Business & Technology
Video: iAuto.lv shows unusual road construction machine at work
Latvian outlet iAuto.lv has published a video of an unfamiliar piece of heavy machinery that, based on the accompanying description, mills existing asphalt and mixes it with binding material to create a renewed road surface. The source does not identify the exact equipment.
iAuto.lv · 24 Aug, 09:39
Why data breaches in state institutions are eroding trust in Latvia's digital government
Following several cyber incidents at Latvian state institutions, experts warn that repeated data breaches threaten public trust in the digital state. OECD data shows trust in Latvia's government is already low and continuing to decline.
Delfi · 24 Aug, 09:39
Minister: storm exposed serious gaps in businesses' backup power capacity
Following widespread power outages caused by a severe storm, a minister says many private companies, including telecom operators and fuel retailers, were unprepared to operate independently for long periods without grid power. The government's crisis management council will review the storm's aftermath today.
Dienas Bizness · 24 Aug, 08:39
Fast-fashion giant Shein targets $27bn valuation ahead of Hong Kong listing
Shein will begin trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange on 1 September, aiming to raise up to $1.77bn and reach a valuation of nearly $27bn — about 70% below its private-market peak four years ago.
The Guardian World · 24 Aug, 07:40
State agencies weigh replacing license plates after CSDD cyberattack
Several Latvian security and law-enforcement agencies are assessing whether leaked data from a cyberattack on the road traffic authority CSDD threatens their vehicles, with some considering replacing license plates. The breach in early August exposed data on 1.2 million people and about 200,000 legal entities.
Dienas Bizness · 24 Aug, 07:39
Nearly 3 million Teslas among record 4 million cars recalled in China over hidden door handles
China has ordered its largest-ever car recall, covering more than 4 million vehicles including nearly 3 million Chinese-built Teslas, after concerns that flush-fitting door handles are hard to find and use in emergencies.
BBC World · 24 Aug, 06:37
Fifth application round opens for small farm investment support
Latvia's Rural Support Service has opened a fifth round of applications for small farm investment support, with a total of €4.578 million available. The funding is distributed across nine regional agricultural authorities.
Dienas Bizness · 24 Aug, 06:36
Storm aftermath in Jūrmala: worst damage reported along the seaside
Following the storm on August 23, the coastal area of Jūrmala suffered the heaviest damage, with wind snapping and toppling mainly deciduous trees. Main roads have been cleared, but some side streets remain closed.
iAuto.lv · 24 Aug, 05:42
China postpones Chang'e 7 Moon mission until 2027
China has delayed the launch of its Chang'e 7 lunar south pole mission, citing the need to guarantee absolute success. The next viable launch window may not arrive until next spring.
Ars Technica · 24 Aug, 04:44
Canada to impose tariffs on range of US goods starting September 8
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced retaliatory tariffs on US goods, effective September 8, after trade talks between the two countries failed to produce a new agreement. Carney said Canada and the US are now in a trade war.
ERR (rus) · 24 Aug, 04:42
UK productivity rising faster than official data show, thinktank says
The Resolution Foundation says UK productivity has been improving more strongly in recent years than official statistics indicate, suggesting the economy may finally be shaking off the effects of the 2008 financial crisis.
The Guardian World · 24 Aug, 04:39
New MG 07 sedan debuts in China from around €13,700
A new mid-size sedan, the MG 07, has been unveiled in China, offered in both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions starting at roughly €13,700. The car comes in seven trim levels with varying range and features.
iAuto.lv · 24 Aug, 04:35
Is training AI on copyrighted books legal? Courts are still figuring it out
US court rulings suggest training AI models on copyrighted works is often legal, but the overall legal landscape remains murky and inconsistent.
TechCrunch AI · 24 Aug, 03:42
Is training AI on copyrighted books legal? The answer is complicated
US court rulings on whether AI companies can legally train models on copyrighted works remain inconsistent, as decades-old copyright law struggles to address modern AI. Legal experts say outcomes often hinge on whether the resulting product directly competes with the original work's market.
TechCrunch · 24 Aug, 03:41
Streamer files class action against Twitch and Amazon over AI training on his content
A Connecticut-based Twitch streamer, Warren Pandiscia, has filed a class action lawsuit against Twitch and Amazon, alleging his streams were used without consent to train Amazon's AI models. The suit cites breach of contract and unfair enrichment at creators' expense.
Engadget · 24 Aug, 03:39
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Europe's drying trend could bring lasting economic setbacks
Severe wildfires, parched fields and shrinking major rivers across several European countries point to climate change potentially reshaping the continent's economy in the future. The developments are seen as a warning sign of deeper, longer-term shifts ahead.
TVNET · 24 Aug, 03:36
UK government promises fairer business rate valuations for pubs and hotels
The UK government is launching an independent review of the business rates valuation system for hospitality venues in England and Wales, after the sector faced steep tax rises this year. The review, led by specialist Jerry Schurder, is due to report to the Treasury by the end of March 2027.
The Guardian World · 24 Aug, 03:36
Oil prices dip slightly amid Iranian threats to close Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices fell slightly on Sunday even as Iran threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz and new US sanctions loom. Flow through the strait remains at roughly half its pre-war volume.
