Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] Pinterest committed $4 billion to Amazon Web Services through 2031, its largest-ever infrastructure deal, to power the AI models behind 80 billion monthly searches where roughly half of all search activity is commercial. TIKR.com
• [New] The 2026 iPad Pro will almost certainly use a newer Apple silicon generation than the last Pro update. TechYorker
• [New] Amazon said it will invest an additional $13 billion in India, expanding its cloud, AI, and digital infrastructure footprint in one of the world's most important technology markets. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] If EU rules force more openness, portability, or fairer access terms, it could affect cloud pricing, AI model deployment, and the bargaining power of smaller companies building on top of Amazon and Microsoft. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] The UK's proposed social media ban, due to come into force in 2027, would block under-16s from accessing Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook and from livestreaming or communicating with strangers on gaming sites such as Roblox. The Guardian
• [New] Amazon MQ for RabbitMQ brokers could previously only reach external destinations over the public internet. Amazon Web Services
• [New] Google plans to provide advance notifications and performance guidance to help advertisers prepare for the upcoming optimization adjustments. MarketingProfs
• [New] Apple is planning to release its first AI-focused wearable - a pair of camera-equipped AirPods - in late 2027. Fortune
• [New] Google and Blackstone announced an AI cloud / data-center venture in which Blackstone will initially invest $5 billion of equity, with total investment potentially reaching $25 billion including leverage. Perspective on Risk
• [New] Cloud operators such as Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta are together expected to spend close to $700 billion in capital expenditures in 2026 as they expand AI infrastructure. GlobeNewswire
• [New] Amazon has set a target of becoming water positive by 2030, meaning it would return more water to communities than it consumes. Crypto Briefing
• [New] Last week, SpaceX said it had inked a multiyear agreement with Google, through which Google will pay $920 million per month for compute to power its AI efforts. Gizmodo
• [New] The new Amazon Ads MCP Server is built on the Model Content Protocol, an open standard that will allow AI platforms to communicate with external tools. Ignite Visibility
• [New] Siri AI runs on the new Apple Foundation Models built with Google's Gemini technology, and it plans across App Intents the way a coding agent plans across MCP tools. Data, Lakehouse and AI with Alex Merced
• [New] Amazon has secured Civil Aviation Authority permission to begin same-day drone parcel deliveries in Britain, and the CAA's Future of Flight roadmap targets routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations by 2027 - the regulatory key to UK deliveries and long-range inspections over towns and villages. North London Drone Surveys
• [New] Prime members can expect to save up to 80% on everything from Amazon devices to premium beauty brands and summer fashion staples. Forbes
• [New] Google and Xreal are pushing into new territory with the VR-like, glasses-sized Project Aura, also expected in 2026. CNet
• [New] Consumers now expect features such as over-the-air updates, real-time traffic data, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta alone plan to allocate $725 billion to capital expenditures in 2026 - up 77% from last year's $410 billion. Forbes
• [New] Google Search will use AI agents for online shopping, introducing a Universal Cart that works across merchants and services. BGR
• [New] The upcoming iPhone might be the first Apple cellphone to embrace silicon anode batteries. CNet

Last updated: 28 June 2026