Amazon is uniquely capable of having a second headquarters, and don’t be surprised if politics influences the choice of location. Then, Facebook should learn from Amazon about picking battles. Plus, a brief preview of Apple’s iPhone event.
The Platform Paradox, Voice Assistants Vulnerable?, Facebook and Russian Ads
Aggregators have value not only because they benefit consumers but also because they enable new businesses. Then, voice assistant vulnerability shows how focusing on the user experience can backfire; Facebook is arguably the best example.
Tencent Earnings, WeChat Advertising, The Potential of WhatsApp Status
Tencent’s earnings were good, but as opaque as always. Still, there are insights to be gleaned about advertising in particular, and what that says about Messenger and WhatsApp.
Microsoft/IBM Follow-Up, Facebook Earnings, Instagram Stories > Snapchat Stories
Follow-up on Microsoft and IBM, including why Steve Ballmer deserves more credit than I gave him. Then, Facebook’s earnings and the reluctance to admit to pricing power, and why Instagram Stories are more innovative than Snapchat Stories
Facebook Messenger Rolling Out Ads, Facebook’s Product Development Strategy, How Should Messenger Monetize?
Facebook Messenger is rolling out display ads that feel like a shortcut to monetization, a discouraging sign for both the short and long term.
Snapchat Updates: Maps, Links, and More; Classifying Snapchat’s Updates
Snap has announced a slew of updates over the past few months: some are more consequential than others, and one — Maps — is potentially transformational (for either good or bad!).
Facebook Content Guidelines, Facebook Video, Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV
Facebook faces a daunting challenge when it comes to policing content, but it is a challenge the company brought on itself. Then, Facebook’s video tab is competing against YouTube, not Amazon or Netflix, and business models explain why — and probably explain the Amazon-Apple truce.
Snap Earnings, Seasonality Versus Maturity, Snap’s Missing Business
Snap’s earnings were far worse than expected: not only is user growth slowing, but so is revenue. The company needs to build a real business far more quickly.
Facebook Earnings, Advertisers Won’t Save Local News, Bret Stephens and the NYT Business Model
Facebook’s earnings show that the company’s ads are differentiated. Then, advertisers won’t save local news, and a reminder that publications need to match their journalism with their business model.
Apple’s China Problem
Apple had mixed earnings: most of the world was great, but China was bad again. The reason is that in China WeChat matters more than iOS.