Google’s cloud numbers are probably much worse than they appear. Then Apple delivered post-iPhone earnings that were impressive in what they said about Apple’s future.
An Interview with Kevin Weil and Dante Disparte About Libra and Calibra
An interview with Kevin Weil, the VP of Product at Calibra, and Dante Disparte, the Head of Policy and Communications at the Libra Association, about Libra and Calibra.
Facebook, Libra, and the Long Game
Libra is less about an immediate benefit to Facebook, and more about creating a world where companies like Facebook have the best chance to prosper. That is why Facebook gave up so much control.
Facebook’s Cryptocurrency, The Problem — and Benefit — of Credit Cards, The Facebook Payment Network
Facebook is coming out with its own cryptocurrency; the implementation details are less interesting than the opportunity in payments generally, and why Facebook is uniquely placed.
Tencent’s Profit Drops, China Freezes Game Approvals, The Tencent Behemoth
Tencent’s profit dropped, in part because the Chinese government has stopped approving games. Plus, why Tencent’s approach to the games industry makes sense in China, even if Facebook’s model may be more attractive.
Apple’s Business Model, Privacy, and Developers; Chip Industry Structure; Stripe Sigma
Apple’s business model lets the company sell privacy, but privacy shouldn’t compromise the business model. Plus, why developers can (still) deepen Apple’s moat, and how the chip, payments, and even publishing industry are similar.
The New York Times Versus Uber, Uber Versus Apple, Apple Versus Tencent
The New York Times has a story about Uber and Apple that had a fundamental flaw and lacked context; then, Apple won this round against Tencent, but this is a battle to watch
Jeff Bezos’ Annual Letter, Facebook Messenger and Payments, Facebook Instant Articles Fizzing?
Jeff Bezos’ annual letter is as illuminating as ever, particularly on how to achieve alignment in a business. Facebook demonstrates that, both positively and negatively.
A Review of Apple Pay and Apple Leverage, Apple Versus Australia’s Banks, Consumers and Competition
There is a fascinating story unfolding in Australia over the attempt by banks to stand up to Apple Pay. What is happening, why, and what it says about competition in a world of aggregation.
Blendle Launches in the U.S., An Interview with Alexander Klöpping, Apple Pay Coming to Websites
A bit of follow-up on why the SE might not succeed in India, and then an exploration of Blendle, the new micropayments platform for news that launched yesterday, along with an interview with co-founder Alexander Klöpping. Plus, Apple Pay for websites.