On The Rock
Greetings and Happy Sunday,
This week, I'm listening for signals about cloud demand, cybersecurity trends, and the overall health of the tech sector. Earnings calls from leaders like SNOW 0.00%↑, ZS 0.00%↑, WDAY 0.00%↑, MDB 0.00%↑, CRM 0.00%↑, and CRWD 0.00%↑ will offer not only financial updates, but also insights into AI investments and use cases for some of the largest consumer databases.
Sports
Apple TV & MLS
Apple TV celebrates the return of Major League Soccer with the second season of its MLS Season Pass offering. This follows the historic 10-year deal Apple struck with the league in 2022, which coincided with superstar Lionel Messi's move to the MLS. Apple is highlighting the league with "MLS is Back" week, kicking off with Messi's Inter Miami CF taking on Real Salt Lake. Fans can also find soccer content on Apple Podcasts, like "Offside With Taylor Twellman."
Apple Sports App Debut
Apple enters the sports arena with its new Apple Sports app. This platform provides fans with scores, statistics, and even live betting odds – enhancing the game-day experience. Initially available in the US, UK, and Canada, Apple Sports supports major leagues like the MLS, NBA, NCAA basketball, NHL, and international soccer leagues. More leagues are set to join the lineup soon, including MLB, NFL, and more.
The app offers game pages with details like goal scorers, current players on the field/court, and even live betting odds (which can be toggled off). However, it's important to note that Apple Sports is not a streaming app itself. Instead, it partners with the Apple TV app, directing users to live games and offering subscription options where needed. Fans can also sync their favorite teams and leagues with Apple News for a personalized sports experience.
Media
FAST Streaming Growth
FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) services are gaining a foothold in the market. According to Nielsen's January 2024 rankings, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel ROKU 0.00%↑ all secured spots in the top viewed streaming platforms. Pluto TV made history as the first free ad-supported service to break into Nielsen's top 10.
Instagram META 0.00%↑
Instagram expands its marketplace tool for brand-creator collaborations across eight more countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK, and India. This tool launched in the US in 2022 and has proven successful in connecting brands with relevant creators. With the expansion, thousands more creators and brands will gain access to this partnership platform.
Netflix NFLX 0.00%↑
Netflix Games adds a classic to its lineup with "Pinball Masters." Developed by Zen Studios, this mobile game is included with a Netflix subscription and offers themed tables featuring beloved characters. It marks the third new game for the streaming platform this year and aims to attract fans of pinball and recognizable franchises.
Netflix also strengthens its unscripted offerings by hiring Jeff Gaspin as VP of unscripted series. He'll oversee reality juggernauts like "Queer Eye" and "Love is Blind," aiming to expand the platform's success. Gaspin brings experience from Gaspin Media, known for Netflix titles like "The Tinder Swindler.
Paramount Global PARA 0.00%↑
Paramount Global and Comcast, parent company of NBCUniversal, are exploring streaming collaboration options according to the Wall Street Journal. Potential paths include a joint venture or a streaming partnership involving Peacock. Notably, the two companies already work together on the European streaming service SkyShowtime.
Disney DIS 0.00%↑
Disney is well-positioned for success in the resurgence of content licensing. With 148 titles, they hold more licensing power than any other major studio. This strategic shift signals a move away from keeping content on their own platforms. Industry experts predict studios will balance exclusive and non-exclusive content deals in 2024 to maximize value and broaden audience reach.
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group continues to invest in music rights, acquiring a $240 million minority stake in Chord Music Partners. This deal gives UMG access to the music catalogs of popular artists such as The Weeknd, Lorde, John Legend, and Twenty One Pilots. The investment positions UMG for long-term benefits from these artists' work.
Tech Titans
Microsoft MSFT 0.00%↑
Microsoft's Copilot Pro subscription aims to boost productivity by integrating AI features into Office apps. Its $20/month price tag grants access to enhanced image generation with OpenAI and other tools. Reactions are mixed: Outlook's email summaries are useful, but other features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint offer uneven value. The full potential of Copilot Pro remains to be seen, with custom GPTs still pending.
Intel INTC 0.00%↑ advanced its chip foundry ambitions: they've secured Microsoft as a client and set its sights on overtaking TSMC in advanced chip manufacturing by 2025. Their 18A technology will underpin an undisclosed Microsoft chip. Intel looks to US subsidies and geographic manufacturing diversification to appeal to customers wary of TSMC's Taiwan concentration.
Apple AAPL 0.00%↑
Apple continues to prioritize security. Its PQ3 protocol for iMessage offers Level 3 security against attacks by quantum computers. Both initial key establishment and ongoing messaging will be shielded using post-quantum cryptography. With formal verification in place, PQ3 will appear in future Apple OS updates, making iMessage a pioneer in secure communication.
Reports on Apple's Vision Pro headset suggest a possible high return rate, though Apple refutes those claims. Discomfort and high price are reportedly why some users are opting out of the VR headset. Return rates are said to be average at best, indicating a lukewarm reception compared to other Apple products.
Amazon AMZN 0.00%↑
Amazon Fresh simplifies grocery shopping with its new Recurring Reservations feature. Customers can now place pickup or delivery orders a week in advance. The Repeat Items feature further streamlines the process by adding favorite items to their carts, enhancing convenience for repeat shoppers.
Google GOOGL 0.00%↑
Google TV executive Rob Caruso sees smart TVs as the potential hub for connected homes. Caruso envisions TVs controlling various smart devices, including thermostats, doorbells, and even water meters. This vision aligns with long-standing industry predictions and signifies Google's focus on making the TV a central component of the connected home experience.