In the past couple of decades, a dynamic shift has swept across industries: multi-sided platform marketplaces. Think of Airbnb, Uber, or Coursera—disruptors that rattled the foundations of longstanding businesses, some with legacies stretching back decades, even centuries. Yet, what truly boggles the mind is the pace of growth of these platforms. From humble beginnings, startups have amassed remarkable market influence in just a few years, and in some instances, mere months. We've all been spellbound by the radiant stories of these digitally-born American companies that were once fledgling startups.

Enter two friends, Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza, determined to flip the narrative. They ask the pivotal question: Could platforms be more than just disruptors? What if we drew lessons not to replicate another digital startup, but to cultivate innovative thinking across a spectrum of organizations? This notion is at the core of their book "Platform Thinking – Read the past. Write the future."

What is Platform Thinking?

The authors argue that the digital revolution has brought about a significant technical shift, but a corresponding shift in mindset has not followed. Said in different words, the word “platform” is often (mis)used to refer to anything that is digital service. Notwithstanding, the word “platform”, from an innovation perspective, pushes towards something more precise.

There are various typologies of platforms, from innovation, to transactional or orthogonal, but what they all share is the chance to have multiple customers that enjoy complementary services by a platform provider. Examples? Airbnb has travelers, hosts and experience providers as customers, Google – as the search engine – has end-users and advertisers as customers.

The key point is that these customers are co-creating value together: who would wish to join a platform like Uber if drivers are not there? Well, this is the basic idea behind the power of platforms.

Examples of Platform Thinking

Two great cases of Platform Thinking by established companies are John Deere and Klöckner. Both companies have long histories in traditional industries. John Deere was founded in the 1837 in the United States, becoming a leading player in agricultural machines. Klöckner was founded in the 1906 in Germany, becoming a dominant player in steel and metal production and distribution. Both of them perfectly represents the idea of “linear value chain” company, having suppliers of raw materials or work-in-progress products, transforming them and selling a value-added product to their customer.

John Deere created MyJohnDeere, a platform that – putting the farmer at the center – enables a number of value-added services triggered by data gathered through sensors added to their agricultural machines that enable meaningful interactions with other players of the value chain, like seeds or fertilizers producers…which (this is the key) start to be also customers in the platform ecosystem.

Similarly, Klöckner created XOM, as a way to anticipate possible competition or disruption coming from the platform world. XOM is a marketplace where Klöckner sells its products as any other vendor that may want to join. Business customers can manage they purchases in a digital way while getting access to a number of additional services such as financing companies or logistics managers.

Initiating Platform Thinking

Setting up a platform is challenging; many nascent platforms fail quickly. Those who succeed must innovate continuously. Platform Thinkers are “idle-asset hunters”. Successful platforms, like Uber, Facebook or Amazon, showed that their growth is nurtured by the growth of customers (on the various sides) but also by a continuous service expansion that brings new sides or additional services on top of the existing platforms. The easiest example to understand the power of idle-asset hunting is Uber creating Uber Eats, exploiting the value of the riders and drivers that were already on the platform…by welcoming restaurants.

In this way, Platform Thinking becomes a re-framing exercise to foster innovation starting from what a firm has already but is not fully exploiting.

It is far more than just service innovation. It requires a serious mindset shift as companies must abandon the linear value chain paradigm and consider as customers some of the many stakeholders who historically were suppliers, partners, or even competitors.

Platform Thinking is a structured approach, with dedicated tools, to innovation, asking the right questions and encouraging critical thinking. It emphasizes the importance of aligning the innovation process with your organization's principles and values. The authors stress that these tools and processes are meant to guide, not dictate, the innovation journey. The human role behind the process is the real core asset for successful innovation.

Platform Thinking is a call to action for businesses to adapt and evolve in the digital age. It's a roadmap for those ready to embrace change, innovate, and lead in their respective industries. As we navigate the complexities of the digital revolution, this process serves as a compass, guiding us towards a future where platform thinking is not just an option, but a necessity.

