07-04-2016, 04:38 AM
This week, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announced that people are keeping their PCs a lot longer before upgrading: The average has increased from four years to as many as six. The tablet-refresh cycle isn't much shorter than that, to Apple's eternal chagrin. Even iPhone sales have started to taper off, partly because people are keeping their phones longer or choosing cheaper Android phones. What's happening is pretty simple. The hardware and the software running on any device itself have become way less interesting than the web apps and services, like the ones that Google and Amazon have made the core of their business. Why buy a $700 iPhone when a $200 Android phone can access the same YouTube or Amazon Music as everyone else? All you need to do to get new Facebook features is refresh your browser or update your app. You don't need a high-performance device to participate in the 21st century.
Apple iPhone vs. Web Services - Business Insider
Have we devised any greater waste of time and energy than the running of the marathon? I’m asking for a friend.
Running a marathon is a dangerous, expensive, stupid, meaningless task. Don’t do it.
Global GDP in US dollar terms at market exchange rates is stagnant. Continued US dollar strength could force Saudi Arabia either to cut oil production modestly and push Brent back to $50 or de-peg the Saudi riyal, our black swan event, which could lead Brent to collapse to $25/bbl.
Black swan Saudi Arabia oil - Business Insider
New crowdfunding rules taking effect Monday will let anyone—not just the wealthy— invest in startups. But don't bet on the "99 percent" finding the next Uber overnight. The change overrides a longstanding Securities and Exchange Commission requirement that investors backing private companies be "accredited," meaning they make at least $200,000 a year and have a net worth of $1 million or more (excluding their home). Now startups raising money through online crowdfunding portals will be able to sell shares to people regardless of their wealth or income so long as the founders have submitted annual financial reports to the SEC. In exchange, companies can raise up to $1 million.
Anyone Can Back a Startup Now. But Good Luck Finding the Next Uber - Bloomberg
According to the high-profile consulting firm, McKinsey & Co., millennials will have to work seven years longer or save twice as much in order to live as well in retirement as their parents.
Fear Not Millennials, You Have Financial Futures - Bloomberg Gadfly