Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] The AR announcements could just be a new iteration of ARKit or new AR features for Google Maps, Google Lens, or another Google app. MIXED
• [New] With Google's enterprise AI platform, Vertex AI, and its Gemini models, PwC will help customers set new benchmarks for digital transformation and improve their businesses for growth and efficiency. Google Cloud Press Corner
• [New] Google will fund the construction of an interlink cable connecting Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Hawaii Tech News
• [New] A threat actor is using a PowerShell script that was likely created with the help of an artificial intelligence system such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, or Microsoft's CoPilot. BleepingComputer
• [New] By utilizing Shopify's commerce operating system, built on Google Cloud, along with the expansive suite of Google Cloud offerings, brands will have the foundational technology needed for Cognizant to execute impactful digital transformation and deliver benefits across a range of retail scenarios. News | Cognizant Technology Solutions
• [New] The AI network interface cards, which are already being used by Google Cloud, will provide a secure way to offload functionality like storage, networking and container management and manage AI infrastructure. TechRepublic
• [New] Strategic collaboration between MGI and Google Cloud to consolidate MGI's marketplaces into one cloud infrastructure, which is expected to drive economies of scale. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Caribbean - Under the influence of digital transformation, some forward-looking companies like Amazon are finding new opportunities to increase efficiency, improve customer service, and drive growth. ICT Pulse - The leading technology blog in the Caribbean
• [New] Although Amazon's proposition is likely to surprise people who are expecting more innovation in physical retail. The Interline
• [New] Google will allow users to block third-party cookies for five years on incognito mode to prevent potential data collection on external websites. Council on Foreign Relations
• [New] TD will add Google Cloud services to its portfolio of data-driven technology solutions to support its delivery of innovative banking experiences. FinExtra
• [New] Amazon has ditched its cashierless supermarket system, whereby customers with a Prime membership could simply walk out with a cart full of groceries having never checked out or swiped a credit card. Sky News Australia
• [New] Yoco's secure payment processing solutions will seamlessly integrate into Shopstar's platform, allowing business owners to accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay. IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Star
• [New] Understanding AI-Generated Content: Google acknowledges the rise of AI content creation but warns against overreliance. Bertan
• [New] Microsoft and Google benefit from proprietary models integrated with cloud and productivity suites but risk missing opportunities from emerging open ecosystems. Pure SEO
• [New] Amazon will hit U.S. sellers with new inbound placement fees if sellers do not ship inventory into at least four different Amazon warehouses. Fortune
• [New] Apple will bring generative AI into its iPhone 16 series in a big way, particularly when it comes to making Siri smarter and more capable. CNet
• [New] Many speculate that AI chatbots could be the future of Google Search; a new, more efficient way to retrieve information on the internet. Gizmodo
• Amazon says it will now be replaced by smart carts that allow customers to skip the checkout line but also see their spending in real time. Orlando Sentinel
• Computer vision will soon see a major surge in popularity and become mainstream as companies like Apple and Meta continue to innovate in the spaces of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. The Teen Magazine
• Independent repair shops could alleviate pressure on Apple's authorized repair channels, while consumers would have more control over repairs and potentially extend the lifespan of their devices, aligning with growing environmental consciousness. GizChina Media
• In addition to augmented reality for Google Search, AR is expected to become central to the Maps application. Spiceworks
• On Apple and Alphabet, EU investigators will look into whether the tech giants' app stores are in breach of the DMA's steering rules that mandate that they allow developers to let consumers know of payment methods outside their app stores. Tech Xplore

Last updated: 14 April 2024