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This sounds right but still feels wrong. You could argue that even Uber (can one imagine a bigger mobile "startup"?) is "just prototyping new features for the F

by mcny 7y ago

This sounds right but still feels wrong. You could argue that even Uber (can one imagine a bigger mobile "startup"?) is "just prototyping new features for the FAANG companies". Any manufacturer who sells exclusively (or even primarily?) on Amazon.com (think Ring) is potentially an acquisition target from Amazon.com Personally, I don't have any solution but it gets in the way of my dream: I'd prefer the mobile platforms (iOS, Android) require that independent software vendors submit human and machine readable source code and build instructions and have the app store build and serve binaries with its own keys (think F-droid). Probably opt-in to begin with but eventually, I'd like this to be a requirement to be on the app stores.

m_fayer 7y ago
I think what's missing is a true regulatory grappling with the nature of "platforms." Businesses have long had and used the ability to pull the rug out from under their clients/customers. But the current situation is a different beast. We now have a whole category of businesses that can only reach their customers through one of several competing platforms. But when you use these platforms, as you must, you exist and function entirely at the whim and pleasure of the platform. The platform can, at any time and for any reason, essentially swallow you and grow commensurately more powerful. The only brakes that exist right now are essentially the fear of regulation, good will/reputation management, and desire for focus on the part of the platforms. Those are some flimsy brakes. These are uncharted waters, if you ask me.
lonelappde 7y ago
Uber is a transportation logistics company's and a regulatory arbitrage company, not a "mobile app" company or a "gadget" company.
- briandear 7y ago
  It’s actually a marketplace for independent drivers to offer their services.

by mcny 7y ago

m_fayer 7y ago

I think what's missing is a true regulatory grappling with the nature of "platforms." Businesses have long had and used the ability to pull the rug out from under their clients/customers. But the current situation is a different beast. We now have a whole category of businesses that can only reach their customers through one of several competing platforms. But when you use these platforms, as you must, you exist and function entirely at the whim and pleasure of the platform. The platform can, at any time and for any reason, essentially swallow you and grow commensurately more powerful. The only brakes that exist right now are essentially the fear of regulation, good will/reputation management, and desire for focus on the part of the platforms. Those are some flimsy brakes. These are uncharted waters, if you ask me.

lonelappde 7y ago

Uber is a transportation logistics company's and a regulatory arbitrage company, not a "mobile app" company or a "gadget" company.

briandear 7y ago
It’s actually a marketplace for independent drivers to offer their services.