(#37) Tech's event of the year; OpenAI's product roadmap; Software-as-service's future and Eating pizza moderately is OK
(#37) Tech's event of the year; OpenAI's product roadmap; Software-as-service's future and Eating pizza moderately is OK
Europe's future lies in artisanship and advanced tech
Being August I will continue the newsletter in its short form - onStrategy Air
Let’s enjoy what’s left of this wonderful month. Onto the update:
Strategy
On Europe’s future
With extremely high competition in manufacturing from S-E Asia (especially on EVs from China), the EU has two options:
1/ Artisanship (e.g. LVMH)
2/ Advanced tech (e.g. ASML and like)
Talking about the 1st point I came across with an interview of Bernard Arnault, LVMH’s chief, at The Oxford Union. LINK
“I try to be optimistic in the long-term and pessimistic in the short-term" - Bernard Arnault
Apple’s September 2023 event
The most anticipated tech event of the year is the launch of the new iPhone 15.
Some comments (and questions):
1/ Apple’s most revenue share comes from the iPhone. Is that a tech or a telecom company?
2/ Entire industries will look at the event…for guidance.
3/ Apple is a software-differentiated hardware company, something that Samsung is not. Hence the +30% profit margins for Apple’s hardware vs. 10-15% for Samsung
4/ Apple can increase the prices, but not sure they will
Chat GPD enterprise
In a not-so-surprise move, Open AI is launching its enterprise version. Two comments:
1/ Their first need was to address privacy issues. Do you remember when Samsung’s engineers used proprietary code on Chat GPT? LINK
2/ Customization - You can connect it only to the apps you use, not to the entire data servers
3/ Available to small teams & more - By delivering this version OpenAI enters directly into competition with Microsoft’s Business Chat. It will be interesting to see how their relationship will continue to develop. (hint! OpenAI uses Microsoft Azure). LINK
Google Chat’s rebrand
When I first saw it I said to myself: “Wait a second..this is Slack…or Discord…or Teams. This reminded me that
1/ “Software as a moat” will only be achieved by a few
2/All vertical apps should look fast for leverage and distribution (hint! also bundling). LINK
Digital Services Act (DSA)
From QZ:
“The European Union’s (EU) wide-ranging new digital privacy protection law went into effect on Friday (Aug. 25), ushering in a new era for Big Tech in Europe.
The slate of laws known as the Digital Services Act (DSA) is arguably the toughest series of tech privacy regulations in the world. It builds on last year’s Digital Markets Act, which focused on antitrust reform for major tech firms. The DSA’s priorities are different. Its laws are focused on individual user protection, and on preventing harmful content and misinformation from spreading across the web.” LINK
Two ideas on this one.
1/ Yes, something like this was needed BUT will continue to drive away innovation on the continent
2/ Meta is reportedly having 1,000 people hired to make sure the company is compliant. Again, the incumbents win.
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Artificial Intelligence
AI will augment white collars’ power
“Will AI kill the management consultant?” asked Sifted.eu LINK
My answer is pretty straightforward: NO! Companies need management consultants for many reasons, but here are some:
1/ Don’t have enough people to do short-based transformation projects
2/ Rely on consultants for unpopular decisions
Chat GPT will only augment the power of consultants.
How platforms can make our politics resilient to AI. LINK
AI could fortify big business, not upend it
For those reading this newsletter, it is already clear by now that most of the AI harvest will go to large companies. The Economist has an article on the same topic validating what I have written for 2-3 months already. LINK
Data
Turkey and Romania are the IPO surprises. LINK
Supercharging Tesla vehicles frequently doesn't negatively affect battery longevity. LINK
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: China’s CO2 emissions
Admission at Havard might be the most challenging thing in the world:
Outside interest
We are very close to having the first spot Bitcoin ETF. LINK
The 24th of August is the most “sick day” in the USA. LINK
Cod is an excellent commodity for trade due to the fact that approximately 98% of its fat content is concentrated in the liver, facilitating the preservation and transportation of its meat. LINK
The underrated value of taking a sabbatical. LINK
NBA shots in 2001-02 vs 2021-22. LINK
14 Italian researchers have found that eating half a pizza more than once a week has positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis activity. LINK
Coats of Arms of Medieval Europe - Chart by Matt Baker.
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