Twitter’s earnings had good and bad parts, and one big red flag. More interesting was the company’s decision to retrench and own “live.” Then, how Facebook and Marc Andreessen managed to screw up so badly.
Follow-up, Snapchat’s Deal with Viacom, Verizon Exploring Yahoo Purchase, Disney
Follow-up on The Reality of Missing Out, including why I’m worried about Pinterest. Than, why I’m a bit wary of Snapchat’s deal with Viacom, but a believer in the idea of Verizon buying Yahoo. Finally, a reiteration of my Disney optimism.
Why I Stand by Peak Google, Amazon is Fine, More Amazon Stores?
Google had great earnings again, and was briefly the most valuable company in the world. That doesn’t change my opinions in Peak Google. Then, Amazon lost the expectations game, but the underlying business continues to look great. Plus, a theory about those rumored Amazon stores.
Facebook Earnings, Five Facebook Facts, Additional Facebook Observations
Facebook earnings were once again impressive: they have a killer market, but the company continues to execute fantastically, particularly on the business side.
Twitter Follow-up, Apple’s Good Earnings, Apple is Not a Services Company
Understanding why Twitter failed has strategic implications today. Then, Apple’s earnings were better than they looked, but despite the CFO’s protestations, they are still not a services company.
Why ESPN Was Justified in Killing Grantland, Did ESPN Overpay for Sports Rights?, Disney Earnings
I’ve spent time on Grantland’s potential, but did ESPN really make a mistake by not taking advantage? I say no — the mistake was Grantland’s. Still, has ESPN stretched itself too thin, or might there be a method to their seeming madness when it comes to sports fees? Disney’s earnings — particularly CEO Bob Iger’s comments — suggest the latter.
A New Publishing Model…Maybe; Facebook Earnings, Facebook Sharing
Follow-up on yesterday’s article on potential new publishing models, and then a discussion of Facebook earnings. Plus, a new reason skeptics have found to doubt the company.
Activision Blizzard Buys King Digital, EA and the Disruption Narrative, Apple TV Gaming
Activision Blizzard is buying King, the makers of Candy Crush Saga; the mobile games maker is probably worth more to a company like Activision Blizzard than they are by themselves. Plus, both EA and Activision Blizzard beat earnings expectations — does that mean the gaming disruption narrative is wrong?
Android > Chrome, LinkedIn’s Business Model Beats
Android is reportedly going to subsume Chrome OS; I’m bummed but it’s probably the right decision (and no, that doesn’t mean iOS and OS X will merge). Plus, LinkedIn had another strong quarter, and their smart business model deserves the credit. Is there a lesson for Twitter and other consumer companies?
Twitter Follow-up, Nintendo’s Conundrum
Some follow-up and clarification on yesterday’s piece on Twitter’s advertising business, plus a rumination on where exactly Nintendo is going as a company.