More on exactly how Dollar Shave Club succeeded, and if it’s replicable. Then, Musk has another inspiring blog post, but is it enough to erase nagging doubts about Tesla?
Snapchat’s Facebook Moment, China Cracks Down on Apps and Social Networks
A quick follow-up on Tesla, where Elon Musk continues to demonstrate how not to win the battle over self-driving cars. Then, Snapchat is getting the Facebook treatment, some of it legitimate, and some of it not, and China is cracking down on apps and social networks
The Tesla Autopilot Fatality, Uber Partners with Hertz
The first fatality due to self-driving cars captures why this space is so difficult: the numbers favor Tesla, but the optics may not. Then, why Hertz’ partnership with Uber is so fascinating.
Apple, Didi, and Occam’s Razor; Uber in China
Apple investing $1 billion in Didi could signify all kinds of things, but only one explanation makes sense. The big loser, though, is Uber.
Uber Loses in Austin, Uber and the Zenefits Test
Uber lost a ballot proposal in Austin that may have far-reaching effects; an application of the Zenefits Test shows why it was the wrong battle to fight.
Tesla Skepticism and Superchargers, Medium for Publishers
Just because Tesla is achieving an Apple-like brand doesn’t mean they will have Apple’s success: the hard part starts now. Plus, why SuperChargers are a big deal. Then, Medium for Publishers is Medium’s play to own the long tail of publishing, and it’s very exciting in what it enables.
It’s a Tesla
Tesla is not a disruptor, but then again, neither is Apple, the closest comp: both succeed by building a brand around being the best.
The Significance of AlphaGo, Google to Sell Boston Dynamics, Google’s Self-Driving Car Will Take Awhile
The reason why AlphaGo is such a big deal is, I suspect, related to why it is that Google is selling Boston Dynamics.
Josh Horwitz: Uber in China, What Uber Got Right, Is Second Place Winning?
Ben is on vacation; in a guest post, Josh Horwitz explores Uber in China. What did they get right that so many other Western companies get wrong, and is it sustainable? What if they are only ever second place?
SideCar’s “Innovation”, Facebook Stadium and Twitter’s Conundrum, Tidbits
SideCar feels that Uber was unfair, but the truth is the company didn’t understand that product matters more than technical expertise. Plus, why Twitter doesn’t have an natural acquirers, and several other tidbits from this week.