Business & Technology
Qualcomm backs Ultrahuman with $70M as smart ring maker aims to build a wearable computer
Indian wearable startup Ultrahuman has raised $70 million, including from Qualcomm Ventures, to turn its smart rings into on-device computing platforms rather than simple trackers. The round values the company at $365 million, roughly triple its 2023 valuation.
TechCrunch · 3 Sept, 20:32
Microsoft launches pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Starting in November, Microsoft will let anyone stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming without a Game Pass subscription by purchasing playtime hours, while also capping cloud hours for existing subscribers.
The Verge · 3 Sept, 20:32
2026 Ig Nobel Prizes honor odd but genuine science
Improbable Research has announced the 2026 Ig Nobel Prizes, celebrating quirky yet scientifically valid research ranging from splash-free urinal design to the aerodynamics of nose-blowing. For the first time in 35 years, the ceremony moved from Boston to Zurich amid growing safety concerns for international travelers visiting the US.
Ars Technica · 3 Sept, 20:31
Germany's car industry woes fuel political concern and boost EU industrial policy push
Rising Chinese competition is hitting Germany's car industry hard, with BMW set to cut 8,000 jobs by 2027, prompting political worry and stronger backing for EU industrial policy measures.
Politico Europe · 3 Sept, 20:27
Lenovo Unveils Fanless Laptop Concept, Project AeroBlade
At IFA Berlin 2026, Lenovo showcased a laptop concept called Project AeroBlade that cools its processor using air pressure instead of fans. The device is remarkably thin and light and appears close to production-ready.
Wired · 3 Sept, 19:30
Tecno unveils concept phone with virtually no screen bezel
Budget brand Tecno has built a concept smartphone called Bezelless with a screen that appears to have no visible bezel at all. The device will never go on sale, but demonstrates the technology is possible.
The Verge · 3 Sept, 19:30
AI assistant Ollie bets on privacy to stand out in the crowded assistant market
San Diego-based AI assistant Ollie has achieved SOC 2 compliance, positioning data privacy as its key differentiator against rivals. The company relies on a subscription model and says it does not share user data with anyone.
TechCrunch AI · 3 Sept, 19:27
Motorola unveils new crystal-covered Razr edition
Motorola has introduced another special edition of its Razr flip phone, this time in black and covered in Swarovski crystals. The company also announced a new Moto Watch Ultra smartwatch.
Engadget · 3 Sept, 19:26
airBaltic agrees on bridge financing terms of up to €257 million
Latvian airline airBaltic has reached an agreement with some of its existing bondholders and third-party financing providers on bridge financing terms of up to €257 million, the company announced.
TVNET · 3 Sept, 19:26
airBaltic agrees on loan of up to €257 million
Latvian airline airBaltic has reached an agreement with investors on a loan that could total up to €257 million. The funds are intended to strengthen the company's liquidity and support the rollout of its new business plan.
LSM · 3 Sept, 19:25
Widespread outage hits ChatGPT, Claude and Grok
On September 3, 2026, users worldwide reported simultaneous outages across ChatGPT, Claude and Grok, and OpenAI later confirmed a separate new incident causing elevated errors.
4 avoti · 3 Sept, 18:33
Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches on April 8, 2027
Sony's State of Play livestream revealed that Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the third and final part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, will release on April 8, 2027 for consoles and PC.
Engadget · 3 Sept, 18:27
Driverless robotaxis begin operating on London's streets
London has become the first European city where British firm Wayve's driverless taxis are available through Uber, getting ahead of Google's Waymo and China's Baidu. Wayve now plans to expand with Uber to Tokyo and ten other cities.
France 24 · 3 Sept, 18:26
EU subjects ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox to its strictest platform rules
The European Union has decided to apply its strictest online platform rules to ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox, a move that shows the European Commission now treats ChatGPT as a search engine.
Politico Europe · 3 Sept, 18:25
SwitchBot unveils retrofit smart lock with 19 ways to unlock doors
At IFA, SwitchBot introduced a new retrofit smart lock bundle for the European market that offers up to 19 different ways to open a door. The device is designed to fit onto existing door locks without requiring a full replacement.
The Verge · 3 Sept, 17:31
AI uncovers nearly 10,000 hidden field islands across Estonia
University of Tartu researchers used artificial intelligence to scan Estonia's farmland and found roughly 10,000 more tree-and-shrub 'field islands' than are listed in the official register. These tiny habitats are important nesting and foraging sites for birds and beneficial insects.
ERR News · 3 Sept, 17:28
Salaries, housing support for teachers and another data leak: economic news roundup for September 3
Delfi Bizness has compiled Thursday's, September 3, economic highlights — from salary levels and housing support for teachers to a new data leak in Latvia and Norway's seizure of a Russian cruise ship.
Delfi · 3 Sept, 17:27
Lego to release near-life-size original PlayStation console set
Lego will launch a nearly 1:1 scale replica of the original PlayStation console on October 1, featuring 1,911 pieces and two hidden dioramas, priced at $180.
