Business & Technology

Itera Latvija Appeals Inclusion in FID Sanctions List
SIA Itera Latvija has appealed a court decision regarding its inclusion in the Financial Intelligence Unit's (FID) published list of sanctioned entities.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jul, 15:37

Sony Bravia 9 II: Powerful RGB LED TV with Best-in-Class Anti-Reflective Screen
The Sony Bravia 9 II is an RGB LED TV that delivers high brightness, excellent color accuracy, and the best anti-reflective screen on the market, but comes at a significant premium over its predecessor.
The Verge · 18 Jul, 15:36

Wired Tests Four Best Walking Pads for Small Spaces and Standing Desks
Wired reviewers evaluated several walking pads, highlighting four top models suitable for home offices and small spaces.
Wired · 18 Jul, 14:37

New indie games: AI-run utopias, 2D Moss, and other surprises
This week's indie game roundup features Denshattack! with skateboard-style trains, D-topia with an AI utopia, and Moss transitioning to 2D. Other original games include Grapple Bear, Teeto, and more.
Engadget · 18 Jul, 14:37
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Insolvent 'Baltic International Bank' to Auction Artworks, Including Ubāns' 'Still Life'
The insolvent Baltic International Bank has announced a repeat auction of 11 artworks, including Konrāds Ubāns' painting 'Still Life' with a starting price of €4,000. Total starting price is €9,550.
TVNET · 18 Jul, 13:37

Best Motion Sensors and Security Gadgets Without Cameras
This article reviews several home security devices that don't use cameras but still detect intruders and send alerts, including radar systems, motion sensors, and smart lights.
Wired · 18 Jul, 13:36

WIRED Editors Curate Best Tech Gear for Back to School
WIRED's testing team has selected a range of tech products useful for students, from laptops and headphones to water bottles and scooters.
Wired · 18 Jul, 12:37
The Term 'AI Safety' Becomes a Flashpoint in Regulation Debates
In the battle over AI regulation, the phrase 'AI safety' has acquired controversial meanings that differ widely depending on one's perspective.
Politico Europe · 18 Jul, 12:36

Russian stock market sees longest decline in 30 years
Russia's stock market has been falling for 18 consecutive weeks, with the MOEX index dropping to levels last seen in 2016, marking the longest downturn since 1997 and signaling a prolonged recession.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jul, 12:36

Beekeepers' Association Predicts Good Honey Harvest This Year
The Beekeepers' Association forecasts a better honey harvest this year compared to last year due to favorable weather. Beekeepers are gathering for their annual summer meeting to discuss industry matters.
LSM · 18 Jul, 12:36

US Government Lifts TikTok Ban on Federal Devices
The US Department of Justice has announced that federal employees can now install TikTok on government devices, as the current version no longer poses the same security risks.
Engadget · 18 Jul, 12:36

Fuel Prices in Baltic Capitals: Riga and Vilnius See Increases, Tallinn Sees Decrease
At the end of the work week, fuel prices at Circle K stations rose in Riga and Vilnius but fell in Tallinn. In Riga, gasoline and diesel became more expensive, while in Tallinn they were cheaper.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jul, 12:36

Wessex Water CEO gets above-inflation pay rise despite bonus ban over sewage spills
Wessex Water CEO Ruth Jefferson received a 14% base salary increase, far above the 3.5% given to workers, despite a government ban on bonuses due to sewage spills. Her total pay reached £791,000, and she now earns 18 times the median employee salary.
The Guardian World · 18 Jul, 10:37

Electric Mountain Bikes: Not Cheating, Just More Fun
A journalist changes his view on eMTBs after testing one, finding they enhance enjoyment and safety rather than making the sport too easy.
The Verge · 18 Jul, 10:37

BMW Recalls Nearly 29,000 Plug-In Hybrids in US Due to Starter Defect
BMW announces recall of 29,000 PHEVs in the US due to a starter relay defect that can cause fires. Owners advised to park outdoors until repair.
iAuto.lv · 18 Jul, 10:36

SteelSeries Offers Multiple Discounts on Gaming Gear in July 2026
SteelSeries is running several promotions including a 15% off coupon for headsets, a 10% first-order discount, and deals up to 39% off bundles.
Wired · 18 Jul, 08:37

Austria becomes Europe's hottest AI market this year thanks to semiconductor supplier AT&S
Austria's stock market outperforms all major eurozone peers in 2026, driven by a 459% surge in AT&S shares, a little-known semiconductor substrate manufacturer.
Euronews Business · 18 Jul, 08:37

Successful IPO of LAU Infra Grupa Disproves Myth of Public Opposition to Partial Privatization
The initial public offering (IPO) of state-owned company LAU Infra Grupa raised €6.2 million, with over 2,000 private investors, 63% from Latvia, refuting the long-held belief that Latvians are categorically against partial privatization of state enterprises.
Delfi · 18 Jul, 07:36

