The hottest Substack posts of Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech

And their main takeaways
4 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. The AI race isn't just about who has the best technology. It's more about how countries are reshaping global trade and their economic rules through tech exports.
  2. Countries like the US and China are not only building powerful AI but are also influencing how other nations build their own infrastructure based on their standards.
  3. Europe risks falling behind by trying to regulate technology instead of actively shaping it. If it doesn't adapt, it might just follow the rules set by others.
9 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. When companies see big productivity gains, it could mean they're losing their competitive edge in the long run. This happens because the benefits aren't always kept by the business, similar to how new technology can hurt original owners.
  2. It's important to figure out where productivity gains are coming from. If they're from the main product, the company might end up losing control and value, especially if they rely on outside suppliers.
  3. To stay ahead, businesses should focus on creating unique advantages with technology rather than just using it to improve what they already do. This way, they can keep more control over pricing and profits.
8 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. Chegg's struggle shows how modern businesses face not just ordinary problems but bigger changes that redefine the whole market. They can lose ground quickly when something new, like AI, gives customers a better option.
  2. Companies need to think differently about competition today. It's not just about beating the businesses they know, but also about new solutions that take away their customers.
  3. When change happens quickly, businesses should look for ways to make that change permanent. This means creating new systems or services that keep customers even after the initial change fades.
2 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. The idea of 'Sandwich Economics' suggests that companies can create powerful economic frameworks instead of just focusing on products. This can change how industries compete and operate.
  2. Reliance Jio shows that understanding and shaping the economic structure is key. By doing so, they made it hard for other companies to compete unless they fit into this new framework.
  3. Big Tech companies often don't just introduce products but create entire systems that dictate how businesses within the industry function. It's about positioning yourself within this framework to succeed.
4 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. Uber's business model relies on local advantages, not just growing its user base. It needs to focus on economies of density and fixed costs to truly succeed in local markets.
  2. Quick commerce thrives on efficiency by using small warehouses close to customers. This helps deliver products faster and cheaper, which makes it competitive against traditional e-commerce.
  3. Rather than looking for network effects, local businesses should focus on how to optimize operations in areas with high demand. This includes owning production and managing inventory effectively.
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17 implied HN points 28 Dec 23
  1. Every company needs a tech strategy for competitive advantage.
  2. Controlling the user interface is key for attention and negotiation advantage.
  3. Rebundling multiple capabilities creates scalable and defensible value pools.
13 implied HN points 07 Jan 24
  1. Comedy is a critical lever in improving Amazon's economics on e-commerce.
  2. Amazon is an attention conglomerate that harnesses attention and converts it into value.
  3. Prime Video strategically serves as an internal attention market for Amazon, aiding in user acquisition and retention.
5 implied HN points 28 Jan 24
  1. Users want just one AI companion to partner with them across all their needs
  2. Owning the primary interface in the attention economy requires maximizing usage and data capture
  3. BigTech players are well-positioned to win the primary interface by bundling AI companions
2 implied HN points 31 Jan 24
  1. The keyboard on your phone is an always-on primary interface, covering around 40% of your screen.
  2. The keyboard captures real-time visibility into all user input and data across various app usage on mobile devices.
  3. To win the keyboard war, players need to focus on awareness, performance, amplification, and intelligence.