It is tempting — and useful — to look at Apple and Amazon’s deal in a bilateral context. It probably makes more sense, though, in the context of Netflix and the future of video.
Apple and Amazon Make a Deal, Three Angles, Apple vs. Amazon
Apple and Amazon make a deal; I suspect it has been in the works for a long time, including Apple Music being on Alexa.
AB 5 and Health Care, Project Connected Home Over IP, Ecosystem Pragmatism
A more flexibility economy would benefit from a stronger safety net. Then, a new standard that actually has real potential. It’s a win for some companies, but questionable for others.
Beachheads and Obstacles
Facebook and Amazon had events on the same day for Oculus and Alexa. Both are driven by lessons from the mobile era, but Amazon seems to have learned more than Facebook.
Apple Updates Siri Policy, The Missed Middle Way, Alexa and Automobiles
Apple has updated its Siri policy, but misses a middle way on privacy that Amazon gets right. Then, Alexa has an opening in cars, but probably not for long.
Alexa’s Human Listeners, New Questions, Disney’s Presentation
Why Bloomberg’s article about Alexa was both scare-mongering and a missed opportunity, plus why Disney’s 2015 plummet in the stock market was a blessing in disguise.
An Update on the Battle for the Home, Apple’s Strategy Credit — and Tax, The Data Strategy Credit
An update on the Battle for the Home, and why Apple’s hesitance around data is both a credit and a tax — and the opposite for Google.
Amazon Acquires Eero, Owning the Home, Amazon Earnings
Amazon acquires Eero, solidifying its play for the home. Then, Amazon’s Earnings show an e-commerce business that is slowing.
CES and the Unification of Computing and Consumer Electronics, Google Assistant and Integration, The Modular Competition
Google Assistant has a structural advantage when it comes to the user experience of digital assistants, which should influence the strategies of Amazon and Apple.
Google Data Issue Follow-Up, Battle for the Home Follow-Up, Apple’s Device Business Model
Follow-up Thursday: more on Google’s data exposure, then the The Battle for the Home rages on. Plus, Apple’s business model strikes again.