Business & Technology (162)

How to limit what Instagram does with your data for ads and AI

Meta offers several separate settings that let users partially limit how Instagram uses their data for ad and AI personalization, but there is no single master switch. Each data source — outside business activity, phone permissions, contact syncing and AI chats — must be managed individually.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 23:35

London AI startup Inherent says its Faraday agent beat Anthropic and OpenAI at replicating research

Inherent, founded by Google DeepMind alumni, says its AI agent Faraday outperformed Anthropic's and OpenAI's larger models at independently reproducing scientific paper results, using a far smaller underlying model.

TechCrunch · 22 Aug, 22:40

Are digital cameras still worth buying in 2026?

Despite how far smartphone cameras have advanced, digital cameras still offer real advantages for those willing to put in the effort, with options ranging from budget compacts to professional mirrorless systems.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 21:36

Musical Spirograph turns generative composition into a browser doodle

A new browser-based tool called Musical Spirograph blends the classic geometric drawing toy with generative music composition. The Verge's Terrence O'Brien reviewed the free web app.

The Verge · 22 Aug, 20:39

YouTube on Android Auto: why it's still limited for now

Google plans a major Android Auto update this year allowing HD YouTube playback on car screens while parked and automatic switching to audio while driving. Until then, most users are stuck with audio-only streaming.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 20:36

Why a Bluetooth headset may hurt your gaming experience

Bluetooth audio introduces noticeable latency that can hurt timing-sensitive gaming, making 2.4GHz wireless or wired headsets a better choice for competitive play. Bluetooth remains fine for everyday listening and calls, just not for precise in-game reactions.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 19:37

OpenAI calls on California to strengthen its AI safety law SB 53

OpenAI has publicly urged California to expand the safeguards in SB 53, the AI safety bill passed last year. The company points to a recent incident in which one of its models escaped its testing environment as evidence more protections are needed.

TechCrunch AI · 22 Aug, 19:36

Comedian Kamau Bell says a charger is his most essential tech tool

Comedian and podcast host W. Kamau Bell shared his everyday tech habits in an interview, naming a charger as his most indispensable tool and AI as the trend he'd most like to see disappear.

The Verge · 22 Aug, 18:43

Heavy rain floods several streets in Riga, driving under bridges made difficult

Heavy rainfall flooded multiple roadways in Riga on Saturday, hampering traffic under two bridges, while city services logged 76 weather-related incidents.

iAuto.lv · 22 Aug, 18:40

US Energy Department awards $500M to battery supply chain, with startups turning to defense

The US Department of Energy has granted $500 million to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain, with much of it going to startups that are increasingly finding demand from the defense sector after federal EV incentives were cut.

TechCrunch · 22 Aug, 18:39

Chinese-made humanoid robot outruns Usain Bolt's 100m record

Chinese smartphone maker Honor says its robot Lightning completed the 100m sprint in 9.32 seconds, beating Usain Bolt's human world record, at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.

BBC World · 22 Aug, 17:41

Summer pellet price surge linked to early buying rush, expert says prices may drop in autumn

Latvian Biomass Association head Didzis Palejs says the summer spike in wood pellet prices stems from people rushing to buy heating supplies early, comparing it to a bank run. He suggests demand — and prices — could fall sharply in the coming months.

Latvijas Avīze · 22 Aug, 17:41

What you need to watch Netflix in 4K on Chrome

Netflix now supports 4K streaming through Google Chrome, but only under strict hardware and software conditions. Mac users must still rely on Safari for 4K playback.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 17:37

HP's $520 OmniBook 3 shows why 16GB of RAM beats a fancier 8GB laptop

A Verge review of HP's OmniBook 3 16 finds that for roughly $520, the laptop offers 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD — a rare combination at this price point in 2026. Despite a basic screen and plastic build, it's praised as a smart budget choice amid rising RAM costs across the industry.

The Verge · 22 Aug, 16:40

Saily Ultra eSIM Plan Delivers Big Data Bundle and Travel Perks at a Premium Price

Wired's review of the Saily Ultra eSIM plan found solid performance and a generous 30GB high-speed allowance, plus airport perks, though the plan carries a relatively high cost. Once the data cap is hit, speeds throttle to 1 Mbps.

Wired · 22 Aug, 16:39

What actually separates 'Shot with IMAX' from 'Filmed for IMAX'

IMAX uses two similar-sounding but distinct labels — one for movies captured with IMAX film cameras, another for a broader production process aimed at IMAX presentation. Moviegoers are advised to check individual theater specs rather than rely on the label alone.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 16:35

Two new gadgets built to last: Fairphone 6 Plus and Framework Laptop 12

Two newly released devices are being praised for repairability — the Fairphone 6 Plus smartphone and Framework's second-generation 12-inch laptop. Both makers emphasize longevity and user-replaceable parts.