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Updated, May 16, 2023 (11:45 AM ET): Now that the Google Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold have launched, we have updated this article to reflect the accuracy of our source.
Original article, December 22, 2022 (01:09 PM ET): Google’s Pixel smartphones have seen a massive boost over the past year. First, the Pixel 6 series brought a boost in critical and commercial success, something the company desperately needed after the relative commercial failures of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4. Then, the Pixel 7 series saw even more critical acclaim and, from what we can tell, a continuation of the sales success of the Pixel 6 line.
The question now is, what can we expect from Google in 2023 and beyond? Thanks to an anonymous but trustworthy source, Android Authority can exclusively reveal the major shifts Google will likely take with the Pixel series in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Although we have vetted this information thoroughly, please note that this roadmap is not set in stone. Our source said certain aspects of the plan are definite, but others are up in the air. We will acknowledge the likelihood of each detail as we walk you through the Google Pixel roadmap.
Our source leaked this information in 2022, months before the biggest leaks started landing for the Pixel series. The source confirmed that two Pixel phones — codenamed “lynx” and “felix” — would launch during or around Google I/O. These two phones have since become official, with “lynx” referring to the Pixel 7a and “felix” to the Pixel Fold. As expected, both phones landed on May 10, 2023, during the Google I/O event.
Our source said that Google would keep the same pricing for the Pixel 7a, which would have meant a US retail price of $449 to match the Pixel 6a. However, our source was incorrect on this detail, as the Pixel 7a’s confirmed price is $499.
Meanwhile, we were told the Pixel Fold would land at a price of $1,799. This turned out to be 100% accurate, as that is the starting price for the 256GB model of the Google-branded foldable.
Later in 2023, Google will launch two new phones in its mainline series: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Our source confirmed that Google will stick to the general guidelines of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 when it comes to specs and design. However, one notable shift is the shrinking of the Pixel 8 (codenamed “shiba”), meaning it will have a smaller display and overall smaller form factor. However, “husky” — aka the Pixel 8 Pro — will have the same display and general measurements as the Pixel 7 Pro. So far, rumors have supported this statement, with trusted renders showing a Pixel 8 that is smaller than the Pixel 7 and a Pixel 8 Pro with the same general dimensions as the Pixel 7 Pro.
However, one detail our source did not tell us is that the Pixel 8 Pro appears to have a flat display. It’s possible the source did not know this information, Google made the change last minute, or the leaked renders are inaccurate. Time will tell the answer here.
Finally, the codename for the silicon debuting with the Pixel 8 series is “zuma.” Google will almost certainly market this as Tensor G3.
Aside from the launch of the Pixel Fold and an earlier launch for the Pixel 7a, 2023 doesn’t look too different from this year. 2024, though, will see some significant changes in Google’s Pixel roadmap.
First, there is a plan for a Pixel 8a, which is codenamed “akita.” However, the plan could be scrapped based on sales of the Pixel 7a. Our source says that Google is thinking about moving away from annual launches of A series phones and instead going for a biennial launch (every two years). This would bring the A series more in line with Apple’s iPhone SE series, which sees launches every few years and stays active on store shelves that whole time.
Our source said that if a Pixel 8a does launch, it would get a price increase to $499. Obviously, this proved inaccurate as the Pixel 7a already has a $499 price.
In the fall of 2024, Google will launch the Pixel 9 series. However, this series will, for the first time, have three devices, according to our source.
The first will be the vanilla Google Pixel 9, which would likely be the same size and general format as the Pixel 8 (which, remember, is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7). There would also be the expected Pixel 9 Pro — codenamed “komodo” — with a screen size in the 6.7-inch realm. Then, there would be a second Pro-level model that is codenamed “caiman.” This phone would have all the Pro-level features of the 6.7-inch model but cram it down into a 6.3-inch design.
Our source likened this strategy to Apple’s iPhone launches. The Pixel 9 would be like an iPhone 14, while the 6.3-inch “caiman” would be akin to an iPhone 14 Pro. The 6.7-inch “komodo” would be more in line with an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
When we inquired as to how likely this is, our source emphatically stated that this is definitely happening. Google wants to mimic Apple’s successful sizing strategy, which means it needs a Pro-level phone that isn’t as large as the Pixel 7 Pro. Pricing, naming, and availability are all up in the air, but the goal of three phones is set in stone.
All three of these phones should see the debut of Tensor G4, which we have learned is codenamed “redondo.”
Finally, there is a plan for a follow-up foldable in 2024. However, not much is known about this at the moment. It’s likely Google is waiting to see the consumer response to its first foldable before getting too specific about the follow-up plans.
Pushing into 2025, our source says Google is looking at several choices for its Pixel roadmap, which will be heavily influenced by the success or failure of its 2023 and 2024 plans.
First, Google is toying with the idea of having a flip-style foldable phone to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip series. If it goes this route, the fall 2025 launch of the main Pixel series would include the flip-style foldable, a non-folding vanilla model (we presume it’ll be the base Pixel 10), and then two Pro-level iterations with one being smaller and the other being larger.
However, if Google abandons the flip-style device, it would move ahead with four non-folding phones. That would be a vanilla model in small and large sizes and a pro model in small and large sizes. Once again, this would directly line up with Apple’s current strategy for iPhones.
Finally, the fate of any Pixel Fold successors in 2025 is still dependent on its market reception in 2023.
The information we received from this source makes a lot of sense to us. Pretty much every company is chasing Apple’s non-foldable smartphone success and strategy and Samsung’s foldable success. To find out that Google is using both companies as templates for its own future products is anything but surprising.
The question we have, though, is whether Google will be too late to the party. The Pixel Fold launching in 2023 is a good move given the lack of any international competition in the foldable segment, but the first shot at a flip-style phone not landing until 2024 seems too slow. Remember that Samsung sells more Galaxy Z Flip phones than Galaxy Z Fold phones at a ratio of 3:1. Google should be going after the flip market sooner rather than later.
Likewise, Google’s attempt to match Apple’s approach of having more palm-friendly pro-level phones should be happening in 2023, not 2024. By then, Apple’s strategy may have changed. After all, the “Mini” iPhone series wasn’t a big success, and it looks like the iPhone 14 Plus will see a similar fate. If Google wants to chase Apple, it needs to be faster than this.
Regardless, we are very excited about this news. A more compact Pixel 9 Pro sounds perfect to us, and the Pixel Fold seems like it’s going to be pretty cool. Moving the A series to a biennial schedule also makes a lot of sense.
For now, we’ll just need to wait and see how Google’s final Pixel roadmap pans out compared to the information we have.

