The Information You Missed
Good Morning! Happy Labor Day weekend. New to the digest this week: our most popular stories of the month. You can find them at the end of the email. We hope you like the section!
Amir dropped a big scoop yesterday: Google expects to return to China after five years, with a local version of Google Play and support for Android Wear there. Google Nears Re-entry to Mainland China
One of our favorite topics is looking at how companies use accounting tricks to portray their performance in the best light. That was one of the takeaways from our most popular story of this week, Alfred’s deep dive into WeWork, based on exclusive details of its five year financial projections. WeWork’s Gamble On Growth
Tom and Steve broke the news that Amazon is to buy Elemental Technologies for more than $500 million in cash. As a subscriber noted in comments, the deal has implications for lots of companies in the video streaming infrastructure industry. Amazon to Buy Elemental Technologies
Facebook is talking to businesses about how they could use Messenger to communicate with customers, says Amir. There are plenty of challenges but it’s an effort with broader ramifications for the company. Facebook Accelerates Messenger Platform as WhatsApp Testbed
MEDIA
Anyone tracking Apple’s plans for a TV service should watch carefully how its music subscription service does, Jessica says. More Thoughts on Apple’s Video Plans
Tom looked at the developing battle between Hollywood agents and multi-channel networks over control of YouTube stars and their careers. Ultimately, it’s all about ‘show me the money.’ The Fight Over YouTube Stars’ Cash
In her weekly column, Jessica warns that the reluctance of people in Silicon Valley to talk openly to the media is degrading the quality of tech coverage. And that should matter to everyone. Why Readers Don't Get the True Story
ELSEWHERE IN TECH
Microsoft is broadening its network of software sales partners to include small telecom and cable firms, Steve reports, part of its push to sell software on a subscription basis. Microsoft’s Partner Push Targets Small Firms.
And the second installment of our 411 Podcast went live. Keep the feedback coming on what you'd like to see us discuss.
August's most popular
In response to subscriber demand, we'll publish a list of our most popular stories of the month, every month. They're ranked by total reads. August had some big ones.
2) What Sundar Pichai's Team is Up Against
3) Mutual Funds Show Markdowns on Private Stocks
4) Pinterest's Revenue Man Tries to Bring Ad Plan into Focus
5) Alphabet's Next Startup: M is for Mosquito?