Business & Technology
Google unveils Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, and new AirTag rival Pixel Tag
At its Made by Google 2026 event, Google introduced the Pixel 11 phone lineup, the Pixel Watch 5, a new tracking device called Pixel Tag, and a range of new Gemini AI features. The company also confirmed a price increase for its new flagship phones.
TechCrunch · 12 Aug, 18:06
US inflation edges lower in July as food prices cool
Annual US inflation slowed slightly to 3.4% in July from 3.5% in June, as food price growth eased even though housing costs kept pushing prices up.
BBC World · 12 Aug, 17:03
Jaguar reveals first glimpse inside its electric Type 01
Jaguar has shared new photos showing the interior of its upcoming electric Type 01, featuring a minimalist beige cabin and a smartphone-style display. The car's official unveiling is set for October 6th.
The Verge · 12 Aug, 17:01
Did fossilized poop help kickstart the evolution of complex animals?
Researchers Kimming and Bicknell argue that fossilized fecal pellets from 540 to 494 million years ago may have delivered nutrients to deep ocean waters, fueling the Cambrian explosion of animal diversity. The finding helps explain why complex marine life expanded so rapidly during that period.
Ars Technica · 12 Aug, 16:04
Grain harvest is plentiful, but prices are falling as storage costs bite
Wheat and rapeseed prices have dropped on European exchanges over the past two weeks as the new harvest arrives and Black Sea competitors expand supply. For Latvian grain farmers, this autumn's key challenge will be storage and sale timing rather than yield, amid rising borrowing costs.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Aug, 16:02
Estonian politician warns investments are shifting to Latvia and other neighbors
Parempoolsed politician Andrus Kaarelson criticizes Estonia's government for failing to attract foreign investment, saying support programs sit unused because investors simply aren't applying. He notes Latvia and other neighbors are pulling in billions while Estonia falls behind.
ERR News · 12 Aug, 16:01
airBaltic bond value drops nearly 90% since start of year
The market value of bonds issued by Latvian airline airBaltic has fallen sharply in recent days, down almost 90% since the beginning of the year. The company continues to face financial difficulties and expects to need more funding for the winter season.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 15:59
Startup Founder Behind Viral Tattoo Interview Backlash Explains Himself
LemonLime founder Jordan Zietz says tattoos were never a job requirement at his startup's party, pushing back after a LinkedIn post about the event sparked widespread criticism online.
Wired · 12 Aug, 14:03
Experts: AirBaltic's business plan is logical, but much depends on bondholders
Economists say the new business plan of Latvian airline AirBaltic, which involves shrinking its fleet and securing fresh financing, is reasonable, but its success largely hinges on the decision of bondholders.
ERR (rus) · 12 Aug, 14:00
Researcher Explains Why Online 'Trends' Often Mislead Us
NYU media theorist Ruby Thelot argues that virality no longer signals real cultural significance, since people now live in isolated 'digital islands.' He also discusses prediction markets and the myth of dating burnout.
Wired · 12 Aug, 13:04
Tui: Iran War and Rising Living Costs Push Holidaymakers to Book Last Minute
Europe's largest travel company Tui says the war linked to Iran and the cost of living crisis are driving customers to delay booking holidays, with the conflict already costing the firm €60m.
The Guardian World · 12 Aug, 13:00
Estonia's National Opera topped 2025 state aid recipients as total support hit €472.6 million
Estonian companies and institutions received €472.6 million in state and de minimis aid last year, with the National Opera Estonia receiving the largest single grant of €11 million.
ERR News · 12 Aug, 13:00
Hesburger invests one million euros in Jūrmala restaurant renovation
Burger chain Hesburger has completed a one-million-euro renovation of its restaurant in Jūrmala's Viestura Street. The renovated location will employ 15 staff.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Aug, 12:58
Why 'paper' decisions no longer pay off in corporate portfolio management
Business experts argue that in the age of AI and data analytics, companies should base investment decisions on real market evidence rather than annual forecasts, funding projects incrementally and cutting off those that fail to deliver value.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Aug, 12:01
Amid fuel shortages, Russia starts receiving gasoline from India
Russia has received its first gasoline shipment from India's Nayara Energy refinery, in which Rosneft holds a stake, as it faces a domestic fuel crisis.
Meduza · 12 Aug, 11:59
TravelTech firm Entravel Group secures €6.5 million funding round
TravelTech company Entravel Group has raised €6.5 million to expand its supplier credit facilities and process higher booking volumes. The round was co-led by Ethereal Ventures and Finality Capital.
EU-Startups · 12 Aug, 11:58
Russia's budget deficit nearly doubles annual target in just seven months
Russia's federal budget deficit for the first seven months of the year has almost doubled the full-year target set by the government, Finance Ministry data show. Analysts warn the shortfall could reach 8-10 trillion rubles by year's end.
ERR (rus) · 12 Aug, 11:02
Manchester cybersecurity startup Cytix secures €6 million to grow risk platform
UK cybersecurity company Cytix has closed a €6 million Series A round to expand its platform for assessing risks introduced by software changes. The round was led by Northern Gritstone.
