Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] In industry, the absence of one law means big tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.) and AI startups will influence policy by how responsibly they act or through lobbying - perhaps preferring one federal standard eventually. Tax Shark
• [New] Google is testing its new online coupon service in Portland, Oregon, and will then rapidly expand it to large cities such as New York and San Francisco as a part of a new mobile payment service Google also unveiled recently that allows users to pay for products directly through their smartphones. SlideShare
• [New] The switch to in-house Wi-Fi chips will enhance connectivity across Apple devices while also giving Apple a cost reduction. MacRumors
• [New] IKEA will refresh its smart home products with Matter compatibility, so they can be used with Apple Home and other platforms without its hub. iDownloadBlog.com
• [New] Amazon is cutting jobs, Ford is rolling out AI, and opportunities in tech seem harder to access. Coopers Group AG
• [New] Apple's ability to integrate AI seamlessly into macOS could drive future upgrades, particularly as enterprises prioritize AI-capable hardware. AppleMagazine
• [New] Beyond warehouses, Amazon's Wellspring system uses AI to map complex delivery routes, while its SCOT system forecasts demand with precision, reducing shipping costs and boosting efficiency. 24/7 Wall St.
• [New] Google and Vertex AI: Google's enterprise AI platform will likely incorporate more sophisticated RAG orchestration capabilities to compete with Progress Software's enhanced offering. News from generation RAG
• [New] Amazon Prime Day is best time to scoop up an Amazon-owned product, in 2025 we are expecting huge discounts on Amazon Echo's, Amazon Fire Sticks, Kindles, Ring Doorbells, as well as Amazon's streaming services like Prime Video and Amazon Music. Radio Times
• [New] Google will be using both automated and manual reviews, and policy violation could result in disapprovals, account suspensions, or even blacklisting. Adido
• [New] SMRs do not themselves employ a lot of people when they are up and running, but they could enable tech giants like Amazon or Google to set up shop with electricity-hungry artificial intelligence data centers. Winnipeg Free Press
• [New] Google DeepMind made groundbreaking strides with AlphaGenome, unlocking the potential of previously misunderstood segments of DNA. The Future Thinker
• [New] Apple and Google App Stores Offer China-linked VPN Apps - Both Apple's and Google's online stores offer free virtual private network (VPN) apps that have undisclosed ties to Chinese companies, likely posing a privacy risk. The Hacker News
• [New] New features tailored for both casual and professional users will likely include improved multitasking capabilities, enhanced privacy settings, and deeper integration with Apple's ecosystem. Geeky gadgets
• [New] From the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series to advancements in wearables, smart home devices, and software, Apple's ecosystem is set to expand and evolve. Geeky gadgets
• [New] A company like Amazon could use emotion-responsive interfaces to detect when a customer is frustrated with their shopping experience and provide a more empathetic and helpful response. SuperAGI
• [New] In 2025 we are expecting huge discounts on Amazon Echos, Amazon Fire Sticks, Kindles, Ring Doorbells, as well as Amazon's streaming services like Prime Video and Amazon Music, and we have already seen four months of free Amazon Music. Radio Times
• [New] By 2030, Apple Intelligence could be fully integrated with all Apple devices and services in its ecosystem, as well as with IoT devices outside the Apple Universe. 24/7 Wall St.
• [New] Google faces EU antitrust complaint over AI Overviews; publishers seek interim relief citing threat of irreparable business harm. Leverage Edu
• [New] Apple is preparing a staggered rollout of XR products that will reshape the future of wearable computing from now through 2028. 9meters
• Amazon + Talen Energy Amazon signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Talen Energy for 1,920 MW of nuclear energy to run data centers in Pennsylvania through 2042. Cognitive Energy LLC
• Lloyd's Register has joined a coalition of major energy users, including Amazon, Google, Meta and Dow, pledging to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. SAFETY4SEA
• Google has agreed to purchase power from a planned fusion power plant in the 2030s in only the second electricity offtake deal to be signed in the nascent fusion energy sector. no2nuclearpower

Last updated: 13 July 2025