Is Apple setting itself up for disruption, or will its integration lead to more markets? Its earnings offer evidence in both directions, and worrisome China results. Then, Kazuo Hirai steps down after setting Sony on the only sustainable path.
Apple’s Middle Age
For Apple, hitting middle age means a strategy primarily focused on monetizing its existing customers. It makes sense, but one wonders what happens next.
Google Earnings, Amazon Earnings
Google gives greater clarity to its acquisition costs, and cloud continues to grow. Amazon, though, still has a big lead, funding the rest of the company (still).
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.
AT&T Pulls Out of Huawei Deal, Apple’s Other China Problem, YouTube’s Logan Paul Decision
AT&T skipped out on its deal with Huawei, reportedly under political pressure. Expect more tech issues between the U.S. and China, and Apple has the most to lose.
Facebook and Age Discrimination, Apple Slows Down iPhones?, 2017: When Tech Grew Up
Facebook is accused of abetting age discrimination, which raises many of 2017’s most prominent themes. So does the news that Apple slows down iPhones.
Apple Earnings, Forecasting the iPhone X, Rising ASP and Services
Apple had a great quarter, and a great forecast that suggests there is more to come. Plus, the company is shifting to making money from its best customers.
Apple at Its Best
Apple’s original competitive advantage — the integration of hardware and software — is more durable than disruption theory would suggest.
iPhone X Review Drama, Microsoft Earnings, Microsoft’s Hybrid Strategy
The question of who reviewed the iPhone X shows how power is changing in media. Then, Microsoft crushes earnings with a strategy the company has used before.
Google Earnings, TAC and Apple, Google’s Growing Network
Google’s crushed earnings even more than usual, and Network growth may be a big reason why. Plus, why Google continues to pay TAC, plus notes on Google coverage and “innovation” in ads.