Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was back on the hill, using his usual talking points; the contrast with a Chinese news app, facing its own political pressure, was striking. Plus, why Apple’s Siri hire is so important.
Netflix Follow-up, Sonos + Alexa, MongoDB IPOs
Netflix cancels its non-evergreen content, and isn’t really relevant to Nielsen. Then, a Sonos and Alexa partnership makes sense for both sides, and MongoDB has a thoroughly modern IPO.
Google’s Search for the Sweet Spot
Google’s hardware event shows the company’s commitment both to devices and to artificial intelligence; just doing what you are good at, though, is not always enough.
The Platform Paradox, Voice Assistants Vulnerable?, Facebook and Russian Ads
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 Cortana, Apple Moves Siri, Tim Cook’s Blindspot
Alexa and Cortana’s partnership makes sense when you consider the company’s business models, goals, and partnership impetus (and it shows why Apple and Google won’t come along). Then, why Siri’s reorganization won’t help much.
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.
Amazon Echo Show, Siri Speaker, Echo Look
Echo Show is a naturally evolution of the Echo and Amazon’s goal to own the house. Siri speaker, meanwhile, is locked into iPhone thinking. Plus, the Echo Look’s focus on selfies highlights the decline in offline retail.
Google Assistant Added to Android, Amit Singhal Out at Uber
Google Assistant is being added to Android, which makes the company’s previous statements and actions even more confusing than they already are. Then, another controversy hits Uber, but Google is implicated as well — along with the entire industry.
Alexa Follow-Up; Alexa vs Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant; Medium Retrenches
Why voice is the interface of the future, and comparing Alexa to Cortana, Siri, and Google Assistant. Then, Medium retrenches.
Alexa: Amazon’s Operating System
Money is made at chokepoints, and the most valuable chokepoints are operating systems; Amazon is building exactly that with Alexa.