Business & Technology (196)

Siri AI finally arrives in iOS 27 beta — but the moment has passed

Apple has released its long-awaited Siri AI upgrade in the iOS 27 consumer beta, delivering many promised features. Yet the launch feels underwhelming because the broader AI field has already moved on to more advanced capabilities.

TechCrunch · 3 Aug, 21:49

Apple AirTags: Pros and Cons to Weigh Before Buying

Apple’s refreshed AirTags now offer better precision finding, longer Bluetooth range and a louder speaker, but competitors bring broader compatibility and design variety.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 20:53

EU's AI labeling and transparency rules now in effect

As of August 2, the European Union's transparency obligations under the AI Act require companies to disclose AI interactions and clearly mark AI-generated or manipulated content, with fines for non-compliance.

The Verge · 3 Aug, 20:50

WhatsApp working to restore accounts after wave of blocks

Meta is restoring access to WhatsApp accounts that were disabled and placed under review over the past few hours.

TechCrunch · 3 Aug, 20:49

Strazdiņš Warns About New Scam Scheme with Fake Google Calls

Cybercrime researcher Elviss Strazdiņš has highlighted a new phone scam in which criminals pose as Google employees but actually seek access to victims' bank accounts.

iAuto.lv · 3 Aug, 19:54

Why Bluetooth multipoint should be a must-have when buying new headphones

Bluetooth multipoint is a feature that lets headphones stay connected to multiple devices at once, making switching between them much easier. Though it's not part of the official Bluetooth standard, it's worth testing before you buy.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 19:52

Microsoft plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC

A leaked document seen by The Verge indicates Microsoft will allow developers to bring Xbox 360 games to PC, while also outlining a disc-to-digital license program.

The Verge · 3 Aug, 19:52

Base Power secures another $1B to stabilize the grid with home batteries

Base Power has raised a new $1 billion funding round less than a year after its previous one, valuing the company at $13 billion. The startup installs batteries in residential backyards to support the electrical grid.

TechCrunch · 3 Aug, 19:51

Congress's Favorite AI Tool? ChatGPT

According to a CNBC report, U.S. House offices and committees spent the bulk of their AI tool budget on OpenAI's ChatGPT, which received about 90% of all such spending over the year ending March 31.

TechCrunch AI · 3 Aug, 19:50

Study: Australia's under-16 social media ban failing

Australia's internet regulator has published a study showing teenagers continue to use social media despite the ban.

Al Jazeera · 3 Aug, 18:57

Samsung to ban smart TV apps that turn TVs into residential proxies

Samsung says it will ban smart TV apps that expose users' internet connections, following a discovery that some apps can route strangers' web traffic through home networks.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 18:50

Spider-Man and The Odyssey are splitting IMAX screens after record-breaking weekend

IMAX announced that Spider-Man: Brand New Day will join The Odyssey in select digital IMAX theaters across North America starting August 6. The two films, along with others, helped produce the biggest box office weekend in history.

The Verge · 3 Aug, 17:54

Low Danube water levels force Serbia, Hungary and Romania to cut power generation

Prolonged drought and heatwaves have lowered the Danube to record levels, prompting Serbia to reduce hydropower output, Hungary to prepare shutting its Paks nuclear plant, and Romania to idle its Cernavodă reactors.

iAuto.lv · 3 Aug, 17:53

How to prevent your phone from overheating in the car

An overheating phone can suffer internal damage or even lead to battery thermal runaway. Here are practical tips to cool it down and reduce heat generation while driving.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 17:53

How to change and customize your Apple Watch face

Apple Watch users can go beyond the default look by using the Watch app to pick from hundreds of faces, add personal photos and configure complications. This guide covers the main customization steps.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 16:53

airBaltic bondholders' meeting postponed due to lack of quorum

The bondholders' meeting of the national airline airBaltic, scheduled for August 3, failed to reach a quorum and has been rescheduled for August 17.

LSM (rus) · 3 Aug, 16:50

Latvijas finieris weighs building wood panel factory in Latgale

Latvian wood processing company Latvijas finieris is evaluating construction of a new wood panel plant in Latgale with planned investment of €300 million. A final decision depends on state and EU support.

Dienas Bizness · 3 Aug, 15:55

“Pozitrons” data center to launch next year, billed as most physically secure in Baltics

A new data center named “Pozitrons” is expected to begin operations in Latvia next year, with its announcement calling it the most physically secure facility of its kind in the Baltics. The project is set to mark a new phase in Latvia's digital infrastructure and strengthen secure storage of critical data.

