Google’s vision for driverless cars fails to take into account the world as it is. and Apple’s car efforts likely have a market for the foreseeable future. Plus a look at Uber’s financials.
Cars and the Future
A massive revolution in cars seems right around the corner. However, I think it will take longer then most technologists think, but when it comes it will come quickly.
CES 2016, Augmented vs Virtual Reality, The Resilience of Video Games
I continue to think that CES is getting more interesting, thanks to the maturation of the smartphone. Then, the differences between augmented and virtual reality, and how that explains the resilience of video games.
The Anti-Uber Alliance, WeChat Blocks Uber, Tiger Capital Invests in Uber
Didi Kuaidi, Ola, GrabTaxi, and Lyft are teaming up against Uber. Most are focused on Lyft, but they’re the least interesting part of this deal. Meanwhile, why is anyone surprised that Tencent would compete “unfairly”, plus, Tiger Capital hedges its bets.
Fidelity Reprices Again, Uber Partners with Tom-Tom, Lyft Struggling
Fidelity repriced some startups again, and it really isn’t that big of a deal. Plus, why Here may not have been right for Uber, and the struggles of Lyft.
China O2O and Unit Economics; The Fallout — Or Not — Of a Chinese Internet Crash; Uber, Postmates, Shyp, Instacart
The Wall Street Journal says China’s O2O industry may be crashing, something that comes as little surprise to many observers. However, does that mean Silicon Valley should be worried? Plus, how to think about Uber, Postmates, Shyp, and Instacart
About that Apple Car (and Jony Ive), The 21 Inc Bitcoin Computer
I’ve agreed that there is probably an Apple Car for a while, but I do need to make it official that I was likely wrong about Jony Ive. Then, what is the deal with 21 Inc’s Bitcoin Computer? Is there any way it makes sense?
Features and Networks, Tesla Model X Pricing Revealed, Consumer Reports and the Tesla P85D
I linked to a piece yesterday suggesting that Twitter abandon the 140-character limit: do I agree? Or is that missing the point entirely? Then, the Internet goes nuts about the Model X price without taking the time to understand why it is so expensive; meanwhile the latest Model S shows that Tesla isn’t necessarily making cars.
UberPool Follow-Up, Google Bans Interstitial App-Install Ads, Instagram Allows Multiple Photo Sizes
More on UberPool, including the inevitability of self-driving cars, Uber’s competitors, and whether or not Uber needs mass transit. Then, Google’s ban on interstitial app install ads may be a bit arbitrary, but does that matter? Plus a must-read article that ties Instagram’s photo sizes to Twitter’s 140 characters.
Uber 2.0: Human Self-Driving Cars
Uber 1.0 is a huge success, but it’s still basically a taxi service. We know the future is self-driving cars, but is there an intermediary step? What if Uber could do self-driving cars today?