Business & Technology
Summer Events Provide Significant Boost to City Economies
During the summer season, events held in Latvian cities significantly boost local economies, especially benefiting accommodations, caterers, and service providers, but also leading to increased loads and prices.
LSM · 20 Jul, 06:36
Volvo begins EX60 deliveries: electric SUV with up to 810 km range
Volvo has started first deliveries of the EX60 to customers in Europe. The model is available in three versions, with the top one offering up to 810 km WLTP range.
iAuto.lv · 20 Jul, 05:36
Christopher Nolan Calls AI an 'Obvious Trojan Horse'
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan, whose new film 'The Odyssey' is dominating the box office, compared artificial intelligence to a 'transparent Trojan horse' and praised the public's deep skepticism, especially among young people.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 02:38
Pay gap widens as UK bosses get 130 times average worker's salary
Median pay for FTSE 100 CEOs hit a record £5.06m last year, widening the gap to 130 times the average UK worker's salary, the largest divide since 2018.
The Guardian World · 20 Jul, 02:37
India's first privately-developed rocket reaches orbit on debut launch
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully reached orbit on its first attempt, marking India's first fully commercial satellite launcher and a major milestone for the country's private space industry.
Ars Technica · 20 Jul, 02:37
Birdfy's solar-powered smart feeder drops to one of its best prices at $149.99
As part of Birdfy's midyear sale, the AI-powered smart bird feeder with camera and solar panel is available for $149.99, saving $110 off the list price.
The Verge · 20 Jul, 01:38
Euribor Continues to Rise; Analysts Do Not Rule Out Another ECB Rate Hike
The six-month Euribor has exceeded 2.7%, the highest level in a year and a half. Experts suggest the European Central Bank may raise key interest rates again this year.
ERR (rus) · 20 Jul, 01:37
Netflix paid $587M for Ben Affleck's AI filmmaking startup
In a new regulatory filing, Netflix disclosed a $587 million cash payment for InterPositive, a startup co-founded by Ben Affleck. The tools assist filmmakers in post-production by addressing real-world challenges like missing shots or lighting issues.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 01:37
The Kodak EC35 is a pocketable, beginner-friendly 35mm film camera
Reto has unveiled the Kodak EC35, a $35 point-and-shoot film camera designed for accessibility. It features a slide cover, fixed settings, and a built-in flash, and comes in seven colors.
Engadget · 20 Jul, 01:36
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's Japan visit yields deals in physical AI
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang spent two days in Tokyo securing three major projects: a national AI factory, partnerships with top robotics firms, and chip-material agreements, aiming to put Japan at the center of physical AI development.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 00:37
Four Tet’s secret project with unpronounceable name gets official release
Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, has officially released an album under his mysterious alias consisting of glyphs that are nearly impossible to search for online.
The Verge · 20 Jul, 00:37
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang seals AI factory and robotics deals in Tokyo
During a two-day visit to Tokyo, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang secured agreements for a national AI factory, robotics collaborations, and chip supply deals, marking a strategic push into physical AI for manufacturing.
TechCrunch AI · 20 Jul, 00:36
NASA shares stunning timelapse of Psyche spacecraft's Mars flyby
NASA has released a timelapse video of the Psyche spacecraft's Mars flyby in May, compiled from thousands of images showing the planet's crescent, surface features, and icy south pole.
Engadget · 19 Jul, 22:37
Can an Apple Lawsuit Derail OpenAI's Hardware Plans?
Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of stealing confidential information. OpenAI denies the claims. The lawsuit could delay OpenAI's hardware project and affect its upcoming IPO.
TechCrunch AI · 19 Jul, 22:36
Kodak EC35 is a dirt-cheap point-and-shoot film camera
Reto Project has launched the Kodak EC35, a 35mm film camera priced at $34.99 that matches the simplicity and look of disposable cameras.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 22:36
1010Benja's AI-assisted song 'Semiramis’ Dream' wins over a skeptic
Musician 1010Benja used Suno AI to create 'Semiramis’ Dream', a track that even an AI music skeptic finds infectious and original, thanks to his intensive human-AI collaboration process.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 21:37
How to use Claude's Reflect dashboard to manage your time
Anthropic has introduced a new Reflect dashboard for its Claude chatbot, helping users track and limit their usage time.
Engadget · 19 Jul, 21:36
FBI Reportedly Ends Investigations of Assaults Against ICE Agents
According to the New York Times, federal agents have been told that the FBI will no longer investigate confrontations involving ICE agents, although the DHS and DOJ deny the change.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 20:37
The battle over robotaxi rules: Uber and Waymo take opposing sides
A proposed bill in Washington, D.C. to regulate autonomous vehicles has sparked a fierce debate, with Uber and Waymo on opposite ends. Uber argues the bill would create a monopoly for Waymo and suggests a hybrid model, while critics say it gives Waymo an unfair advantage.
