WEEKLY WHEATIES #2427
Super-apps, Dell, TikTok, Waymo, Cars
In this newsletter:
Post: The App Paradox: The Pros and Cons of Super-Apps
In Case You Missed It: Dell Back to Work
In Case You Missed It: TikTok Security and Sales
In Case You Missed It: Waymo Expands
Pick of the Week: Car Chases and Races
Featured Product: Anker Charging Block
The App Paradox: The Pros and Cons of Super-Apps
How many apps do you have on your phone? Now, how many apps do you have that were downloaded for one purpose only? This can get very obvious, like the Chick-fil-A or Domino’s app - because we all need a chicken sandwich and a Brooklyn-style Pepperoni and Pineapple. But there are other apps we may not even consider that we use every day with one function: Camera, Mail, Calendar, Messages, and even the Phone app.
Obviously, some of these are required and may not have a third-party replacement or one we want to use. Or they may have great options, and the default built-in app is never used (regardless of the OS being used). This is why the app stores on iOS and Android are such a big thing. The “There’s an app for that” has been true for a decade now.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, what about one app that does everything? Would you rather have all of these niche apps, or would you just want one app that does everything? The Humane Pin is a physical product trying to do just that. Its goal is not to make you think about what app you’re using and to just do what you need to do. There are a few other bars to overcome for this to be universal, but the premise is the same.
In China, they have an ‘everything’ app called WeChat. It could also be labeled as a super-app in case you see that verbiage elsewhere. This app is just about as ‘state-sponsored’ of an app you can get. Meaning, a lot of the features have limitations based on the government, and in some cases, the app may even be required in order to do certain things or purchase certain items (from what I can tell). Built into the app are features/apps like: phone, messages, video-calling, social media and sharing, video games, and a payment system. It also boasts a user base of over 1 billion monthly active users.
When Elon Musk purchased Twitter and rebranded it as X, he also mentioned a plan to convert it into a super-app of sorts, too. Users had some backlash, but this may have just been another idea too far ahead of its time. Because all apps are doing this now to some extent. Obviously, there are tons of social media apps: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, just to name a few. But within even the last 5 years, each of these apps, and others, have started implementing features of other apps.
Even using TikTok as an example. For an app that started as something solely built to allow users to dance with viral music, it’s come a long way. A common phrase is “TikTok Shop.” Where you can browse for items, send them to a friend via private message, and then post a photo of you wearing/using said item. Not to mention, they’re flirting with a Twitter-type feature that also allows live streaming. Who knows what else is coming, and that’s only 1 of the hundreds of social media apps we could use as an example.
It was assumed that Facebook would have integrated Instagram into its platform when they acquired it back in 2012. But today, they both steal, or borrow, features from each other so both target audiences can benefit. This includes posting pictures, videos, livestreams, reels or stories, and messages. Not to mention, the sponsor or advertising backend can work for either platform.
As these apps sherlock each other to do more and more, where’s the line? How much are we willing to give up for an everything app versus an app that does the one exact thing we need it to? Generally speaking, that one app will do the one thing you want well. And the everything app will do that one thing, but with issues. You will have to work around the unique properties of the rest of the app to do what you want to do.
Even back to the food apps. Let’s say you just want to see what restaurants are around and browse their menus. Door Dash or Uber Eats will show places available around you, but don’t include all of the restaurants that are not connected to their system. Using Google Maps may show most of what’s there, but don’t always link a menu or their website. Having to go through each app has other issues, but at least you know it will be up to date on all current offerings and pricing.
Now, let’s dive into something a bit more personal or business-focused. This post comes from a conversation that happened around me looking for a To-Do app. On Weekly Wheaties #2414, I talked about every growing list of To-Do apps. As you can imagine, over the past few months, I’ve tried plenty and still test others out as they populate in the app store or have meaningful updates. Recently, I have been enjoying one called Twos App. I love its simplicity and ease of adding a To-Do.
