Brand (new) theory: Can a well known brand do something new? Must the new thing stand alone? Must it have a new name, a new distribution model? We evaluate BMW's "i" sub-brand from both a strategic and tactical perspective. Also a more nuanced review of the i3 after driving it a while. What is the real job it does.
Source: Asymcar #31
Horace explains why he was wrong about the BMW i3. Also, more Q&A.
Source: The Critical Path #173
On this special "in person" edition of the Critical Path, Horace and Anders discuss Apple's latest product offerings, the iPhone SE and the new 9.7 inch iPad Pro 9.7, and take listener questions via Twitter.
Source: The Critical Path #172
We talk finance and other curiosities with Sviatoslav Rosov PhD, CFA, Analyst.
Beginning with Henry Ford's "Old Fashioned Layaway Plan" followed by the launch of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, the Certified Pre-Owned sleight of hand and today's auto sales finance and reporting controversies all shaped the industry. Finance is one of many vectors which tie the system together into what its is.
We once again explore the other vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant. Wide ranging discussion touching all the big points ultimately asking whether Big Bang change is coming. Or will it the big whimper?
The latest episode of Significant Digits is available for download.
In One Infinite we loop you in on the last show at the Loop. We expand on the small numbers and condense the big numbers.
Horace and Jim begin with the industry's rhetorical bubble. We consider the auto eco-system's atmospherics on auto companions and quickly revert back to the reality of today's manufacturing practices and industry lead times.
Source: Asymcar #29
We await the Lamborghini SUV.
Source: Asymcar #28
Horace and special guest Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies discuss the Glance conference. They investigate the job of the Watch and touch on the changing responsibilities amongst the upper ranks at Apple.
Source: The Critical Path #166
Horace and Anders discuss the iPhone analog audio port, the lightning port's use by Apple Pencil and Apple's viewpoint on privacy and the environment. Horace rounds the episode out with a definition of disruption.
We consider the landscape that Apple's purported Titan project will address in a few years time.
Horace discusses the pattern of disruption powered by Moore's law. We turn to the transportation sector and consider the "reimagining" of the car. We further consider scenarios, from sustaining where the current players grow, to new entrant opportunities.
The conversation diverts a bit into the regulatory and taxation regime, specifically US road funding is largely tied to fuel taxes. We note the odd situation where an entry level car driver pays fuel taxes while a luxury Tesla driver does not.
We speculate on Apple's possible "meaningful contribution" to transportation and the required product, customer experience, sales channel, price and financing options.
Source: Asymcar #27
Horace and Anders discuss viewing Apple's business as a recurring revenue model, then touch on the iPad Pro somewhat unsuccessfully and host a very special guest.
See also:
Rocky II video
Full episode of the show with video where available. Main segment begins at 39:39
Source: The Critical Path #164
