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AI Business & IndustryStratechery (Ben Thompson)Published: Sep 22, 2026, 19:01 JST

Amazon blocks Muse, but physical-world moat keeps deal alive

Amazon blocks Muse, but physical-world moat keeps deal alive

3 Key Points

  1. What happened

    Amazon blocked Muse, a move Stratechery calls predictable, but the article argues there is still room for a deal.

  2. Why it matters

    The article suggests Amazon's physical-world investments give it a durable AI advantage, so blocking Muse may be a negotiating position rather than a final break.

  3. What to watch

    Whether a deal materializes likely hinges on how much Amazon values its physical-world moat as leverage. Stratechery Plus costs $15 per month or $150 per year.

WHO IT HITSBusiness readers tracking AI platform access and cloud partnerships should note that Amazon's physical-world investments are framed as a moat, which may affect how AI companies negotiate distribution deals.

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FAQ
Did Amazon permanently block Muse?
The article says Amazon predictably blocked Muse but argues there is room for a deal based on Amazon's physical-world investments being an AI moat.
What is Stratechery Plus?
It is a subscription offering the Stratechery Update, Stratechery Interviews, and several podcasts for $15 per month or $150 per year.
Stratechery (Ben Thompson)Read Original Article

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