Uber’s layoffs were a necessary adjustment to a marketing strategy that made sense previously, but not today. Then, why the T-Mobile-Sprint merger should have been approved, and the secondary impacts of the decision.
Google Earnings, Amazon Earnings
Google’s earnings came with the usual dearth of information, although it appears that Google Cloud is growing more than expected. AWS growth, meanwhile, is definitely slowing as Amazon’s business broadly is running out of low-hanging fruit.
Facebook’s FTC Settlement, Assigning Blame, Facebook Earnings
The FTC has released its complaint against Facebook, leading me to change my mind and put more blame on the company. Complaints about the FTC are still misplaced, though: the real problem is Congress. Meanwhile, Facebook continues growing undeterred.
Snap Earnings, Notes and Concerns, DoorDash and Tipping
Snap’s earnings were impressive, including the most valuable AR application of all time, but the company still needs to show it can earn advertisers broadly. Then, DoorDash responds to pressure from the demand side.
Microsoft Earnings, Teams Passes Slack, The Partner Advantage
Microsoft continues to crush earnings with its integrated approach. Then, Teams passed Slack, and its lead will likely widen, because it is a sustaining technology, not a disruptive one. Plus, the importance of Microsoft partners.
Netflix Earnings; Reasons for Concern, and Optimism; Apple Reportedly Pursuing Exclusive Podcasts
Netflix’s earnings are worrisome, but for predictable reasons; ultimately, the company remains in a strong position. Then, Apple’s rumored move into exclusive podcasts doesn’t make sense and is in fact good for Spotify.
Substack Raises Series A, An Interview With Substack Co-Founders Christopher Best and Hamish McKenzie
An interview with Substack Co-Founders Christopher Best and Hamish McKenzie, who recently raised a Series A to enable newsletters from Andreessen Horowitz.
An Interview with Kevin Weil and Dante Disparte About Libra and Calibra
An interview with Kevin Weil, the VP of Product at Calibra, and Dante Disparte, the Head of Policy and Communications at the Libra Association, about Libra and Calibra.
Tech and Antitrust Follow-up, Google Buys Looker, Salesforce Buys Tableau
Sometimes analysis is about what will happen, not what should happen. Then, two big acquisitions in the data analytics face: Google’s purchase of Looker makes sense, while Salesforce is paying a steep price for Tableau.
Uber’s Rocky IPO, What Went Wrong, The Perils of Private
What went wrong with Uber’s IPO, and why the trend to stay private longer is problematic for everyone involved.