First, the theoretical case for why Meta’s approach to VR is more likely to succeed, then, which companies should acquire TikTok
Reddit S-1, Reddit’s Prospects, Reddit Grows Up
Reddit’s S-1 shows numbers that are moving in the right direction, even if the scale of the company’s money-making opportunity isn’t clear.
Congress Considering TikTok Ban, TikTok’s War, What Now?
A bill to ban TikTok is suddenly moving through Congress, and TikTok is helping to make the case. The big question is if ByteDane is willing — or able — to ultimately go along with it.
India and Gemini, Ten Blue Links, The Complicity Framework
Gemini got all of AI into trouble in India; how did this particular mistake happen? Then, Google may have been more dependent on 10 blue links than anyone realized, and a proposal for solving “AI Safety” issues through product decisions.
An Interview with Eric Seufert About Meta at the Top
An interview with Eric Seufert about Meta’s blowout quarter and where the company goes next, anxiety about Google search, and Apple’s fight with developers and regulators
Meta Earnings; Meta, AI, and ATT; Meta’s New Playbook
Meta’s earnings were the mirror image of its disaster five quarters ago: both then and now Meta announced plans to spend far more on AI, but this time they gave investors reason to trust them.
Substack and Platformer, Moderation and Infrastructure, Bars and Culture
Substack appeared to back down after its latest controversy, which was probably inevitable in the current climate. That makes it even more important to protect infrastructure.
Regretful Accelerationism
The Internet removed constraints from the analog world, and AI is finishing the job. That this may be the final blow for the Internet as a source for truth may ultimately be for the best.
An Interview with Bill Bishop and Andrew Sharp Checking In on China
An interview with Bill Bishop and Andrew Sharp about one year of Sharp China, the chip ban, AI in China, TikTok, and the Biden-Xi visit in San Francisco.
Meta Earnings; Reels Reaches Revenue Neutral; The Temu and Shein Effect
Meta’s crushed earnings again, but some of the company’s recovery over the last year should be attributed to Temu and Shein subsidies.