Doubling Down on iPad, The Samsung Galaxy S8 Keynote, Samsung's Apple Envy
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Doubling Down on iPad
- The Samsung Galaxy S8 Keynote
- Samsung's Apple Envy
We begin today's email by continuing the discussion kicked off in my article, "Apple Is Pushing iPad Like Never Before." We discuss why Apple management thinks so highly of the current iPad line. We also look at the most likely path forward for the Mac given recent iPad strategy shifts. The email then turns to Samsung's Galaxy S8 keynote yesterday in New York City. We go over my thoughts and observations on the keynote. The discussion concludes with why I think Samsung is infatuated with Apple.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Facebook Launches Stories, Controlling the Camera, Apple's Identity Network
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Facebook Launches Stories
- Controlling the Camera
- Apple's Identity Network
We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on Facebook launching Stories. We discuss the symbolism behind Facebook now embracing Stories across its properties. The discussion then turns to how Facebook, Snap, and their competitors want to control the cameras in our lives. We look at the topic from the perspective of Apple. The email concludes with Apple's approach to social. Upon closer examination, Apple looks at social in a different way compared to other companies. We discuss my thoughts on Apple building a new kind of identity network using the company's new Clips app as an example of how this identity network functions.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Ramping AR Glasses Effort, AR Glasses vs. Project Titan, Elon Musk Launches Neuralink
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Ramping AR Glasses Effort
- AR Glasses vs. Project Titan
- Elon Musk Launches Neuralink
We begin today's email with my thoughts and observations on the Financial Times article detailing Apple's efforts to develop a pair of augmented reality glasses. The discussion then addresses whether AR glasses have pushed Project Titan and Apple's car ambitions to the back burner. The email concludes with a closer look at Neuralink, Elon Musk's latest start-up focused on fusing AI with the brain. Do technology implants position wearables as merely a quick detour to something much more important?
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Building AR Platform, Amazon Continuing to Explore Stores, Apple Retail Genius Changes
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Building AR Platform
- Amazon Continuing to Explore Stores
- Apple Retail Genius Changes
We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on Bloomberg's recent article detailing aspects of Apple's augmented reality (AR) initiative. There's more to the story than Apple working on a pair of AR glasses. The discussion then turns to The New York Times' big profile on Amazon's retail ambitions. We look at the news from the perspective of Apple Retail. The email concludes with a closer look at recent Apple Retail Genius changes pertaining to how training is conducted. There is evidence of the change signaling a much larger shift in strategy regarding Apple Geniuses.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Acquires Workflow, Apple Repositioning iPad in Education, Thursday Q&A
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Acquires Workflow
- Apple Repositioning iPad in Education
- Thursday Q&A
We begin today's email with my thoughts and observations on Apple acquiring Workflow. We discuss the app's future, Apple's motivation for acquiring an iOS productivity app, and the most likely way Workflow will be integrated into Apple's product line. The email then turns to how Apple is repositioning the iPad in education to better battle Chromebooks. We end the email with the latest installment of member Q&A, and I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members:
- Given this week's product announcements, what are your thoughts on Apple's keynote schedule in 2017?
- Why did Tim Cook visit a bike-sharing startup in China?
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Adjusts Watch Strategy, The Apple Watch Band Business, Swatch Developing Smartwatch OS
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Adjusts Watch Strategy
- The Apple Watch Band Business
- Swatch Developing Smartwatch OS
We begin today's email with a discussion on the significant changes Apple made to its Apple Watch strategy yesterday. None of the changes were discussed or mentioned in a press release. It is becoming clear that Apple is doubling down on Watch bands. The discussion then turns to a broader look at the Apple Watch band business and why Watch bands are much more important than consensus assumes. The email concludes with my thoughts and observations on Swatch developing its own smartwatch operating system.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple's New Products
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
Apple's New Products (five sections)
- Overview
- New 9.7-inch iPad
- iPhone Updates
- New Apple Watch Bands
- Clips App
Today's email is focused on Apple's new products. The company issued a series of press releases unveiling a new 9.7-inch iPad, iPhone updates, new Apple Watch bands, and a video editing iOS app called Clips. The email is split into five sections. I share my thoughts and observations on the new products. We also discuss Apple's motivation behind the more strategic moves, including the company's new iPad pricing strategy.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
iPhone Sales Trends in January, Spotify and Labels Near Deal, Chance the Rapper Talks Apple Deal
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- iPhone Sales Trends in January
- Spotify and Labels Near Deal
- Chance the Rapper Talks Apple Deal
We kick off today's email with a closer look at iPhone sales trends in January. The discussion is focused on three regions: U.S., China, and Europe. The email then shifts to music streaming and news of Spotify and the major music labels nearing a licensing deal. We go over the good and bad news for Spotify. We also discuss potential implications from the deal on the broader music industry and Apple Music. The email concludes with my thoughts on Chance the Rapper's Apple Music deal. The musician disclosed details about his arrangement with Apple. While the focus is on Chance, there are implications that transcend music streaming and relate to Apple's overall approach to content.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
The Curious State of Apple Profit Margins, Snap Isn't Like Apple, Thursday Q&A
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- The Curious State of Apple Profit Margins
- Snap Isn't Like Apple
- Thursday Q&A
We begin today's email by continuing the discussion kicked off in my article, "The Curious State of Apple Product Pricing." We go over some of the financial implications related to Apple's product pricing strategy. We address why Apple's gross profit margins are increasing as the company lowers entry-level product prices. The email then turns to Snap. We discuss why I don't think Snap is like Apple. There is a fundamental difference between the two companies that most people are ignoring. We end the email with the latest installment of member Q&A, and I answer the following questions from Above Avalon members:
- How would you explain Apple's Mac pricing strategy given your latest Apple pricing article?
