More follow-up on both Ring/Amazon and Dropbox, then why Apple in China explains why the Supreme Court should rule in favor or tech companies.
Amazon Buys Ring, Ring’s Exit, Amazon’s Strategy and the Integration of the Home
Amazon is buying Ring: it makes sense for the latter to sell, and while the reasons for the former to buy are less obvious, they are equally compelling.
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.
Alexa and Operating Systems, Privacy, and Integration; Spotify Follow-up
Three Alexa stories point towards Amazon’s drive — and challenges — in building the operating system of the home. Then, Spotify doesn’t create fake music, it just gives consumers what they want.
Tony Fadell Out at Nest, Why I Was Wrong About Google and Nest, Google’s Focus
Tony Fadell is out at Nest, likely signifying the beginning of the end of a deal I initially praised. Examining why I was wrong gives a lens to understand what went wrong.
Google I/O Overview, Announcements; TensorFlow Processing Units
A deep dive into Google I/O: why the overall keynote was a good sign for Google, and then a review of specific announcements.
Amazon Echo Expands, The Nest Failure, Microsoft and Slack
There are a lot of useful lessons to draw from Amazon Echo’s early success, particularly when placed in contrast to Google’s Nest. Microsoft should pay heed if in fact they had a chance to buy Slack.
Daily Update: Peak Google and Car Insurance, Handicapping the Internet of Things
Good morning, I hope this is obvious, but since I did get a question, no, Xiaomi is not paying for my trip next week. I have a media invitation, that’s it. I’m paying for the trip because I think Xiaomi is a big deal and I hope to understand them better, and more importantly, share […]
Xiaomi’s Ambition
Xiaomi, the Chinese smart phone company that late last month raised $1.1 billion at a $45 billion valuation, sells way more than smartphones: Mi.com boasts over a thousand items, and it’s the third-largest e-commerce site in China. One item it doesn’t sell, though, is a AA battery charger. Only Apple: I clearly remember when this […]
Daily Update: Looking Forward to CES, Looking Ahead to 2015, Apple and the Functional High Ground
Good morning, Happy New Year! It’s great to get back into the flow of things. Let’s get on with it! Looking Forward to CES It’s fun to rag on CES, particularly during the 00’s when Apple’s MacWorld keynote announcements would overshadow the going-ons in Vegas, at least from a news cycle perspective. It wasn’t just […]