A more flexibility economy would benefit from a stronger safety net. Then, a new standard that actually has real potential. It’s a win for some companies, but questionable for others.
Google and Ambient Computing
Google presented a vision of ambient computing that goes beyond the smartphone. The company is well-placed, but faces challenges both in the marketplace and in the mirror.
Beachheads and Obstacles
Facebook and Amazon had events on the same day for Oculus and Alexa. Both are driven by lessons from the mobile era, but Amazon seems to have learned more than Facebook.
Nest’s Secret Microphone, YouTube and the Pollyanish Assumption — Again, Pinterest and Anti-Vaxxers
Nest’s secret microphone shows that privacy still isn’t a priority at Google, and there is a connection to YouTube’s latest scandal. Then, what Pinterest gets right about a very hard problem.
An Update on the Battle for the Home, Apple’s Strategy Credit — and Tax, The Data Strategy Credit
An update on the Battle for the Home, and why Apple’s hesitance around data is both a credit and a tax — and the opposite for Google.
Amazon Acquires Eero, Owning the Home, Amazon Earnings
Amazon acquires Eero, solidifying its play for the home. Then, Amazon’s Earnings show an e-commerce business that is slowing.
CES and the Unification of Computing and Consumer Electronics, Google Assistant and Integration, The Modular Competition
Google Assistant has a structural advantage when it comes to the user experience of digital assistants, which should influence the strategies of Amazon and Apple.
Apple Music on Amazon Echo, The Implications, Apple-Amazon Quid Pro Quos
Apple Music is coming to the Amazon Echo, a development that I find absolutely fascinating: what does this mean for Apple, and Spotify? Plus, this isn’t the first time Apple and Amazon have made a deal.
Google Data Issue Follow-Up, Battle for the Home Follow-Up, Apple’s Device Business Model
Follow-up Thursday: more on Google’s data exposure, then the The Battle for the Home rages on. Plus, Apple’s business model strikes again.
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?