross the line, plus why TikTok does not deserve the benefit of the doubt.

  • Integration and Monopoly

    Apple has won through integration, but integration combined with network effects and economies of scale can result in bad outcomes that look a lot like monopolies.

  • The Google Squeeze Follow-up, Disney+ Launch, Instagram Influencer Follow-Up

    Google’s approach to travel mirrors its approach to Shopping, which, correctly or not, was already ruled to be illegal in Europe. Then, Disney+ rolls out like a movie, and fails like a service. Plus, more on Instagram and influencers.

  • The Google Squeeze

    Google, the real Aggregator, is squeezing OTAs, which acted like Aggregators while depending on Google for demand. It’s easy to say Google is being unfair, but this may be better for consumers.

  • Tech and Liberty Follow-up, Facebook Earnings, Additional Notes on Facebook Earnings

    Making principled stands should not mean absolutism: Facebook should seek to ameliorate its trade-offs. Then, Facebook’s earnings continue to show higher costs, plus where Zuckerberg is right and wrong in defending the Instagram acquisition.

  • Tech and Liberty

    The First Amendment is not about a law, but rather a culture — specifically a culture of liberty. It is essential to tech, and in this context, Facebook is mostly right about political ads (but can still do better).

  • Google Buys Fitbit, Why Fitbit is a Good Idea, Why It Isn’t

    First some important updates about Stratechery, then Google is seeking to acquire Fitbit. Why the acquisition makes sense, and why it doesn’t.

  • Microsoft Wins JEDI Contract, Microsoft Versus Amazon, Microsoft Earnings

    Microsoft won the JEDI contract with the Department of Defense under questionable circumstances, which shouldn’t disguise the fact that Microsoft had a compelling case. Then, Microsoft’s earnings are impressive but too vague.

  • Zuckerberg’s Speech, Facebook Versus China, The Structure of Free Expression

    Digging into the specifics of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s speech, particularly the company’s role in a contest of values with China, and why free expression depends on more than good intensions.