- Why isn't Apple utilizing Apple TV's potential?
- When is Apple going to create a premium offering that combines Apple Music and their iTunes video catalog?
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Releases New Sticker Ad, Why Stickers?, My Apple Sticker Ad Theory
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Releases New Sticker Ad
- Why Stickers?
- My Apple Sticker Ad Theory
We begin today's email with a discussion on Apple's new iMessage sticker ad. After going over my thoughts on the ad, we look at why Apple dedicated an entire ad to stickers. The email then turns to my theory on why we are seeing a new iMessage ad in March 2017 and what it may suggest about current iMessage third-party app usage and future plans for iMessage.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Intel Buys Mobileye, Mobileye's Motivation, Intel's Motivation, Apple Implications
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Intel Buys Mobileye
- Mobileye's Motivation
- Intel's Motivation
- Apple Implications
Today's email is focused on Intel's Mobileye acquisition. We begin the discussion by going over the deal itself, including why Mobileye likely decided to sell at $15B. The email then takes a closer look at why Intel views owning Mobileye as essential for competing in the next major battle in tech. We conclude with a broader overview of what Intel's Mobileye acquisition means for Apple and Project Titan, its transportation R&D start-up.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Building iPhones in India, Siri's Advantage, SoundCloud Is in Trouble
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Building iPhones in India
- Siri's Advantage
- SoundCloud Is in Trouble
We kick off today's email with a closer look at Apple's plans for bringing iPhone production to India. In recent weeks, we have gotten a better view of how Apple is thinking about its emerging markets opportunity. The email then turns to how Siri "learns" new languages. We go over my thoughts and observations on the process, including where I think Siri stands today. The discussion concludes with an update as to SoundCloud's long-term prospects. We go over the Recode article saying SoundCloud is running out of cash. We then discuss why I think SoundCloud is having trouble finding a buyer.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Mobile World Congress Was Irrelevant, Tech Trade Shows Are an Endangered Species, Didi Opens R&D Lab in U.S.
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Mobile World Congress Was Irrelevant
- Tech Trade Shows Are an Endangered Species
- Didi Opens R&D Lab in U.S.
We begin today's email with my thoughts and observations on this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), the biggest tech trade show focused on mobile. This year's MWC felt different. We look at what the conference told me about the changing smartphone landscape. The discussion then turns to why I think consumer tech trade shows are an endangered species given where the industry is headed. The email concludes with news of Didi opening a new R&D center in the U.S. We look at the most likely use for the center and what it means for the broader race to make autonomous cars. There has been a change in perception recently when it comes to Silicon Valley and autonomous driving.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple Brings Back the iPhone 6, Tim Cook Reassures Pro Users, Spotify Crosses 50M "Paying" Subscribers
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple Brings Back the iPhone 6
- Tim Cook Reassures Pro Users
- Spotify Crosses 50M "Paying" Subscribers
We kick off today's email with my thoughts and observations on the iPhone 6 making a return in select markets. Apple appears to be making a minor change in its global iPhone product strategy. The discussion then turns to Tim Cook once again reassuring pro users that Apple remains focused on doing more in the pro area. We discuss why Cook's comments on the subject continue to worry some Apple users. The email concludes with news of Spotify crossing 50M subscribers. There is a backstory to Spotify announcing 50M subscribers that very few are discussing.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.
Apple and Hockey Stick Growth, Apple Watch and Hockey Stick Growth Potential, Apple Losing in Classrooms
Today's Above Avalon email includes the following stories:
- Apple and Hockey Stick Growth
- Apple Watch and Hockey Stick Growth Potential
- Apple Losing in Classrooms
We kick off today's email with a closer look at hockey stick growth, or the idea of an inflection point leading to a dramatic change in revenue and unit sales growth. At first, we look at a few examples of hockey stick growth found with Apple. We then expand the discussion to include Apple Watch and assess the factors needed for the device to see hockey stick growth when it comes to consumer demand. The email concludes with a closer look at the NYT's article about Apple losing the battle for the classroom to Chromebooks. We go over my thoughts and observations on the topic, including Apple's stance on the issue.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.