Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Thoughts on the U.S. v. Google Verdict (Part 2)

We will continue to focus on the U.S. v. Google verdict. After reading through the 286-page ruling, my notes came out to about three updates worth of material. After a significant amount of reduction and editing, we used two updates to talk about the ruling and its potential fallout (with Apple in mind). Yesterday’s update went over all of the interesting details / tidbits from the ruling. Today’s update is focused on my thoughts on the ruling and how Apple may be impacted.

An Above Avalon membership is required to continue reading this update. Members can read the full update here. (Members: Daily Updates are accessible via the archive. If you haven’t logged into the archive before, fill out this form to receive an invite.)


Above Avalon Membership

Choose either a monthly or annual membership. Payment is hosted by MoonClerk and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. After signup, use this link to update your payment information and membership status at any time. Contact me with any questions. 

Contact me directly if you would like to purchase multiple subscriptions (five or more) for your team or company.

An audio version of the newsletter is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members. Additional membership customization is available via the Financial Models add-ons.

Read More
Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

U.S. vs. Google, Apple in the Crosshairs, Satya Nadella Cries Wolf

Hello everyone. Today’s update is focused on the U.S. vs. Google search antitrust trial taking place in Washington. We begin with a brief summary of the trial. The discussion then turns to Neil’s thoughts on Eddy Cue’s and Satya Nadella’s testimonies.


U.S. vs. Google

Last month, the Justice Department’s civil trial against Google kicked off in Washington. The trial is focused on Google search with a spotlight put on Google’s deal with Apple to be default search on Safari.

The argument being made by the U.S. Justice Department is that these default search deals have helped Google prevent competitors, like Microsoft, from getting search queries and therefore the ability to improve their own search product(s). The agreements with Apple etc. are also said to hurt innovation as Google doesn’t need to do as much to maintain its search position since it can simply pay for continued prioritized access to users. All of this is alleged to result in higher prices for advertisers and less choice for consumers.

Google’s response is that it has the best search product in the marketplace. As it pertains to the Apple deal,

An Above Avalon membership is required to continue reading this update. Members can read the full update here. An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here.

(Members: Daily Updates are always accessible by logging into Slack. If you haven’t logged into Slack before, fill out this form to receive an invite.)


Above Avalon Membership

Payment is processed and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members.

More information about Above Avalon membership, including the full list of benefits and privileges, is available here.

Read More