Stratechery

Ben Thompson
undefined
5 snips
Oct 13, 2020 • 17min

Disney and Integrators Versus Aggregators

Explore the innovative monetization strategies of Disney, especially through Disney+ and content like 'Soul.' Discover how Disney's integrated model trumps the challenges aggregators face in audience engagement. Delve into the shifts in media following COVID, where traditional outlets struggle while Disney pivots towards streaming. Learn about the company's restructuring to enhance its direct-to-consumer focus, showcasing a strategic contrast with aggregators such as Google and Facebook, while emphasizing the creation of high-margin content.
undefined
Sep 22, 2020 • 17min

2020 Bundles

The podcast dives into the fascinating world of bundling and unbundling in the media industry, showcasing how the internet reshapes business models. Companies like Netflix and Disney are revolutionizing content access and consumer interaction. It further explores the strategies of giants like Disney, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple in adapting their subscription models to boost revenue. Plus, it discusses Apple's unique bundling tactics versus Microsoft's innovative approaches, highlighting the challenges faced by content-only subscriptions.
undefined
Sep 15, 2020 • 23min

Nvidia's Integration Dreams

Jensen Huang, Co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, dives into the company's journey from 3D graphics innovation to a powerhouse in AI and machine learning. He discusses NVIDIA's significant acquisition of ARM and its potential to revolutionize the tech landscape. Huang also addresses the challenges of balancing competitive dynamics while maintaining high margins, and the strategic implications of moving from a licensing model to ownership. The conversation highlights the transformational impact of these decisions on NVIDIA's future and the semiconductor industry.
undefined
Aug 25, 2020 • 21min

Rethinking the App Store

The legal clash between Epic Games and Apple reveals deep tensions over app store regulations and consumer rights. Delve into how Apple's monetization model prioritizes user experience, security, and privacy amidst evolving smartphone safety concerns. The discussion also highlights the constraints of Apple’s guidelines, particularly the contentious 30% commission on in-app purchases. Experts argue for more open policies to spark innovation, striking a balance between Apple's profits and the support that developers truly need.
undefined
Aug 17, 2020 • 22min

Apple, Epic, and the App Store

Dive into the complexities of antitrust law, shedding light on the intricacies of Apple's business model and its impact on the market. Discover how Apple's vertical integration enhances user experience and fosters trust in the app ecosystem. Unpack the dynamics of the App Store, exploring the balance between user benefits and the challenges developers face. Finally, weigh the advantages and limitations of Apple's policies, especially for small developers navigating this competitive landscape.
undefined
Aug 4, 2020 • 29min

Antitrust Politics

This discussion dives into the political intricacies of antitrust issues, spotlighting a controversial hearing with tech CEOs. It traces the historical and current impacts of monopoly power on politics, referencing Justice Brandeis. The conversation shifts to Google's search market dominance, touching on allegations of censorship and market fairness. The dynamics of the smart home market, especially smart speakers, are examined for antitrust implications. Finally, the transformation of businesses through digital marketplaces is highlighted, underscoring the benefits for small enterprises.
undefined
Jul 21, 2020 • 20min

India, Jio, and the Four Internets

Discover how Jio's investments transformed India's digital landscape, especially post-COVID. Explore the contrasting internet governance models of India, the U.S., and China, and the fallout from Europe's regulatory challenges. Dive into how Jio's innovative strategies are enhancing internet accessibility and inclusivity. Uncover the economic and geopolitical implications of India's tech ambitions as it positions itself against major global powers. It's a fascinating look into the future of connectivity and regulation in an increasingly fragmented digital world.
undefined
Jul 14, 2020 • 21min

The TikTok War

This episode dives into the explosive rise of TikTok and the heated discussions around a potential ban in the U.S. It dissects TikTok's unique algorithm and its cultural impact, contrasting its video-centric appeal with traditional media. The complexities of U.S.-China relations are explored, highlighting ideological battles and security concerns. Additionally, the podcast reveals TikTok's surprising political sway, including the infamous moment where K-pop fans cleverly manipulated attendance at a Trump rally, raising alarms about misinformation and data privacy.
undefined
Jul 7, 2020 • 16min

Teams OS and the Slack Social Network

The rivalry between Slack and Microsoft Teams takes center stage, revealing the shifting user base and how Teams' integration with Microsoft 365 fuels its success. Insights into Microsoft's advantage in smaller enterprises highlight the importance of product integration. Exploring the transformation of Microsoft's approach under Satya Nadella, the discussion focuses on user-centric solutions. Comparisons of features showcase Slack's challenges while emphasizing Slack Connect's capacity to enhance inter-company collaboration, positioning it uniquely in the enterprise networking realm.
undefined
4 snips
Jun 29, 2020 • 23min

Apple and Facebook

Discover Apple's unique position in the tech landscape as it faces off against giants like Google and Amazon. Dive into the contrasting business models of Apple and Facebook, highlighting user experience and revenue strategies. Explore the economics behind platforms like Facebook, and learn how its mobile advertising prowess shapes the app economy. Finally, uncover the ramifications of Apple's iOS 14 privacy changes on digital advertising, revealing the tensions between two tech titans and their broader impacts on the industry.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app