Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] A proposed SpaceX and xAI merger could accelerate Elon Musk's plan to build space-based AI data centers, using solar-powered satellites to reduce energy costs and compete with Google, Meta, OpenAI, and emerging rivals. FinTech Weekly
• [New] Competitors in the satellite internet sector, such as Amazon with Project Kuiper, could find themselves sidelined if the SpaceX-xAI-Tesla triad achieves a monopoly on space-based AI services. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon are reportedly in talks around a potential investment package that could total as much as $60 billion into OpenAI, underscoring how capital-intensive frontier AI has become. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Intel is leading an AI Open Systems Strategy with partners like Google and Dell to create an open, multi-vendor alternative for enterprise AI, reducing the risk of a single point of failure. EnkiAI - Find the right insight
• [New] Apple integrates system-level AI that could bypass third-party providers. AI CERTs News
• [New] Autonomous ride-hailing services - AKA robotaxis - are making their way to Europe, with Waymo (Google), Uber and Lyft (Baidu) announcing London launches in 2026, and UK-based startup Wayve targeting 2027. Forbes
• [New] When ChatGPT launches ads, they will not work like Google search ads. Bigeye
• [New] Corporate instability grows as Citibank and Amazon layoffs signal a trend; 60% of firms anticipate further cuts in 2026. Through my Asian lens
• [New] To help give advertisers more opportunities to drive downloads from search results, Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across search queries. Mint
• [New] Apple is reportedly developing an AI wearable pin for 2027, and pivoting Siri toward a Google Gemini-backed chatbot. Sophic Capital
• [New] Proof of monetization from Alibaba, Baidu, and vertical specialists will drive sentiment toward Chinese AI Applications across sectors. AI CERTs News
• [New] By 2033, Amazon could avoid hiring up to 500,000 human workers by deploying advanced autonomous systems. Economic Times
• [New] Amazon is expected to raise its AI capex in 2026 by 61% to more than $125 billion. Forbes
• [New] Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership that will see Google's Gemini models and cloud infrastructure powering the next generation of Apple Foundation Models. BearNetAI - Bytes to Insights
• [New] Amazon is testing humanoids from an American startup called Agility and, according to leaked memos, expects to replace a significant number of workers with robots in the next few years. Wired
• [New] The next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology under a multiyear agreement, with the goal of powering future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri. Campus Technology

Last updated: 01 February 2026