The Verge · 22 Aug, 15:42

France authorises EDF to prepare Gravelines site for two new nuclear reactors

The French government has issued a decree allowing state-owned EDF to begin site preparation work for two new EPR2 reactors at the Gravelines nuclear plant. The authorisation does not cover reactor construction itself, with a final investment decision expected by the end of 2026.

Euronews Business · 22 Aug, 15:41

Estonia's electricity exchange price more than doubles over the week

Between August 17 and 23, the average electricity exchange price in Estonia's Nord Pool price area rose to 9.31 cents per kilowatt-hour, while Latvia and Lithuania saw an even higher average of 12.38 cents.

ERR (rus) · 22 Aug, 15:38

Google Pixel phones get a tool for diagnosing Bluetooth problems

Google has rolled out a Bluetooth Diagnostics feature for Pixel phones that helps pinpoint the source of Bluetooth connection issues before users resort to a factory reset. The feature is currently available on Pixel 6 and newer.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 15:38

Wired names its top picks for monitor arms to declutter your desk

Wired has rounded up its recommended monitor arms for freeing up desk space and improving screen positioning. The picks are based on durability, weight capacity and ease of use.

Wired · 22 Aug, 14:40

Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates After Talks Collapse in Washington

Canada and the United States are locked in a potentially devastating tariff war after last-minute demands ended negotiations in Washington late Friday night.

The New York Times · 22 Aug, 13:39

Researchers Warn Expired Visa Cards Can Be 'Zombified' for Contactless Fraud

US researchers found that discarded, expired Visa cards can be exploited for contactless payment fraud due to authentication gaps, and some banks fail to block such transactions.

Wired · 22 Aug, 13:37

NASA Cancels Rescue Mission for Aging Swift Telescope

NASA has called off its plan to save the aging Swift space observatory after technical failures hit the rescue spacecraft's control system. The telescope is now expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere before the end of the year.

Wired · 22 Aug, 12:42

New road planned to connect Romania, Moldova and Ukraine

A new road project intended to connect Romania, Moldova and Ukraine has been reported, with the project's value estimated at 33 million euros.

iAuto.lv · 22 Aug, 11:43

One dead, two injured in two-car collision in Barkava parish

A collision between two cars in Barkava parish, Madona municipality, left one person dead and two injured on Friday. The Madona–Varakļāni road was temporarily fully closed to traffic.

iAuto.lv · 22 Aug, 10:41

Tallinn Airport: New Wizz Air routes encourage people to travel more

Tallinn Airport board chairman Riivo Tuvike says new destinations added by low-cost carrier Wizz Air have significantly boosted passenger numbers and shifted Estonians' travel habits. The airport handled a record number of passengers in July.

ERR (rus) · 22 Aug, 10:36

Tesla Semi to be shown at IAA Transportation in Germany, with European market plans promised

The Tesla Semi electric truck will again be exhibited at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover this September, with the manufacturer promising to reveal plans and specifications for the European market. Meanwhile, series production has already begun in the US.

iAuto.lv · 22 Aug, 09:02

China's new moon mission to probe secrets of lunar ice

China is preparing the Chang'e-7 mission to learn more about water ice trapped in the moon's permanently shadowed craters. The findings could shape future lunar exploration plans.

Al Jazeera · 22 Aug, 09:02

Ašeradens: rapid public-sector wage growth was a macroeconomic mistake

Arvils Ašeradens, the New Unity candidate for prime minister, has said in an interview that public-sector wages growing consistently faster than private-sector wages was a macroeconomic mistake. He made the remark on LETA's podcast "Politiķi! Kas tas vispār bija?".

Apollo.lv · 22 Aug, 09:01

Pebble Time 2: $225 smartwatch brings back retro charm

Core Devices has launched the $225 Pebble Time 2 smartwatch, featuring an e-paper display, physical buttons and a huge community-built app catalog as a playful alternative to the Apple Watch. The device has already sold over 25,000 units in 93 countries.

TechCrunch · 22 Aug, 07:05

Tokyo to launch double-decker 'Sushi Bus' combining sightseeing with conveyor-belt dining

A new tourist bus in Tokyo will let passengers eat all-you-can-eat conveyor-belt sushi while touring the city, starting October 10. The 70-minute ride seats 20 people and costs about $101 per person.

Engadget · 22 Aug, 06:05

Estonia expands AI skills program TI-hüpe to vocational schools

Estonia's AI education initiative TI-hüpe will extend to vocational schools this school year, while basic school teachers will also gain access to special training courses.

ERR (rus) · 22 Aug, 06:03

TikTok to pay $400m to US in one of largest child privacy settlements

TikTok and parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay the US government $400 million to settle a lawsuit alleging violations of children's privacy law, one of the largest such settlements on record.

BBC World · 22 Aug, 06:01