Apple Music was a muddled mess, which raised the question of why it exists in the first place. Is it important anymore? More importantly, is Apple having trouble remembering how to focus?
Carriers to Implement Ad-Blocking?, Mad Men and Optimism, Spotify and Starbucks
Today’s update is a Media Monday on a Tuesday. First, a reported ad-blocking initiative from European carriers and a discussion on its moral, legal, and business aspects. Then, reasons to be both pessimistic and optimistic about the future of publishing. Finally, a discussion of Spotify’s deal with Starbucks, it’s symbolism, and the similarities and differences between the music and content industries.
Media Monday: Bill Simmons vs ESPN, Spotify and the Content Hierarchy, Periscope and Piracy
Today’s Daily Update is all about the media:
– ESPN will not renew Bill Simmons’ contract, which leads into a discussion of the value of individual brands, particular writers, and how that value can best be captured
– Not all content is created equally, which helps explain Spotify’s surprising decision to diversify
– Periscope presents a unique challenge to sports in particular
Tidal and the Future of Music
Predicting success and failure is about understanding who has leverage. In the case of music, the winners will be the labels, not the artist. But perhaps there is hope for tomorrow
Daily Update: Taylor Swift v Daniel Ek, What Swift Gets Right, The Problem with Spotify
Good morning, As you will see in your inboxes momentarily, I wrote a new post on Stratechery called Two Microsofts about Microsoft’s decision to make Office free on mobile for consumers. The big takeaway is that, if you look at Microsoft through the lens of business models, they are already two different companies: one consumer,Subscribe […]
Daily Update: Talko, Bye-bye Beats Music?, About that iPhone Line Film
Good morning, I wrote about Uber yesterday, but in reality I was actually writing about why I think the tech industry should become much more proactive about the development of a social safety net. Not only would a better safety net spur entrepreneurship, but it would also provide a cushion for those who lose theirSubscribe […]
Daily Update: Justifying Beats, Amazon Prime Music Streaming, Swipely and Square Follow-up
Good morning, I will be traveling to San Francisco next week, which means the timing of these updates may be a little irregular for the entire week (likely several hours later on Tuesday through Wednesday in particular). Thank you for your patience. For Access members, I plan on doing some sort of live chat duringSubscribe […]
Daily Update: Apple Announces Beats Acquisition, Beats Music to Remain on Android, Square Launches Cash Advance
Good morning, I wouldn’t have published Why Apple is Buying Beats were I not pretty certain that the deal was done; that said, it sure took a long time to become final, but final it is. That piece I wrote still applies, as does this podcast. On to the updates: Apple Announces Beats Acquisition FromSubscribe […]