Ukrainska Pravda · 24 Aug, 03:36
Does Analogue 3D really turn retro games into 4K? Here's the truth
The Analogue 3D console uses FPGA technology to output Nintendo 64 games in 4K HDMI, but it doesn't add new detail to the original games — it enhances the picture rather than recreating it.
Engadget · 24 Aug, 02:41
How to keep Siri from interrupting your CarPlay drives
Several iPhone settings can stop Siri from talking over music, calls or conversations while using Apple CarPlay. Adjusting Focus modes, notification announcements and navigation voice guidance can make drives less distracting.
Engadget · 24 Aug, 01:39
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EU drafts plans for a shared European business wallet
European Union institutions are working on a regulation to create a European Business Wallet aimed at making cross-border business easier. The tool would simplify company registration, opening bank accounts and passing various checks.
Apollo.lv · 24 Aug, 01:38
What is a VESA mount and how to find your TV's pattern
VESA measurements define the spacing between a TV's mounting holes, but confirming compatibility also requires checking a mount's weight limit and hardware requirements. Manufacturer specs or manual measurement can reveal the exact pattern.
Engadget · 24 Aug, 00:36
Shopping centres evolve into multifunctional lifestyle hubs
Traditional shopping centres are increasingly turning into multifunctional complexes that combine retail with sports, leisure and coworking spaces. Daily grocery shopping still happens at local stores, while larger centres are becoming destinations for broader experiences.
Delfi · 23 Aug, 23:40
Who built the mysterious new AI model Ox Alpha?
A free AI model called Ox Alpha released on OpenRouter has sparked widespread speculation about who actually developed it, since its creator has chosen to remain anonymous. Guesses range from Chinese AI firm Z.ai to Microsoft's unreleased MAI model.
TechCrunch · 23 Aug, 23:37
Mystery surrounds identity of new 'stealth' AI model Ox Alpha
A free new AI model called Ox Alpha appeared on OpenRouter on Thursday with its developer choosing to stay anonymous, sparking widespread online speculation about which company created it.
TechCrunch AI · 23 Aug, 23:37
War, climate shocks and trade disputes push up global grain prices
According to The New York Times, wars, climate-driven shocks and trade disputes are simultaneously battering the world's key grain-producing regions, pushing the global food system into dangerous territory.
The New York Times · 23 Aug, 23:35
Android Auto vs. Android Automotive: what's the actual difference?
Android Auto and Android Automotive are two distinct Google products for cars — one relies on your phone, the other runs directly on the vehicle's hardware. Despite the similar names, their purpose and functionality differ significantly.
Engadget · 23 Aug, 23:35
Humanoid Robots Beat Usain Bolt's 100-Meter Record in Beijing
At the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, the Tiangong Ultra robot ran the 100-meter dash in 9.39 seconds, beating Usain Bolt's 2009 human world record. Most robots crashed into padding after finishing, and some needed human help to be carried off.
Engadget · 23 Aug, 22:41
GTA VI: what to know about Rockstar's next Grand Theft Auto ahead of November launch
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to launch on November 19th for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles at $79.99, amid ongoing leaks, pricing news and worker unionization efforts. Rockstar is preparing a new extended preview, while physical copies will contain only a download code rather than a disc.
The Verge · 23 Aug, 22:38
Uber fined nearly $1B in Netherlands over automated driver account suspensions
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has fined Uber €825 million (about $966 million) for deactivating driver accounts through an automated process without adequate warning or human review. Uber says it will appeal the decision.
TechCrunch · 23 Aug, 22:35
Why are there so many fast-charging standards, and how do they differ
Smartphone fast charging spans several competing standards, from the universal USB PD to manufacturers' proprietary systems. Reaching top speeds depends on matching the device with a compatible charger and cable.
Engadget · 23 Aug, 21:36
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airBaltic rescue plan set to reduce Latvian state's influence in airline
A financial stabilization plan for airBaltic backed by the Saeima involves restructuring debt and raising a new €225 million loan, which will shrink the ownership stakes of the Latvian state and Lufthansa. Latvian broadcaster TV3's programme "Nekā personīga" reports the state may need to invest further funds later to retain influence.
Apollo.lv · 23 Aug, 20:39
Is it safe to charge your phone with a laptop's USB-C charger?
Modern USB-C chargers use the Power Delivery standard, letting the phone negotiate exactly the power it needs, making cross-device charging generally safe. Risks mainly come from cheap, uncertified chargers and cables.
Engadget · 23 Aug, 20:38
Waymo reveals custom chip powering its next-gen robotaxi system
Waymo this week detailed a custom 5 nm chip that processes sensor data for its robotaxis, part of a broader push to cut costs, alongside several other industry deals and regulatory developments.
TechCrunch · 23 Aug, 19:40
Film Review: 'We're All Going to the World's Fair' Is an Intimate Coming-of-Age Horror Story
With director Jane Schoenbrun's new film drawing crowds in theaters, a critic revisits her 2021 debut 'We're All Going to the World's Fair,' calling it an original entry in indie body horror.
The Verge · 23 Aug, 18:42
Spying device detectors may give domestic abuse victims false sense of security, study finds
Researchers at University College London found that commercial detectors marketed to find hidden spying devices often fail to do so, creating a false sense of security for domestic abuse victims. They call for restrictions on the sale of covert surveillance devices themselves.
The Guardian World · 23 Aug, 18:41