source

The natural successor to the Pixel 6 Pro is the Pixel 7 Pro. So what do we know so far? This guide will take you through the Pixel 7 Pro release date, specs, and more about Google’s next flagship.

Pixel 7 Pro release date

If the Pixel 7 series release is anything like 2021, then the Pixel 7 Pro release date will likely sit somewhere around October of 2022. Usually, Google announces these flagships in autumn – the best of the seasons. This was confirmed on May 11 at Google I/O 2022 when the company announced the 7 Pro in an unprecedented twist.

As far as the release date goes, there’s nothing concrete as of yet. The only information we have so far is that the device will be making its way to the public sometime this fall.

What are the Pixel 7 Pro specs?

Google was reluctant to unveil any big details about the upcoming Pixel 7 Pro. That isn’t to say we don’t know anything. In fact, our APK Insight team has done a bit of digging and has unsurprisingly uncovered a couple of upcoming details about the Pixel 7 Pro’s internals.

First, we’re confident we are looking at a second-generation Tensor chip, which seems like a natural progression considering Google is very proud of the first iteration of its house-made processor. With a little bit of digging, we’ve learned that the name for Tensor version two will be “GS201.” Within this SoC will also be a new Samsung modem, which was learned to be named “g5300b.” This is likely the Exynos Modem 5300, which hasn’t been announced or released yet.

Other than processor information, there isn’t much else available yet in terms of Pixel 7 Pro specs. We’re expecting Google to focus on Tensor GS201 and develop a device that can showcase what the processor is capable of.

On the surface of the Pixel 7 Pro, we can glean a few quite stunning details about the phone. One of the bigger changes is the new camera bar design. Rather than having a wide glass panel that covers the sensors on the back of the phone, we’re left with an aluminum casing that houses these cameras. Google mentioned that the aluminum here is made from 100% recycled materials.

What will be the price?

Price is a tricky thing to nail down. Prior to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the general consensus was that those devices would be at least $800 and up. Our team was blown away when the starting price for the Pixel 6 was announced at $599. If you take that into consideration, there’s a good chance the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will follow suit and take on an affordable price tag. As mentioned, we can’t simply put a price on the new Pixel device this early. Even if it followed the Pixel 6 Pro pricing, we’re looking at around $899 or more.

As more information becomes available, this guide will be updated. Be sure to keep checking back to stay up-to-date on the latest news.

Pixel 8 colors, models, and sizes

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Pixel 8 release date and price

Google

Pixel 8 design

Pixel 8 camera

Expect a ton of camera upgrades for the Pixel 8 Pro and only one upgrade for the Pixel 8.

Pixel 8 specs: How do the two models compare?

