
Stratechery
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Latest episodes

Nov 30, 2021 • 13min
Twitter Has a New CEO; What About a New Business Model?
The recent shakeup at Twitter with a new CEO raises questions about the platform's future. The historical context of leadership changes sheds light on upcoming challenges. A deep dive into Twitter's market position reveals lessons from its early success and contrasts its text-focused approach with visual platforms like Instagram. The discussion turns towards a potential shift from ad revenue to a subscription model, examining user loyalty and how this could change the business landscape.

Nov 18, 2021 • 15min
Unity, Weta, and Faceless Platforms
Unity's acquisition of Weta Digital marks a pivotal moment in digital filmmaking, showcasing CGI's evolution and Peter Jackson's insights. The podcast delves into how Unity has transformed game development, becoming a crucial ally for indie developers through its strategic focus on mobile gaming. The discussion reveals Unity's impressive 142% net expansion rate driven by their land and expand strategy. Finally, the potential impact of this acquisition on the creative industry is explored, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in shaping the future metaverse.

Nov 9, 2021 • 15min
Microsoft and the Metaverse
Dive into the Metaverse as a cutting-edge evolution of the internet! Discover how Microsoft is poised to lead in this virtual revolution, especially in workplace dynamics. Explore the potential for virtual reality to revolutionize corporate environments, reminiscent of the personal computer boom. Unpack Microsoft's competitive edge with its Teams software and integrated hardware compared to rivals like Meta and Apple. The discussion reveals how consumer habits and tech trends will shape the future of this exciting landscape.

Oct 28, 2021 • 45min
An Interview with Mark Zuckerberg about the Metaverse
Mark Zuckerberg, Co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, Inc., delves into the transformative vision of the metaverse. He discusses the importance of interoperability, balancing centralized platforms with open standards for user experience. Zuckerberg highlights Facebook's motivations for investing in this digital realm, focusing on human connection and the need for privacy. He also examines the building blocks for a sustainable economy in the metaverse and the complexities of user identity, emphasizing the future of social interactions shaped by diverse digital personas.

Oct 28, 2021 • 13min
Meta
Explore the transformation of Facebook into Meta and its ambitious vision for the metaverse. Compare leadership styles between Mark Zuckerberg and tech giants like Google's founders. Discover how Meta's digital commerce strategies innovate platform identity in a multi-device world. Delve into the lessons learned from past tech mishaps as companies navigate the metaverse landscape. Finally, reflect on the passion driving innovation amidst uncertainty in virtual and augmented reality.

Oct 27, 2021 • 18min
Sequoia Productive Capital
Dive into the fascinating synergy between tech and society as continuous computing reshapes our world. Explore the rise of SaaS and the potential of the metaverse as the next frontier. Discover how consumer platforms are revolutionizing services by leveraging low costs and innovative monetization strategies amidst the COVID era. Unpack the relationship between government and technology, particularly in China and the U.S., and learn about the evolution of venture capital with new funding models like perpetual funds.

Oct 12, 2021 • 22min
The Death and Birth of Technological Revolutions
Dive into the cyclical nature of technological revolutions as historical patterns unfold. Uncover how emerging technologies clash with established systems, shaping societal equity during volatile transitional phases. Explore the unsustainable economic dynamics and the vital role of government in fostering growth amid crises. Examine the dark implications of modern governance on technology, spotlighting China and U.S. parallels. Finally, see how the pandemic catalyzed industrial consolidation while sparking decentralization efforts in cryptocurrencies.

Oct 6, 2021 • 23min
Facebook Political Problems
Dive into the complexities of Facebook's role in politics and its dual-edge influence on advertising for businesses. The discussion reveals how social media fosters connection while also fueling polarization. Explore the journey from small tribes to global communities, and the implications of Facebook's substantial political power. It critiques the platform’s impact on news sources and considers future regulations and decentralization as solutions to the challenges presented by its reach.

Sep 30, 2021 • 20min
Cloudflare's Disruption
Cloudflare introduces R2, a cloud storage service that aims to challenge giants like AWS by eliminating egress fees. The discussion delves into how disruptors like Cloudflare are reshaping the cloud landscape by addressing unmet needs and innovating services. Insights into the complexities of AWS's pricing structure reveal potential pitfalls for users. The evolution of cloud storage is highlighted, showing R2's compatibility with AWS and its advantages, marking it as a significant contender in the space.

Sep 13, 2021 • 26min
The Apple v. Epic Decision
The podcast delves into the impactful ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Epic v. Apple case, particularly focusing on the surprising injunction against Apple's anti-steering policy. It discusses the unique legal status of the mobile gaming market and concludes that Apple doesn't hold a monopoly. The complexities of Apple's in-app purchase policy and its tension with developers are explored, along with the potential future changes to App Store regulations affecting games versus other applications.