Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] The emergence of Google-owner Alphabet as a potential threat, thanks to the launch of its own custom AI chips, has seen shares in the erstwhile poster child of AI, Nvidia, come under pressure as its previous dominance of the AI semiconductor space is questioned. AJ Bell
• [New] Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in high-powered chips and vast data centers to build the infrastructure of AI, which they hope will lead the next transformative wave of innovation and economic growth. Nasdaq
• [New] By 2039, Amazon envisions that by 2039 its SMRs could collectively power 5,000 MW. Nuclear Museum
• [New] In May of 2025, Amazon Web Services announced its intention to launch a new AWS region in Chile by the end of 2026, a cloud region project that will total a $4 billion investment. Roza.Pace@trade.gov
• [New] Amazon, which now operates over one million robots across its fulfilment network, is on track to automate nearly 75% of its warehouse operations by 2027. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Amazon tackles the discovery problem: As frustration with content search and discovery reaches a tipping point, 2026 could see Amazon Prime Video introduce a universal video search experience that spans platforms - including services outside the Amazon ecosystem. Streaming Media Magazine
• [New] Tech companies, such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, deepened their investigation of nuclear power in 2025, and that trend could continue into the 2026-2030 period. Turbomachinery Magazine
• [New] Google teamed up with Kairos Power to deploy advanced nuclear reactors, with the goal of making one operational by 2030. Turbomachinery Magazine
• [New] Google has signed a landmark deal with Kairos Power to deploy 500 megawatts of advanced nuclear capacity by 2035, with the first facility, Hermes 2, coming online in Tennessee by 2030. Invezz
• [New] Amazon alone will not be enough, growth shifts to niche and regional marketplaces While global marketplaces continue to scale, the fastest growth is happening across regional and category-specific platforms. RetailToday
• [New] Google has restarted the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Iowa, which was closed in 2020, with a target restart of 2028-2029. Invezz
• [New] The most impactful technology in 2026 will be the widespread use of smart AI assistants for developers - such as GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q, Cursor, and Codeium. Metana
• [New] Google will be laser-focused on pushing Gemini into everything. TechRadar
• [New] Amazon is considering not renewing its shipping contract with USPS that expires in 2026 and instead expanding its own national delivery network. Government Executive
• [New] Amazon Logistics handled 6.3 billion parcels in 2024, just below USPS's 6.9 billion, and is projected to surpass USPS in parcel volume by 2028. Mass Market Retailers
• [New] The Magnificent 7 companies (Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla) are projected to spend $500 billion on capital expenditures in 2026. investing.com
• [New] Companies like Meta and Google have morphed into hyperscalers that invest heavily in GPUs, data centers, and AI-driven products, which changes their risk profile and business model. CNBC
• Google has confirmed that Gemini will fully replace Google Assistant in 2026. Shelly Palmer
• Warby Parker and Google teaming on AI-powered smart glasses for 2026, pushing distribution through optical retail rather than only tech stores. Glass Almanac
• Amazon currently has over 1M warehouse robots deployed and hopes to automate 75% of its global operations by 2027 - a goal that would reduce new human worker hires by 160 K. The Tech Buzz
• Google will launch its first AI glasses in 2026. MarketingProfs

Last updated: 04 January 2026