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?
New Alexa Devices, Amazon and the EU Commission
Why is Amazon selling more Alexa devices? More broadly, do the company’s house brands leave it susceptible to an antitrust challenge?
Ring, Alarm.com, and Bottom-up Ecosystem Building; Dropbox and Timing; Apple, China, Microsoft, the United States
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.