Business & Technology
Elektron's budget grooveboxes deserve more attention
Elektron's affordable Model:Samples and Model:Cycles grooveboxes are often overshadowed by flashier brands and pricier gear, but they offer a powerful, approachable step sequencer for $349.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 21:02
How to reset your ASUS router: two simple methods
ASUS offers two ways to reset a router to factory settings — through the online web portal or app, or manually using the reset button on the device. Users are advised to back up important settings first, since the process erases all custom data.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 20:59
Ukraine hits Russia's key rocket plant in Samara with cruise missiles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine struck the Progress Rocket Space Center in Russia's Samara region using ground-launched cruise missiles. The plant builds Russia's main launch vehicles and military satellites.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 20:04
SpaceX Officially Closes Its $60 Billion Cursor Acquisition
SpaceX has officially completed its acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor, a deal first announced in April. Cursor now becomes part of Elon Musk's space company.
TechCrunch AI · 15 Aug, 20:02
How to request a refund for an Xbox purchase
Microsoft allows refund requests for digital Xbox games and subscriptions, but the process isn't automatic and comes with several conditions. Requests are handled online, and full approval criteria remain unpublished.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 20:01
Switched on Pop hosts share their favorite tools and everyday habits
Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, hosts of the long-running music podcast Switched on Pop, discussed their essential tools and routines as the show expands into video on Netflix. The podcast has spent 12 years and nearly 500 episodes breaking down pop songs.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 19:03
Analog vs. digital TV: how broadcast technology has evolved
With streaming now surpassing traditional broadcast and cable viewing in the US, the television industry is bracing for another shift — the move to NextGen TV, echoing the analog-to-digital transition of nearly two decades ago.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 19:01
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CNBC: Russia's economy has effectively split into two parts
More than four years into the war against Ukraine, Russia's economy has effectively split in two, US outlet CNBC reports. The military sector receives significant state resources while the civilian sector faces a deep crisis.
TVNET · 15 Aug, 18:04
Disney D23 2026: New looks at X-Men, Avengers: Doomsday and Star Wars projects
Disney's annual D23 fan event revealed the cast for its upcoming X-Men film, a new Avengers: Doomsday trailer, and a teaser for Star Wars: Ahsoka season two. The event also brought news on the VisionQuest series and Kingdom Hearts IV.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 18:04
What that USB trident symbol actually tells you about your port
USB port and cable markings have become confusing as the standard evolved through multiple renamed generations. Together, the trident symbol, color, and extra icons reveal what a given connector can actually do.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 18:02
Red algae compounds may help fight immune diseases and skin cancer
An international team of scientists, including Estonian researchers, has found that compounds in red algae can boost the immune system and act against skin melanoma. So far the findings have only been confirmed in laboratory tests.
ERR (rus) · 15 Aug, 17:59
Xteink's tiny e-readers gain access to library books via Libby
Developers of CrossPoint Reader, alternative firmware for Xteink's pocket e-readers, have added plug-in support that lets the devices open DRM-protected books borrowed through Libby or bought from stores like Kobo. The feature is in beta but already available to try.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 17:04
What actually happens when a hybrid battery fails
Hybrid vehicles run on two separate batteries — a small 12-volt unit and a larger traction battery — and the symptoms, causes and correct response differ depending on which one fails. Experts stress prompt attention to warning messages and proper diagnosis by trained technicians rather than an automatic battery swap.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 17:02
French court blocks social media ban for under-15s
A French court has halted a planned ban on social media use for people under 15, in a ruling that could shape the wider debate over children's right to access the internet.
Politico Europe · 15 Aug, 16:01
SpaceX completes $60 billion acquisition of Cursor
SpaceX has officially finalized its acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor in a deal worth $60 billion. The merger gives Cursor access to massive computing power to build cheaper AI models.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 15:59
US new power plants in 2026 dominated by solar and battery capacity
Among US power plants that came online this year, solar leads in installed capacity, followed by batteries and wind, while gas plants account for only a small share of new capacity.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 15:05
Disney unveils new Kingdom Hearts anime series
At its D23 fan event, Disney announced a new anime series set in the world of its Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, coming soon to Disney+ and Disney Channel. The company also showed a brief glimpse of the upcoming game Kingdom Hearts IV.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 14:58
Stripe reportedly in talks to acquire PayPal
Payments company Stripe and private equity firm Advent International are discussing a potential purchase of PayPal, the Wall Street Journal reports, after an earlier offer of $60.50 per share was rejected in July.
Engadget · 15 Aug, 14:03
Wired names its top Apple Watch accessories for 2026
Wired has tested and rounded up the Apple Watch accessories it considers worth buying, covering bands, chargers, cases and storage. The picks range from budget-friendly options to pricier splurges.
