Business & Technology

ECB calls on Europeans to vote on new euro banknote designs
The European Central Bank has unveiled ten design proposals for the next euro banknotes and invites the public to give their opinion in an online survey until September 21.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 20:37

Qobuz overhauls its music player and adds real-time lyrics
Music streaming service Qobuz has released a major update with real-time lyrics, a redesigned interface, and new exploration features.
Engadget · 23 Jul, 20:37

Corsair’s PC case with a panoramic glass design is $70 off
The Corsair Frame 4500X RS case, featuring a panoramic glass window and versatile cooling options, is now available for $119.99, saving $70 off the regular price.
The Verge · 23 Jul, 20:37

US warns Iran-linked hackers targeting water and energy providers
The US government warns that Iranian state-backed hackers are actively breaking into and disrupting industrial control systems at American water and energy providers.
TechCrunch · 23 Jul, 20:36
Scandicast produces complex cast iron parts from steel scrap
SIA Scandicast melts approximately 2,000 tons of steel scrap to manufacture intricate cast iron components for various industries.
Dienas Bizness · 23 Jul, 20:36

Tesla's Robotaxi Mileage Drops 36% in Second Quarter
Tesla's paid robotaxi miles fell approximately 36% quarter-over-quarter, despite expansion to six cities. The company's stock dropped 13% after the results, and CEO Elon Musk admitted the need for Cybercab-specific data before scaling.
TechCrunch · 23 Jul, 19:37

Meta's AI Optimism Ad Uses Song About Human Extinction
Meta released an ad promoting AI optimism, but its soundtrack is David Bowie's “Five Years,” a song about humanity facing extinction in five years, creating an ironic contradiction.
TechCrunch AI · 23 Jul, 19:36
ECB unveils design proposals for new euro banknotes and invites public survey
The European Central Bank has published ten selected design proposals for the next euro banknote series and is accepting public feedback via an online survey until September 21.
Dienas Bizness · 23 Jul, 19:36

Amazon’s best 4K streaming sticks are up to 40 percent off
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and 4K Plus are available at their lowest prices ever, at $34.99 and $24.99 respectively. The deal also includes other gadgets like Anker Zolo Power Bank, Eufy robot vacuum, and Xgimi projector.
The Verge · 23 Jul, 18:38

African Trade: AfCFTA benefits remain out of reach for small businesses
Nearly a decade after the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area, small and medium-sized enterprises still face barriers such as poor infrastructure and complex border procedures. Meanwhile, Togo boosts local computer assembly and Egypt sees a surge in demand for recycled plastics due to shipping disruptions.
Euronews Business · 23 Jul, 18:37

Saeima Lifts Ban on Consumer Credit Advertising
The Latvian parliament has adopted amendments lifting the previous ban on advertising consumer credit to individuals, aligning national regulations with EU practices. Strict requirements for such ads remain, including a mandatory warning and content restrictions.
Dienas Bizness · 23 Jul, 18:37

Charging Your Phone in the Car: Minimal Impact on Fuel Consumption
Contrary to common concern, charging a smartphone in a vehicle has a negligible effect on gas mileage, with experts estimating a reduction of only about 0.03 miles per gallon.
Engadget · 23 Jul, 18:37

Samsung's $100 Price Hikes: Relief It Wasn't Worse
Samsung's latest foldable and flagship phones have increased by $100, but observers express relief that the hike isn't larger, given the AI bubble's impact on component prices and an industry-wide trend of rising costs.
Engadget · 23 Jul, 17:38

US lawmakers prepare bill requiring AI 'kill switch'
US Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) are set to introduce the 'AI Kill Switch Act,' which would mandate AI companies to implement shutdown mechanisms that the Department of Homeland Security could order in emergencies.
The Verge · 23 Jul, 17:37

Shipping insurance rates surge as Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb face disruptions
Maritime insurance premiums have skyrocketed in the Strait of Hormuz and are rising in the Bab al-Mandeb as geopolitical conflicts disrupt key global shipping lanes, driving up costs for crude oil transport.
Al Jazeera · 23 Jul, 17:37

UK Tech Policy Overhaul: Can the New Approach Deliver Real Outcomes?
The UK government is scrapping the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), merging its functions into the Department for Business and Trade. Experts express concerns but see potential for better linking innovation with commercialisation.
EU-Startups · 23 Jul, 17:36

European Commission Fines Google €890 Million for Unfair Competition
The European Commission has imposed a €890 million fine on Google for violating the EU Digital Markets Act by abusing its dominant position in search.
LSM · 23 Jul, 17:36
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Air Baltic faces dire financial straits; Estonia has backup plan
If Air Baltic fails to repay a €30 million short-term loan by end of August, the EU may investigate illegal state aid, and the airline could cease to exist. Estonia is preparing for the worst, relying on route subsidies.
Postimees · 23 Jul, 16:37

