[jmadler]

I'm not sure I agree with Steve that Google is 100% competitor focused. Yes, there are lots of fast-follows, but the fast-follows are innovative (such as Google Home), and the PM teams definitely focus more on user research than on competitive research. I mean, Google didn't exactly invent the Search Engine...

I do however believe that it is increasingly difficult at Google to enter new markets as an individual contributor. Nearly all new products require executive support before they can be meaningfully commenced. There are definitely increasingly strict controls on any public releases (even silent ones) centered around protecting the Google brand.

It kinda seems like Yegge was ready to move on and created post-hoc rationalization for it that was too broadly sweeping.

I also don't think the fetishization around innovation is really that useful. It's an ill-defined and abused buzzword.

[ocdtrekkie]

What's innovative about Google Home? Every component of it, Home itself (Echo), the Home mini (Echo Tap), etc. are all clones of products that already existed. It doesn't do anything particularly better than it's competitors, and in many cases performs worse, including issues like embarrassingly incorrect answers, killing Wi-Fi networks, accidentally recording all voice even when it's not supposed to...

Google Home is the exact embodiment of a "me too" product. And it's not even a good one.