Engadget · 3 Sept, 17:27
Milan medtech startup Tensive secures €20 million EIB loan to advance breast reconstruction implant
The European Investment Bank has granted Milan-based biomaterials company Tensive a €20 million convertible loan to fund clinical research and commercial readiness for its bioresorbable REGENERA implant. The financing covers half of the company's €40 million plan and is backed by the EU's InvestEU programme.
EU-Startups · 3 Sept, 17:26
Nvidia to Acquire AI Platform Hugging Face for $12.93 Billion
Nvidia has confirmed a deal to buy the open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, pledging to keep it open for the entire AI community.
5 avoti · 3 Sept, 16:34
Riga marks roof-raising ceremony for "Verde" business quarter's Building C
Construction of Building C in Riga's "Verde" business quarter is progressing faster than expected, with over a third of its space already reserved. The building is due for completion in spring 2027.
Dienas Bizness · 3 Sept, 16:33
Nvidia RTX Spark: First AI-Focused PCs Debut at IFA 2026
At the IFA 2026 tech show in Berlin, Nvidia and partner manufacturers showcased the first laptops and mini PCs built around the RTX Spark chip, designed to run AI workloads locally. Pricing remains unannounced but is expected to be high.
Wired · 3 Sept, 16:31
TechCrunch seeks volunteers for Founder Summit event in Boston
TechCrunch is recruiting volunteers for its rebranded Boston event, Founder Summit, taking place on November 4. Applications close October 19.
TechCrunch · 3 Sept, 16:31
HTC Vive Eagle smart glasses finally launch in the West
A year after debuting in Taiwan, HTC is bringing its Vive Eagle smart glasses to the US, Europe, the UK and Australia. The device pairs an AI assistant with a camera and speakers, keeping its original specs largely unchanged.
Engadget · 3 Sept, 16:30
DJI unveils second-generation Romo robovac with new local privacy mode
DJI has announced its Romo 2 robot vacuum lineup, offering quieter operation, greater power, and a new local-only data mode following serious security issues with the first generation. Pricing and release date remain unannounced.
The Verge · 3 Sept, 16:29
John Lewis launches YouTube chatshow to boost visibility in AI search
UK department store chain John Lewis is starting a gift-themed video show aimed at making its products more visible to AI chatbots and search tools. The move follows a sharp rise in customers using AI to find products.
The Guardian World · 3 Sept, 16:28
Analysis: Kais Saied's self-reliance drive has deepened Tunisia's economic crisis
An Al Jazeera opinion piece argues that Tunisian President Kais Saied's promised path to economic self-reliance has failed to resolve the country's crisis and has instead made it worse.
Al Jazeera · 3 Sept, 16:27
Europe's next energy challenge isn't generation — it's the grid
After a decade focused on scaling up renewable energy, Europe's main challenge has shifted to its aging, congested power grid, which is delaying connections for new factories, data centres and charging networks. Experts say the solution lies not only in new infrastructure but also in technology that boosts capacity on existing networks.
EU-Startups · 3 Sept, 16:25
Study finds EV batteries last longer than commonly assumed
A large-scale study by Austrian company AVILOO, based on over 500,000 used EV battery tests, shows most electric cars retain about 90% or more of their original battery capacity after 150,000 kilometers. Results vary significantly between models and even between identical cars.
iAuto.lv · 3 Sept, 15:30
Nvidia to acquire open-source AI platform Hugging Face for nearly $13 billion
Nvidia has announced a deal to acquire Hugging Face, the popular open-source AI hosting platform, for $12.93 billion. The chipmaker pledges the platform will remain open to the entire AI ecosystem.
The Verge · 3 Sept, 15:28
Amazon's Zoox extends robotaxi service to Las Vegas airport
Zoox has begun offering rides to and from Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport with its driverless taxi fleet. The move follows a recent federal exemption allowing the company to formally operate a commercial ride service.
TechCrunch · 3 Sept, 15:26
Uber to cut 10% of global workforce in biggest layoffs since the pandemic
Uber is cutting about 10% of its global staff, flattening management layers and merging small teams to redirect funds toward growth and autonomous rides. The company is also shutting operations in Nigeria and Uganda.
Euronews Business · 3 Sept, 15:25
NVIDIA to acquire Hugging Face for $12.93 billion
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has announced the company will buy AI platform Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, strengthening its grip on both AI hardware and software. The deal confirms weeks of speculation.
Engadget · 3 Sept, 15:24
Restaurants Increasingly Turn to Ugly AI-Generated Food Images on Menus
Restaurants and cafes are increasingly using AI-generated food images on their menus, though many look unnatural and unappealing. Beyond imagery, companies are also using AI to help decide what new foods and flavors to sell.
Wired · 3 Sept, 14:32
Samsung showcases AI-driven home and device innovations at IFA 2026
At the IFA 2026 trade show in Berlin, running September 2-6, Samsung is presenting new AI features across TVs, gaming monitors, home appliances and its latest smartphone. The company highlights a connected device ecosystem where AI helps save energy and simplify daily routines.
iAuto.lv · 3 Sept, 14:28
Hotel Jūrmala SPA completes €1.2 million renovation of its spa centre
Hotel Jūrmala SPA has invested €1.2 million in renovating its spa centre, upgrading treatment rooms and equipment. The company also reported higher revenue and profit last year.
Dienas Bizness · 3 Sept, 13:27