Follow up on AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, including why AT&T is different than Time Warner Cable and my problems with zero rating. Then, the New York Times bought The Wirecutter, and Microsoft had great earnings (as expected)
AT&T to Buy Time Warner (Pending Regulatory Approval), The AT&T Perspective, The Time Warner Perspective
Breaking down the AT&T acquisition of Time Warner: why most antitrust criticism is wrong, what AT&T stands to benefit, why Time Warner is the big winner, and what regulators ought to focus on.
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.
Spotify to Buy Soundcloud?, Apple Logs iMessage Contacts, Aetna and Apple Watch
Once you understand Spotify’s long-term business model buying Soundcloud makes a lot of sense. Then, Apple didn’t do anything wrong with iMessages, other than show they’re (rightfully) not privacy absolutists. Plus a few quick words on a big deal with Aetna.
Apple’s EU Tax Problem, How Apple Pays Taxes…Eventually, Everyone is a Loser
Apple has to pay Ireland a lot of money…maybe. Why this is probably a bad decision, and why everyone involved is a loser.
A Review of Apple Pay and Apple Leverage, Apple Versus Australia’s Banks, Consumers and Competition
There is a fascinating story unfolding in Australia over the attempt by banks to stand up to Apple Pay. What is happening, why, and what it says about competition in a world of aggregation.
BuzzFeed Reorganizes, WhatsApp Eases Privacy Rules
BuzzFeed reorganizes and thus reemphasizes their new business model. Unfortunately, it’s a business model that doesn’t necessarily need news. Then, WhatsApp predictably eases their privacy policy, their CEO’s previous declarations notwithstanding.
Tim Cook on Security, Microsoft’s Boot Loader Mistake, NSA Exploits Stolen
Tim Cook had a very good explanation for why Apple stood up to the FBI, and two different episodes this week showed why he was right.
The Sports Linchpin
Ratings are down for the Olympics, which could be bad news not only for TV but industries everywhere.
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.