Labs of Latvia · 3 Aug, 15:54

Electric car buyers in Latvia increasingly ask about costs and battery longevity

Interest in electric cars is growing in Latvia, and buyers now ask not only about range but also about running costs and battery lifespan. Experts say modern EVs are suitable for daily use and often surprise even skeptics with their driving experience.

iAuto.lv · 3 Aug, 14:54

Estonia eases subsidy conditions for large industrial investments

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has widened access to subsidies for large industrial projects, cutting the minimum investment threshold to €70 million and the job creation requirement to 20.

ERR (rus) · 3 Aug, 14:51

Italy's Aflabox Raises €1.35 Million to Scale AI-Powered Portable Aflatoxin Detection

Italian AgTech startup Aflabox has closed a €1.35 million seed funding round via the FoodSeed program. The investment will support the expansion of its AI-powered portable aflatoxin detection technology across Africa and Europe.

EU-Startups · 3 Aug, 14:51

Latgale-made app “Meet Me At The Bar” moves dating from screen to bars

A dating app called Meet Me At The Bar has been created in Latgale, offering an alternative to the swipe culture typical of apps like Tinder and Bumble. The app aims to shift dating from screens to real-life bar meetings.

Labs of Latvia · 3 Aug, 14:51

Eurozone growth beats forecasts, but inflation risks remain

The eurozone economy expanded by 0.4% in the second quarter, while annual inflation rose to 2.9% in July. US GDP grew less than expected, but consumer spending and AI-related investment stayed solid.

Dienas Bizness · 3 Aug, 13:55

Second LNG tanker carrying Qatari cargo hit in Hormuz within a month as force majeure expands

A second LNG tanker loaded in Qatar was struck in the Strait of Hormuz last Friday, compounding disruptions to Qatari exports and prompting wider force majeure notices. Insurance costs are rising as security risks escalate.

Euronews Business · 3 Aug, 13:54

France tightens scrutiny of ‘sensitive’ foreign investments

France will require non-EU investors to obtain government approval before acquiring more than 10% of shares in French companies operating in sensitive sectors and listed outside the EU. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the move responds to heightened geopolitical tensions.

Politico Europe · 3 Aug, 13:52

Nothing Ear (3a) Review: Affordable Earbuds With Clever Features

A new review praises Nothing's Ear (3a) earbuds for their solid build, comfortable fit, and handy extras like audio snapshot capture, at a sub-$100 price.

Wired · 3 Aug, 12:55

Europe's AI Challenge Is Momentum, Not Innovation, Commentary Says

Europe has the talent and ambition to lead in AI, but it struggles to keep up the pace after early successes, according to a commentary.

EU-Startups · 3 Aug, 12:51

MacBook Air shortages blamed on 'Ramaggedon' as Apple pushes Pro models

Apple's MacBook Air is in short supply, with delivery pushed to late August, while the company prioritizes the MacBook Pro and faces memory chip constraints from AI data center demand.

Engadget · 3 Aug, 12:50

Dienas Bizness interviews Gatis Madžiņš on media industry, hybrid war, and portrayal of entrepreneurs

Dienas Bizness has published an interview with Gatis Madžiņš, chief editor and co-owner of Dienas group, discussing the state of the media industry, hybrid war, and how entrepreneurs are portrayed.

Dienas Bizness · 3 Aug, 12:49

Yen hits three-month high after US and Japan joint intervention

The Japanese yen strengthened to a three-month high against the US dollar on Monday, following a rare coordinated currency intervention by Tokyo and Washington. The yen rose to ¥155 per dollar after hitting a 40-year low of nearly ¥164 last week.

The Guardian World · 3 Aug, 11:53

Fake Telia invoices spread in phishing scam

Telia customers are receiving fraudulent bills designed to look like official invoices. The company advises not to click links and to verify the sender's authenticity.

ERR (rus) · 3 Aug, 11:53

TotalEnergies to acquire Shell's wind and solar power businesses in Europe

French oil company TotalEnergies announced on Monday it has signed an agreement with UK-based Shell to acquire its renewable energy production businesses in Europe.

LSM · 3 Aug, 11:51

Cupra Raval arrives in Latvia: first test drives and more than 70 orders

At an event organised by Autobrava Motors, visitors could test the new electric Cupra Raval. More than 70 cars have already been ordered and prices range from €26,500 to €34,900.

Jauns.lv · 3 Aug, 11:51

Index Ventures Secures €1.7 Billion in New Capital

Global venture capital firm Index Ventures has raised approximately €1.7 billion, boosting its total investing capacity to nearly €3 billion across seed, venture, and growth stages.

EU-Startups · 3 Aug, 10:52