The DOJ is suing to block AT&T from acquiring Time Warner; the case is stronger than precedent might seem, because precedent is actually on the government’s side. Politics, though, loom large.
Tech Goes to Washington
Facebook, Google, and Twitter testified before a Senate committee: it provided evidence of how tech prefers power over decentralization, even if it means regulation
Alexa and Cortana, Apple Moves Siri, Tim Cook’s Blindspot
Alexa and Cortana’s partnership makes sense when you consider the company’s business models, goals, and partnership impetus (and it shows why Apple and Google won’t come along). Then, why Siri’s reorganization won’t help much.
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.
Ends, Means, and Antitrust
Google is a monopoly, and almost certainly a bad actor: shopping, though, is a terrible example that shows how regulators can go wrong.
The Uber Disaster Round-up, Waymo and Lyft Form Partnership
Uber’s disasters continue, but the Lyft partnership with Waymo has a chance to be existential.
Airbnb Versus Hotels, The FCC and Differences of Opinion, Airbnb Versus Uber
Opposition to Airbnb is often chalked up to regulatory capture, but it’s not clear that is the case, as illustrated by both the FCC and Uber.
Artificial Intelligence Follow-up, FCC Privacy Rules Overturned, Winners and Losers
A follow-up to The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence, then an explanation of what just happened with ISPs and privacy, and a review of the winners and losers.
DistroKid, The “Publisher’s Right”, Shopify Results
Distrokid is small, but it’s a powerful example of the how distribution is not a value-add, the implications of which European publishers have yet to learn. It’s a lesson that doesn’t just apply to media, either.
AT&T Launches DirecTV Now, Sling TV Adds Cloud DVR, Regional Sports Networks
AT&T’s DirecTV Now product seems underwhelming, but there is a market for it, and zero rating is a big differentiator. Plus, the problem with OTT and regional sports networks