No consumer Wi-Fi router is 100% US-made, FCC ban faces hurdles
The FCC has banned foreign-made routers citing national security, but the industry's global supply chain makes a fully domestic router impossible, leading to waivers and criticism.
Engadget · 23 Jul, 16:36

Latvian Parliament Bans Import of Certain Industrial Goods from Aggressor Countries
On July 23, the Saeima approved a national ban on importing goods such as books, video games, clothing, and toys from Russia and Belarus.
LSM · 23 Jul, 16:36

OTP Bank's Russian Operations Extensive Despite Spokesman's Claims
Hungary's OTP Bank, which is acquiring Baltic lender Luminor, has been operating in Russia for 30 years, ranks among the top 30 banks, and services 2.4 million clients, offering a wide range of services to both individuals and businesses.
ERR News · 23 Jul, 15:37
Wildberries Starts Compensating Sellers for Goods Destroyed in Ukrainian Drone Attacks; Sellers Say It's Not Enough
Russia's largest online marketplace Wildberries has announced compensation for sellers whose goods were damaged in Ukrainian drone strikes, but many sellers complain the payments are insufficient.
Meduza · 23 Jul, 15:37

Carnikava granted city status by law
The Saeima has adopted a law granting Carnikava city status, bypassing the complex administrative procedure. The law will take effect on August 22, coinciding with the Lamprey Festival in Carnikava.
Dienas Bizness · 23 Jul, 15:36

Verde – the greenest business quarter in Latvia offers adaptable office spaces
Verde, the largest and greenest A-class business quarter in Latvia, offers office spaces from 200 to 20,000 m², located between modern and historical Riga center, featuring BREEAM Outstanding certification.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 15:36

Best MagSafe Wallets Reviewed: From Tracking to Stands
Wired magazine has published a 2026 roundup of the best MagSafe wallets, highlighting the ESR Geo Wallet with Find My support and the OtterBox cactus leather model, while warning against several flawed products.
Wired · 23 Jul, 14:37

“Dienas bizness” Receives Support for Digital Transformation
Publishing house “Dienas bizness” has signed an agreement with the CFLA for digital solutions implementation, funded by the Recovery Fund.
Dienas Bizness · 23 Jul, 14:37

EU Fines Google €890 Million for Abusing Search Dominance
The European Commission has imposed an €890 million ($1 billion) fine on Google for illegally favoring its own services in search results, violating the Digital Markets Act.
Engadget · 23 Jul, 14:37
Russia Plans to Add Social Media Features to Gosuslugi Government Services Portal
Russian officials are discussing plans to integrate social media features into the Gosuslugi public services portal, including family chats, interest-based communities, and a news feed, as part of a broader digital ecosystem.
Meduza · 23 Jul, 14:36

EU fines Google €890 million for competition violations
The European Commission has fined Google €890 million for favoring its own search engine and Play Store, harming competitors.
Deutsche Welle · 23 Jul, 13:37

European Commission fines Google €890 million for violating Digital Markets Act
The European Commission has imposed a €890 million fine on Google for abusing its dominant position in search and restricting app developers.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 13:37

Brite Payments Founder Lena Hackelöer: The Future of European Payments is Convenience and Localization
In an interview with EU-Startups, Brite Payments founder and CEO Lena Hackelöer discusses the company’s growth across 27 European markets, the role of payment sovereignty, and the challenges for female leaders in FinTech.
EU-Startups · 23 Jul, 13:36

Google fined $1 billion for violating EU Digital Markets Act
The European Union has fined Google's parent company Alphabet €890 million for two violations of the Digital Markets Act, including giving preferential treatment to its own services in search results and restricting Android developers from steering users to alternative payment options.
The Verge · 23 Jul, 13:36

Australian man severely burned in robot vacuum explosion
A 25-year-old Australian man suffered burns to 75% of his body after a robot vacuum cleaner caught fire and exploded in his home.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 12:37

Framework adjusts RAM configurations and prices for premium laptop
Framework has announced significant pricing and configuration changes for its upcoming premium Laptop 13 Pro due to memory supplier cost increases. The company apologizes and offers full deposit refunds for cancellations.
The Verge · 23 Jul, 12:36

Apple iOS 27 Beta Lets Users Make Liquid Glass Even More Transparent
Apple's iOS 27 public beta includes a new slider to adjust the transparency of the Liquid Glass effect. After a week of testing with maximum clarity, a reviewer found it added visual depth without compromising legibility.
Wired · 23 Jul, 12:36

Audi Latvia Starts Early Reservation for New Q7 Third Generation; Starting Price Under €80,000
Audi Latvia has launched early reservations for the third-generation Audi Q7. A limited 1st edition of 70 units is available, with prices starting from €79,500.
iAuto.lv · 23 Jul, 12:36