Aggregators have value not only because they benefit consumers but also because they enable new businesses. Then, voice assistant vulnerability shows how focusing on the user experience can backfire; Facebook is arguably the best example.
Alexa and Operating Systems, Privacy, and Integration; Spotify Follow-up
Three Alexa stories point towards Amazon’s drive — and challenges — in building the operating system of the home. Then, Spotify doesn’t create fake music, it just gives consumers what they want.
Snapchat Updates: Maps, Links, and More; Classifying Snapchat’s Updates
Snap has announced a slew of updates over the past few months: some are more consequential than others, and one — Maps — is potentially transformational (for either good or bad!).
YouTube and the iPhone, Facebook Wins Privacy Case
The lessons that can be learned from YouTube and the iPhone, plus Facebook’s problematic victory in a privacy case.
Airbnb Versus Hotels, The FCC and Differences of Opinion, Airbnb Versus Uber
Opposition to Airbnb is often chalked up to regulatory capture, but it’s not clear that is the case, as illustrated by both the FCC and Uber.
Artificial Intelligence Follow-up, FCC Privacy Rules Overturned, Winners and Losers
A follow-up to The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence, then an explanation of what just happened with ISPs and privacy, and a review of the winners and losers.
On Agency Commissions and Fees, Google’s Advertising Changes, Foursquare Analytics
Following up on Ad Agencies and Accountability, first with a correction on agency fees, and then a discussion of Google’s announced changes. Then, Foursquare has completed its multi-year pivot, and it looks like a great business.
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.
Facebook’s China Censorship Tool, The Fake News Connection, A Thanksgiving Note
Facebook has pre-emptively built a tool for censoring content in China even as the Chinese government is talking about “fake news”. Then, a note of thanks from me to you.
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.