Here’s where it gets tricky. A To-Do app can also be a calendar, email program, messaging app, notes, and more. At the very least, it should integrate with one or more of those apps. Many of them try to replace any one of those apps, but that’s not something I’m not looking for. On the other hand, there are other apps I use that take multiple purposes. For example, I use Notion as a project management app and notes app. It doesn’t completely replace my notes app but does function well as a writing tool. It also functions as a catch-all for some digital files and links, but more on that another time.
Currently, there are a few lawsuits in this space, too. In the EU, Microsoft is facing antitrust issues with their Teams app bundling with other Office apps. Apple isn’t immune, either. They are being charged with violating the EU’s Digital Marketing Act. In the US, we have laws keeping too much of that happening, but it still spills over on some. As apps become more prevalent, they may begin to become more popular. Thereby facing pressure from their customers to update and include more and more features offered by other apps. This never-ending cycle will exist for the immediate future for sure - at least in my opinion.
This happens outside of the software space, too. For example, how many credit cards do you have? Did you sign up for that one store to receive 40% off your first purchase, only to never use that card again? Do you have a certain card you use only for travel and another only for food or gas? I’ve known some to switch what card they use each week and month based on rewards, too. No judgment on my part, as if it works for you, that’s all that matters. Either way, at what point is it worth your sanity (and wallet, possibly even your credit score) to just stick with one card for everything?
With apps and software, I think we can utilize the Pareto Principle to choose what apps or features we ‘deal with’ in order to have one app versus having an app for everything. In my case, a To-Do app was the one thing I didn’t want to sacrifice features on. For you, it may be your calendar, notes, or camera. Some may even only use one odd or obscure social media app for a purpose other than what was originally intended (looking at you kids who only text via Snapchat). Find what works for you, or make what you have (or have access to) work for you. There’s an ‘app for everything’ because no one’s workflows are the same.
What are some of your app-specific non-negotiables?
ICYMI: Dell Back to Work
It appears after being given an ultimatum on choosing a hybrid or fully remote - nearly half of Dell’s workers choose the ‘or else’ option to stay home and give up the ability to be promoted or move positions within the company. This appears to be a common trend across the nation in the last few months. People are forgoing money and better jobs for more flexible schedules. If this is you, and if you are a supervisor, let me selfishly promote my book that may help you in this situation: We Don’t Work [here] for the Money.
ICYMI: TikTok Security and Sales
While still working on their plan to keep the US as a customer, TikTok confirmed they offered the US government a 'kill switch’. This would give them the ability to shut the platform down should a security risk be found. Let this stand as a possibly scary reminder they could do that anyway - they didn’t need permission from TikTok. This would just make it easier and quicker. To keep their US customers happy in the meantime, they announced a “Deals For You Days” sale event starting on July 9th.
ICYMI: Waymo Expands
As offices debate whether to stay remote or come back to the office, Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is now available to all in San Francisco. We’ll see if they’ve figured out how to combat traffic cones as other Silicon Valley employees head to work. All kidding aside, please understand these vehicles are technically not ‘fully autonomous’ and still may have remote drive input if there is an issue.
POTW: Car Chases and Races
Coming in hot off the last two weeks talking about Tesla, maybe you’re curious what the logo of Tesla actually means. Similarly, maybe you’re curious What Every Major Auto Emblem Means. Check out some of the obvious and not-so-obvious explanations. When watching some movies, you may notice some vehicles stand out more predominately than others (Ie., Transformers), so see how many you can catch in The Greatest Car Chases in Movie History. Lastly, for obscure motorsport fun, check out the following:
Featured Product
Assuming you have a bunch of devices and/or electronics that need charging. As you purchase newer and newer devices, many of them have been switching to the USB-C standard. This port can transfer data and power much faster and more securely than other ports. It also allows faster charging on many newer devices. For this, I suggest the compact Anker USB-C Charger Block.