TechCrunch · 19 Jul, 19:37
Thames Water creditors prepare for legal fight over possible nationalisation
A group of investors pursuing a rescue bid for Thames Water has said it is willing to discuss greater public control but is also preparing for a potential multi-billion pound legal battle if the company is nationalised.
The Guardian World · 19 Jul, 19:37
TUT doctoral student studies use of diatoms in forensics
Merle Dorsh, a doctoral student at Tallinn University of Technology, investigates how diatoms can help determine if a person drowned alive or was dead before entering water, as well as other forensic applications.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 19:36
Orchid Synthesizer: Retro Charm and Simplicity for $649
Telepathic Instruments, in collaboration with Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker, has created the Orchid – a digital spiritual successor to vintage chord organs, blending retro design with modern features.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 18:37
Infrared tech is decades old – why does almost every TV remote still use it?
Infrared (IR) remotes persist despite Bluetooth's advantages, mainly due to low cost, compatibility, and their crucial role in initial pairing and powering on the TV.
Engadget · 19 Jul, 18:36
How to spot AI-generated historical images?
AI tools are increasingly used to create fake historical images and videos, prompting experts to warn about their deceptive nature and provide tips on how to recognize them.
Deutsche Welle · 19 Jul, 17:37
Nonprofit Current AI Is Building Open AI Infrastructure for All
Nonprofit Current AI is developing open AI infrastructure to make technology accessible to everyone, regardless of language or region.
TechCrunch · 19 Jul, 17:37
European Commission Unveils Electrification Action Plan: Aiming to Make Europe the First Continent Powered by Electricity
The European Commission has published an Electrification Action Plan targeting a 46% electrification rate by 2040, which could reduce fossil fuel import costs by €260 billion annually. Simultaneously, it proposes reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to support industrial decarbonization.
iAuto.lv · 19 Jul, 17:37
US Marshals Arrest the Tate Brothers in Miami
US authorities in Miami arrested influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate on Saturday on new rape and sex trafficking charges in England, which is seeking their extradition.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 17:36
OLED vs. LCD in 2026: Is the Premium Price Still Justified?
Experts still consider OLED TVs among the best for picture quality, but advances in LCD technology, such as Mini-LED and local dimming, offer strong competition at lower prices. The choice depends on viewing habits and budget.
Engadget · 19 Jul, 16:37
The Clapper: A bad smart home gadget that became a viral sensation
The latest episode of 'Version History' explores the story of The Clapper, a sound-activated switch that was unreliable and could damage devices, yet became a huge hit thanks to its iconic advertising campaign.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 16:36
EU Bans Large Companies from Destroying Unsold Clothing and Footwear
As of July 19, the European Union has prohibited large companies from destroying unsold apparel and footwear. The regulation requires that goods be resold or donated, except for damaged or hazardous items. From 2030, the rules will also apply to medium-sized enterprises.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jul, 16:36
Uganda coffee growers face sharp revenue drop due to falling prices and bureaucracy
Uganda, Africa's largest coffee exporter, saw its May coffee export earnings fall by 38% year-on-year, driven by declining global prices and bureaucratic hurdles.
LSM · 19 Jul, 16:36
Taste buds cannot be deceived. How do food technologists use this?
According to Latvijas Radio, taste is difficult to deceive and can be trained to serve as an accurate measuring tool in food technology.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 16:36
The Future of Physical Games Is Not Looking Great
Two major announcements — GTA VI box will contain a download code instead of a disc and Sony will stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games after January 2028 — signal a rapid shift to digital distribution, raising concerns about game preservation and consumer rights.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 15:37
Chinese firm demands damages over UK's nationalization of British Steel
Chinese steel giant Jingye Group threatens legal action against the UK government, calling the takeover of its subsidiary British Steel 'outright robbery' and demanding full compensation.
Deutsche Welle · 19 Jul, 14:37
Spotify Finally Lets You Disable Music Videos
Spotify users can now turn off automatic music video playback via a new settings toggle.
Wired · 19 Jul, 14:37
The grueling, 630-mile road race where the only fuel is sunlight
Over 85,000 high school students from 39 states and several countries have participated in the Solar Car Challenge since its founding in 1993. This year's 30th anniversary race covers 630 miles from Fort Worth to Fort Stockton, Texas, with dozens of teams building their own solar-powered vehicles.
The Verge · 19 Jul, 14:37