Pixel 8 performance and battery

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The latest Tensor G3 leak points to the Pixel 8 chip delivering major CPU and GPU upgrades.

Google stumbled out of the gate with its first attempt at wireless earbuds (which still came with a wire), but since 2017, Pixel Buds have been slowly improving. Now, for the first time, they’re getting a pro model with active noise cancellation, although it pushes Pixel Buds to their highest price point yet.

Revealed today during Google’s I/O conference keynote address, the Pixel Buds Pro feature a more bulbous design than older models and do away with the built-in wing nubs that helped the Pixel Buds A-series stay more permanently perched in a user’s ears. Google is also going back to the two-tone color approach for the new buds, reminiscent of the Pixel Buds from 2020. The base and silicone ear tips are black, with a colored accent on the end in one of four options: Charcoal, Fog, Coral, and Lemongrass—but the colors aren’t carried through to the Pixel Buds Pro’s egg-shaped charging case.

Wireless charging is back—a feature that Google removed from last year’s Pixel Buds A-series, presumably to help them hit a $99 price point. On a single charge, the buds will stay powered for as 11 hours with fancy features turned off, or up to seven hours with ANC on, but that can be extended when occasionally popped back into the charging case. On just a five minute charge in the case, the Pixel Buds Pro will slurp enough power to run for another hour.

Battery life drops to about seven hours on a single charge with the biggest reason for users to upgrade activated: active noise cancellation. Powered by a custom processor, algorithm, and speakers that Google developed, the Pixel Buds Pro will finally help you tune out unwanted sounds either in an office environment or when stuck on a long flight. They can also be used to tune out unwanted background noises during a call, by focusing on the user’s voice through a combination of beamforming mics protected by wind-blocking mesh covers and bone conduction that detects jaw vibrations.

Complementing the ANC is a transparency mode that boosts ambient sounds to make the user more aware of their surroundings while wearing what are essentially electronic ear plugs. The Pixel Buds Pro also introduce multi-device connectivity, with intelligent automatic switching between devices when a call comes in on a smartphone—whether it’s running Android or iOS—or when a video starts playing on a connected laptop. And while we haven’t had a chance to ears-on yet, we’re also excited for a feature Google calls Volume EQ, which automatically increases the bass frequencies of what you’re listening to with the volume turned down so it doesn’t sound flat at lower decibels.

The new Pixel Buds Pro will be available for pre-order starting on July 21, and released a week later on July 28. Because they’re branded as a “Pro” offering, the price is now $200, which makes these the most expensive Pixel Buds to date. They’re still cheaper than competitor’s products like Apple’s $249 Air Pods Pro, but are $50 more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 and twice the price of the $99 Nothing ear (1) buds. Will they sound twice as good? We’ll let you know once we get a chance to try them out.

Google said that it was creating a Pixel ecosystem, and it was not lying! You have your choice of a phone, foldable phone, tablet, smartwatch, and earbuds. Well, according to Digitimes (via Android Authority), Google could be considering a foldable tablet for the near future.

Now, this is a leak based on very little information. Thus, you should take it with a grain of salt. We’ll keep you updated on this story as more developments come to light.

Google has been playing catch-up with the likes of Samsung and Apple. Both companies have fully-developed ecosystems. As for Google, the company’s missing a Pixel computer/laptop platform.

While we’re waiting on a new Pixel Chromebook, we might have a Pixel foldable tablet to look forward to. Digitimes cites upstream supply chain resources for this news. Right now, details are scarce, so there’s not much that we can say about this mystery device.

One thing we do know is that, if Google does plan on releasing this device, it could be in our mitts rather soon. If Google launches this foldable tablet, it might reveal it as early as Google I/O 2024. If the company holds it in May of next year, then that’s 10 months away.

10 months seems like a while away, but it’s rather soon after just launching its first foldable and its first tablet. We would have expected Google to wait a few generations before making a product as ambitious as this. The Pixel Fold is a well-made device, but it’s not quite up to the standards of Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, etc.

When making a foldable tablet, the screen size multiplies but so do the durability hurdles. 7-inch foldables had their issues back in the day; now imagine an 11-inch foldable.

In any case, it will still be exciting to see. If Google pulls this off, then it could be at the forefront of a new technological frontier. The Pixel line of products isn’t known for exploring new ground in terms of hardware. They leverage Google software prowess and help preview new features that will be distributed for other Android OEMs. Maybe the company is looking to change that.