At Google I/O, Google was the opposite of defensive: the company set out to make the case that its approach made for better products that makes people’s lives better
Microsoft Build, Microsoft’s Strategic Clarity, An Interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
Microsoft’s Build was good for what it had — and what it didn’t, even accidentally. Microsoft’s future is about meeting real business needs, not wowing customers. Plus, an interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Microsoft and Slack Follow-up, F8, Facebook versus Snapchat
How Microsoft Teams differs from Slack, then Facebook’s F8 keynote is nominally about privacy-focused social networking, but is in fact about competing with Snapchat (again!).
Google Cloud Next, Anthos, Google Cloud and Open Source
The Google Cloud Next keynote was a big improvement: Google Cloud is focusing on its go-to-market strategy, and building products that make tactical sense relative to AWS.
The Snap Partner Summit, Snap’s Announcements, Vision Versus Execution
Snap’s announcements at its Partner Summit signaled a new strategy that makes a lot of sense. The company, though, needs to show that it can execute.
Apple Event Follow-up, Apple’s Hardware Announcements, Google Stadia
A follow-up to Apple’s Services Event, plus an overview of Apple’s hardware announcements. Then, Google Stadia and it’s potential competition with Apple and Microsoft.
Apple’s Services Event
Apple’s Services Event generally made sense, even if most products weren’t ready to launch. It’s fair to wonder, though, if something important is being lost.
AWS:reInvent and Outposts, AWS and Machine Learning; YouTube Retreats on Premium Video
The AWS re:Invent conference had two important themes: the importance of hybrid offerings and machine learnings; then, unsurprisingly, YouTube’s premium video efforts ended up not working out.
The Battle for the Home
Amazon, Google, Apple, and Facebook are battling for the home; what are their strengths, weaknesses, go-to-market strategies, and business models, and who is the favorite? Or does it matter?
Microsoft Ignite, Weaknesses To Strengths, Amazon’s Device Announcements
Microsoft’s Ignite conference was another reminder that the company no longer focuses on the consumer, a point Satya Nadella emphasized as a strength. Then, Amazon helps explain why.