This year’s Google I/O built on last year’s focus in a way that lends credence to Google’s longer-term goals. Plus, Pixel hardware and the problem of design by regulation.
Apple Earnings, Apple and Zero-COVID, Apple Pay and the EU
Apple’s earnings were dominated by supply chain issues in China, which are ultimately driven by COVID. Then, the EU gets it right in an antitrust case (for now).
Evaluating Sundar Pichai, EC Announces New Google Investigation, Amazon Blocks FLoC
Google doesn’t have a leadership problem, it’s just getting old. Plus, another EC investigation, and why Amazon’s advertising business is well-placed.
App Store Arguments
There are all kinds of arguments to make about the App Store, and nearly all of them are good ones; that’s why the best solution can only come from Apple.
Epic v. Apple Trial Begins, EU Files Statement of Objections, Who Owns the App?
Why I expect Apple to win Apple v. Epic, even as they get themselves in more political hot water.
More on Visa-Plaid, European Commission v. Amazon, Spotify Updates
Should regulators be able to see the future, and a reminder that Aggregators are good for customers and suppliers. Then, Spotify starts selling demand, and potentially podcasts.
United States v. Google
The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Google is appropriately narrow, and if it fails it gives a template for Congressional action.
Slack Files Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft; Tying in the U.S. and E.U.; Microsoft Concerns, Then and Now
Slack has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, and the tying allegations may have legs. Still, the fact the complaint exists is a bearish signal.
Hey v Apple Follow-Up, Shopify and Walmart, Three Follow-Ups
Apple’s likely next steps, encouraging moves from Shopify, and quick thoughts on the EU versus Apple, Section 230, and Zoom and encryption
Xscale and ARM in the Cloud, Hey Versus Apple, Apple’s IAP Campaign
Follow-up on Apple, ARM, and Intel, then unpacking the Hey dispute with Apple, and the possibility that Apple is doubling-down on Services by squeezing developers.