Wired · 15 Aug, 14:02
Best Apple Watch Bands of 2026: Nike, Nomad and Hermés
Wired has published its updated roundup of the best Apple Watch bands, testing options across comfort, durability and style since the original Apple Watch launched in 2015. The guide highlights five top picks for different occasions and needs.
Wired · 15 Aug, 13:02
Trump-appointed regulator approves bank charter for crypto firm tied to president's family
A U.S. federal regulator appointed by President Donald Trump has approved a banking license for the crypto firm World Liberty, in which Trump and his family retain a substantial financial stake. The decision grants the venture new powers and federal credibility.
Politico Europe · 15 Aug, 12:59
19 cars tested in “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” summer drive, including “Zeekr” brand debut
The summer media test drive for the “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” competition featured 19 car models driven through the Zemgale and Kurzeme regions, marking the debut of the Chinese brand “Zeekr” in Latvia. The event was based at the “Zoltners” hotel and Michelin-guide restaurant in Tērvete.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 12:00
Fuel prices in Latvia: not among the EU's highest per litre, but costly relative to income
Fuel prices in Latvia have recently risen, and while the per-litre price is not among the highest in the EU, the picture changes significantly when compared to residents' income levels.
iAuto.lv · 15 Aug, 11:04
European cities tighten e-scooter rules, Germany prepares new restrictions
As accident numbers rise, several European cities are strengthening regulations on electric scooters — Paris has already banned them entirely, while Germany is preparing new requirements for rental operators.
iAuto.lv · 15 Aug, 10:02
Latvians' interest in foreign travel has not declined this season
Despite the Middle East crisis and the resulting rise in fuel prices, Latvians' interest in traveling abroad has not decreased this summer. Autumn is also expected to bring high travel activity.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 09:58
Gemini's VPN workaround stops working for some users in Russia
Google's Gemini AI has become inaccessible for a number of users in Russia even when connecting through a VPN, according to complaints on Downdetector. The disruption coincided with the rollout of the Gemini 3.7 Flash model.
Meduza · 15 Aug, 08:05
US public TV station risks losing 50TB of archival data in cloud storage standoff
Public broadcaster Nine PBS won a court ruling confirming its right to archival data, but infrastructure provider Iron Mountain is refusing to hand it over because its contract is with a separate storage vendor, OSS.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 07:04
Washington state judge orders Kalshi to halt sports and other betting
A Washington state judge has issued a preliminary injunction barring prediction market platform Kalshi from offering bets on sports, elections and other events in the state. Kalshi says it disagrees with the ruling and is weighing its legal options.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 06:03
Allied fighter jets shoot down drone that entered Latvian airspace near Rugāji
A foreign drone entered Latvian airspace early this morning due to Russian electromagnetic warfare, and allied fighter jets shot it down in Balvi municipality near Rugāji parish. The air threat alert lasted about half an hour.
iAuto.lv · 15 Aug, 06:03
US man hid AI prompts in court filings hoping to sway ruling in his favor
A Connecticut judge identified the first known US case of a plaintiff hiding invisible AI instructions inside court filings, in an attempt to influence how the case was decided. The attempt failed but still led to sanctions.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 05:06
X-Files creator releases darker director's cut of 2008 film on Hulu
Chris Carter has released a new, darker version of The X-Files: I Want to Believe titled Vrach Frankenshteyn, closer to his original vision than the 2008 theatrical cut. The film is now streaming on Hulu.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 05:04
Mercedes-AMG owners sue after burns from hot seat logo
Two Mercedes-AMG owners in the US have filed a lawsuit claiming the metal AMG logo on their sport seats got so hot in the sun it caused skin burns. Mercedes has not yet commented on the claims.
iAuto.lv · 15 Aug, 04:59
Government ready to buy additional airBaltic bonds worth €30 million
Latvia's government has signaled readiness to purchase additional airBaltic bonds worth €30 million. Exact terms and timing of the decision remain unclear.
iAuto.lv · 15 Aug, 04:03
Lamborghini's flagship Revuelto gets a faster, lighter SV upgrade
Lamborghini has unveiled the Revuelto SV, a more powerful and lighter version of its hybrid V12 flagship supercar. The new model is expected to start at around $750,000.
The Verge · 15 Aug, 04:03
Largest all-electric aircraft completes first test flight, spending just $5 on electricity
Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator aircraft completed a nearly 30-minute maiden test flight in New York, costing only about $5 in electricity, as jet fuel prices climb amid geopolitical tension.
Ars Technica · 15 Aug, 03:04
Pocket shuts down — here are the top alternatives for saving articles
Following Mozilla's decision to shut down Pocket, users are turning to a growing list of alternative apps for saving articles to read later. Several existing and new services are seeing increased adoption.
TechCrunch · 15 Aug, 03:03