EU-Startups · 12 Aug, 10:59
Chevrolet Camaro to return later than planned — as a 2029 model, possibly as a sedan
US media, citing GM, report that the seventh-generation Chevrolet Camaro will arrive roughly a year later than previously expected and may undergo a major transformation. Reports suggest a shift from a two-door coupe to a four-door, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.
iAuto.lv · 12 Aug, 10:04
Latvian-developed app aims to improve women's wellbeing during perimenopause
Developers from Latvia have launched anna app, a mobile application designed to improve women's wellbeing during perimenopause. The app became available this week across 39 European countries.
Labs of Latvia · 12 Aug, 09:59
Virši plans to take over four more Astarte fuel stations
Latvian fuel network Virši is seeking to take over four more former Astarte filling stations in Preiļi, Cesvaine, Koknese and Višķi, pending Competition Council approval.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Aug, 09:22
FCC filing reveals details of Sonos' upcoming Ace Ultra headphones
An FCC filing suggests Sonos will launch new over-ear headphones called the Ace Ultra in September, featuring voice control support and five color options. The device appears to build on the design of the original 2024 Sonos Ace.
Engadget · 12 Aug, 09:20
Omoda 5: Compact Hybrid Crossover with Unconventional Design Priced at €25,000-28,000
The Omoda 5, the brand's smallest model on the Latvian market, is a compact hybrid crossover roughly the size of a Nissan Qashqai, priced between €25,000 and €28,000. It offers an unusual design and a notably quiet, electric-car-like driving feel.
iAuto.lv · 12 Aug, 09:20
Reading scientists create UK's first all-British chocolate bar in nearly a century
University of Reading researchers have made a chocolate bar entirely from cocoa grown in Berkshire, the first such bar since 1932 when the future Queen Elizabeth II tasted one made by Rowntree's. The bar marks the university's 100th anniversary and highlights climate risks facing cocoa farming.
The Guardian World · 12 Aug, 08:18
Scientists in Reading create all-British chocolate bar from home-grown cocoa
Researchers at the University of Reading have produced a chocolate bar made entirely from cocoa beans grown in Berkshire, marking the university's 100th anniversary. Previously, only the late queen had tasted an all-British chocolate bar, given to her in 1932.
The Guardian Science · 12 Aug, 08:17
UK heatwaves this year may have cost economy £4.4bn in lost output
A think tank estimate suggests repeated UK heatwaves have caused £4.4bn in lost economic output so far this year, with calls growing for government action on workplace heat rules.
The Guardian World · 12 Aug, 07:18
Experts: bonuses and better conditions can draw employees back to the office
More companies are returning to in-person work or requiring set office days each week, but experts say employers should improve office conditions rather than force the return. Employees who work effectively from home should not be needlessly disturbed.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 07:14
Oil prices rise Tuesday as stock markets show mixed signals
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday while stock markets showed no clear direction — US shares mostly fell, while European markets were mixed.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Aug, 07:14
xAI Co-founder's New Startup River AI Raises $1.1B Just Two Months After Launch
River AI, led by former xAI co-founder Igor Babuschkin, has raised $1.1 billion led by General Catalyst and AMP PBC. The company aims to let users personally train their own AI agents rather than following the industry's push toward replacing human workers.
TechCrunch AI · 12 Aug, 06:23
What is Scaleup Europe, the $5.7B fund that just made its first bet on satellite firm ICEYE?
The newly launched $5.7 billion public-private Scaleup Europe fund has made its first investment, co-leading a Series F round for Finnish satellite intelligence company ICEYE, now valued above $11 billion.
TechCrunch · 12 Aug, 06:23
Used EV market: What $25,000–$30,000 buys you
Used EV prices in the US are climbing alongside strong demand, but thousands of vehicles remain available in the $25,000–$30,000 range, including popular Chevrolet and Ford models.
Ars Technica · 12 Aug, 06:20
Trump's order to split MMR vaccine draws pushback even from pharmaceutical industry
Trump's new executive order on vaccine policy, which calls for splitting the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot into three separate vaccines, has drawn sharp criticism not only from medical groups but also from the pharmaceutical industry itself. Critics say the requirement is scientifically baseless and impractical.
Ars Technica · 12 Aug, 05:19
US students develop electric car that produces more energy than it consumes
Students from Clemson University, working with BMW, have built the Deep Orange 17 electric car prototype, whose solar cells can generate more energy on daily commutes than the vehicle uses. It is planned to be shown at CES 2027 in Las Vegas.
iAuto.lv · 12 Aug, 05:16
How many external monitors can a MacBook run? It comes down to the chip
Apple's current MacBook lineup supports between one and four external displays depending on the chip inside, with resolution and refresh rate varying by configuration. Users can exceed official limits using DisplayLink, though with tradeoffs.
Engadget · 12 Aug, 04:20
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Could AI's Rise Bring Both Economic Growth and Social Strain?
The rapid spread of artificial intelligence could make economies more efficient, but it may also cause job losses and falling incomes for large parts of society. This raises the question of whether the world, including Latvia, could face a new kind of economic crisis.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 04:19
FBI Investigating Rogue Wi-Fi Network Found on Delta Flight, DEF CON Attendees Suspected
An unauthorized Wi-Fi network briefly appeared aboard Delta Flight 591, prompting an FBI investigation, with suspicion falling on attendees of the DEF CON hacker conference. Delta says flight safety was never affected.
Ars Technica · 12 Aug, 04:16