Scooter follow-up, then why the future of gaming may be very good for Microsoft. Plus, why Spotify’s new distribution agreements are not a big deal for now, but point to a positive future.
Drake on Twitch, Fortnite vs PUBG and Selling Feelings, The Returns to the Best
Drake was playing video games on Twitch, and it blew up: there is so much to unpack about games, new business models, Twitch, and asymmetrical returns on the Internet. (Plus, a brief note on that Siri article)
More on the Switch, Apple Music and the HomePod, Songwriter Royalties Increase
More on the Nintendo Switch, and how Apple Music is more strategic than I appreciated. Then, Spotify hits another obstacle — is the streaming service an acquisition target?
HomePod Goes on Sale, The Smartphone and the End of History, The Success of the Nintendo Switch
The HomePod goes on sale tomorrow — finally — and it’s still not clear whether or not Apple is ready to move beyond the smartphone; the success of the Nintendo Switch suggests the world isn’t waiting.
SendGrid IPOs, The Nintendo Marios
SendGrid’s IPO exemplifies a company that works: a SaaS offering that enables, and grows alongside, its customer. Then, the differing results for Super Mario Run and Super Mario Galaxy show the value in maximizing revenue amongst core customers.
The Kinect and Face ID, Face ID Production Problems, The iPhone X Timeline
The Kinect is to Face ID as Windows Mobile was to the iPhone: new technologies often need new paradigms. Then, when it come to reported Face ID production delays there is a lot of smoke for there not to be fire.
Google’s Precedent Problem, Five Stories In Brief
Leaving aside whether or not the European Commission decision is justifiable, it has been made, and Google has a big problem on its hands. Then, five stories in brief on Amazon, Ransomware, Blue Apron, Nintendo, and car rental companies.
RIP Charles P. Thacker, E3 and the Importance of Clarity, Nintendo’s Differentiation
Charles Thacker invented modern computers and demonstrated how to think differently. Then, E3 is demonstrating the importance of clarity, and Nintendo is the surprising example of the benefits
Apple’s Earnings, Fitbit’s Earnings, Nintendo’s Earnings
Apple’s earnings showed slowing growth but a seemingly impenetrable moat; Fitbit, meanwhile, is in very bad shape, while Nintendo is learning harsh truths about the smartphone market
Surface Studio, Nintendo Switch, and Niche Strategies
Microsoft’s Surface Studio and Nintendo’s Switch are exciting products because unlike previous failures, they start with the assumption that smartphones matter most