Apple sues OpenAI, launching public battle
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, sparking debate about competition and innovation practices among tech giants.
The Verge · 18 Jul, 06:37

Apple's lawsuit could disrupt OpenAI's IPO plans
Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a pattern of misconduct involving over 400 former Apple employees now at OpenAI. The lawsuit comes at a critical time as OpenAI reportedly considers an IPO later this year.
TechCrunch · 18 Jul, 06:37

Despite Rich Estonian Blueberry Harvest, Stores Sell Imported Berries
This year Estonia has an excellent blueberry harvest, but stores mostly sell imported berries, as more pickers choose to sell directly via social media for higher prices.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jul, 06:37

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 camera and battery specs reportedly leaked
Leaked specifications suggest that Samsung's upcoming foldables – the Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra – will feature minor camera and battery upgrades over their predecessors.
Engadget · 18 Jul, 05:37

San Francisco orders Apple and Google to purge 'nudify' apps from app stores
San Francisco has demanded Apple and Google remove dozens of apps that use AI to digitally undress people from their stores, citing California laws against non-consensual deepfake pornography.
TechCrunch · 18 Jul, 05:37

Sesks and Francis recover from difficult start to claim 6th place in Estonia WRC rally
Latvian crew Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis finished the first day of the WRC Estonia rally in 6th place after a tough opening.
LSM · 18 Jul, 04:37

Apple Music and Apple One Subscriptions Get More Expensive for the First Time in Years
Apple has raised prices for Apple Music and Apple One subscriptions, citing rising licensing costs. The increase affects individual, family, and student plans, as well as the Apple One family and premium bundles.
Engadget · 18 Jul, 04:37

Mercedes-AMG Reveals New Electric CLA 45: 0–100 km/h in 2.7 Seconds
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-electric CLA 45 4MATIC+, featuring three motors, 500 kW output, and a 2.7-second sprint to 100 km/h; available as a sedan and Shooting Brake.
iAuto.lv · 18 Jul, 04:36

Vegetable Growers Hopeful for Good Harvest This Year
After last year's crop losses due to unfavorable weather, Latvian vegetable growers are more optimistic this year and expect a bountiful harvest if favorable weather continues.
LSM · 18 Jul, 03:37

AI-driven memory crunch jolts India’s smartphone market
Demand for memory chips for AI data centers has driven up costs and reduced smartphone shipments in India, the world's second largest smartphone market by volume, with lower-end segments hit hardest.
TechCrunch AI · 18 Jul, 03:37

From Broken China to Patent: How a Determined Woman Invented the Dishwasher
Inspired by servants breaking her inherited porcelain, Josephine Cochrane invented a dishwasher that used water pressure rather than brushes. Her invention debuted at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, hailed as the invention of the century and the only device in the tech pavilion created by a woman.
Delfi · 18 Jul, 03:37

The Odyssey in IMAX: A Journey Worth Taking
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' the first Hollywood film entirely shot on IMAX film, offers an unparalleled immersive experience that surpasses standard theaters, with breathtaking visuals, powerful sound, and a reminder of practical filmmaking's value.
Engadget · 18 Jul, 02:37

Taco Bell iceberg lettuce identified as source of cyclosporiasis in five states
U.S. federal officials announced that shredded iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states is the source of a Cyclospora outbreak causing explosive, watery diarrhea.
Ars Technica · 18 Jul, 02:37

Vertu Alphafold: A luxury foldable with an ambitious but unfinished AI agent
Vertu's Alphafold, a $6,880 luxury foldable smartphone, features the Hermes AI agent designed for executives, but testing reveals both autonomous strengths and workflow inconsistencies.
TechCrunch AI · 18 Jul, 02:36

Stripe x Startup Battlefield: Australian founders have 48 hours left to apply
Applications for the Stripe x Startup Battlefield close July 20, offering Australian startups a chance to win automatic entry to TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. Selected startups will pitch live in Sydney on August 19.
TechCrunch · 18 Jul, 02:36

US Military to Implement Testosterone Screening; Doctors Warn of Risks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory testosterone screening for all service members aged 30 and older. Endocrinologists and medical experts express serious concerns about the initiative's rationale and potential adverse effects.
Ars Technica · 18 Jul, 01:37
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Motivational Coach Reveals Three Reasons Why Most People Never Become Millionaires
Lucas Sveckendiek, a motivational coach and author, has identified three key reasons why the majority of people fail to achieve financial independence. The article highlights that many blame others for their lack of success.
TVNET · 18 Jul, 01:37

Taylor Farms Voluntarily Removes Iceberg Lettuce from US Market Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Food producer Taylor Farms is voluntarily pulling all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market after a Cyclospora outbreak linked to the lettuce has sickened over 5,000 people in Michigan alone, with 102 hospitalizations.
The Verge · 18 Jul, 01:36