Business & Technology
Hack Reveals AI Music Generator Suno Scraped YouTube for Training Data
A hack on Suno, an AI music generator, exposed evidence that the company scraped decades of audio from YouTube Music, Deezer, and other sources for training data.
TechCrunch AI · 15 Jul, 20:37
Samsung to Pre-Install Amazon Music on Galaxy Phones
Samsung announced it will add Amazon Music to the pre-installed apps on its Galaxy smartphones and tablets, offering a free three-month subscription to new users.
Engadget · 15 Jul, 20:37
Lucid Motors Denies Bankruptcy Rumors, Shares Plunge 50%
Lucid Motors has denied bankruptcy rumors that surfaced this week, but not before its stock price plummeted by up to 50%, dragging down rivals Rivian and Polestar. The EV maker, which lost over $1 billion in Q1 and conducted two rounds of layoffs, is facing investor skepticism about the future of pure-play electric vehicle companies.
The Verge · 15 Jul, 20:36
Samsung Teases 'Brand New Shape' for Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Spider-Man Video
Samsung has given a sneak peek of the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8 in a teaser for the new Spider-Man movie, hinting at a wider, passport-like shape. The company is expected to officially unveil the device at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd.
The Verge · 15 Jul, 19:37
Microsoft patches record number of security vulnerabilities, citing AI
Microsoft released a record 570 security patches this week, with two zero-day flaws among them, attributing the increase to its use of artificial intelligence in vulnerability discovery.
TechCrunch AI · 15 Jul, 19:37
Valve Appears to Discontinue Self-Repair Parts for LCD Steam Deck at iFixit
Valve seems to be ending supply of original repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck, as an iFixit staffer confirmed no plans to stock replacement batteries.
Engadget · 15 Jul, 19:36
FCC Plans to Scrap Local TV Station Ownership Rules
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent rule limiting local TV network reach, replacing it with case-by-case approval. Critics warn of political influence and question the FCC's authority.
Engadget · 15 Jul, 18:37
Latvia and Lithuania Sign Three Agreements on Security and Infrastructure
At a forum in Vilnius, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense, innovation, and critical energy infrastructure resilience.
Labs of Latvia · 15 Jul, 18:37
Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba's Qwen AI
China's regulator has approved Apple's AI services in the country, following a deal to integrate Alibaba's Qwen AI model into Apple's operating systems.
TechCrunch AI · 15 Jul, 18:36
Stripe and Advent International Jointly Reportedly Offer to Buy PayPal for ~$53.4 Billion
Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have reportedly submitted a joint bid to acquire PayPal for approximately $53.4 billion, backed by around $50 billion in committed bank financing.
TechCrunch · 15 Jul, 18:36
China’s Economy Grows 4.3% in Q2, Slowest Since Late 2022
China's GDP expanded 4.3% year-on-year in the second quarter, the slowest pace since late 2022, as weak consumer spending and business investment offset strong exports partly driven by the artificial intelligence boom.
NPR World · 15 Jul, 17:38
George Lucas likens AI sceptics to luddites clinging to horses and carts
Star Wars director George Lucas defends AI in filmmaking, comparing opponents to horse-and-buggy advocates. He sees AI as inevitable progress, while other directors like Christopher Nolan express skepticism.
The Guardian World · 15 Jul, 17:37
British Business Bank adds €58 million Soho Square deal to recent run of UK investments
The British Business Bank has committed €58 million to Soho Square Capital Fund II to provide growth capital for established small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. This investment is part of a larger wave of institutional funding totaling over €600 million.
EU-Startups · 15 Jul, 17:37
US charges Russian 'bulletproof' web hosts over cyberattacks that netted $62M from cybercrime victims
US prosecutors have charged three Russian nationals and two web hosting companies for their roles in facilitating cyberattacks that caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to US businesses.
TechCrunch · 15 Jul, 17:37
Apple Intelligence Gets Regulatory Approval in China
Apple Intelligence has been registered with China's cyberspace regulator, clearing a major hurdle for its launch in the country through partnerships with Baidu and Alibaba.
Engadget · 15 Jul, 17:37
Latvian Railway Infrastructure Placed in Survival Mode
Due to a decline in freight traffic, Latvia's railway infrastructure will be maintained at a minimal level to prevent collapse and avoid higher restoration costs later.
LSM · 15 Jul, 17:36
Anthropic and Blackstone Launch $1.5 Billion AI Implementation Company Ode
AI lab Anthropic, together with investors including Blackstone, has launched Ode, a company dedicated to helping large enterprises deploy AI solutions. This move reflects the industry realization that the next trillion-dollar opportunity lies in practical AI implementation rather than just model development.
TechCrunch AI · 15 Jul, 16:37
Latvijas Banka Issues Two Licenses to Nodu Digital SIA
Nodu Digital SIA becomes the tenth company to receive a license from Latvijas Banka under the MiCA regulation.
Labs of Latvia · 15 Jul, 15:38
Kulbergs Promises to Keep Government Priorities, But Refine Action Plan
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has pledged to maintain the priorities set by the current government while ordering the State Chancellery to adjust the action plan to reflect financial realities. The plan was not approved because many measures are not financially viable in the existing budget.
Dienas Bizness · 15 Jul, 15:37
Motorola Edge 70 Max launches with 25W Qi2 wireless charging and massive battery
Motorola has unveiled the Edge 70 Max, a flagship phone featuring full 25W Qi2 wireless charging, a 7100 mAh battery, 90W wired charging, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.
The Verge · 15 Jul, 15:37
Kazakhstan: A New Economic Partner for Latvia? Growth and Investment Opportunities
Kazakhstan's economy grew by 6.5% in 2025, and the country is attracting increasing EU investment. Latvia could benefit from cooperation in logistics, digital economy, and transit.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 15:36
Survey: Lithuanian businesses plan steepest price hikes in the Baltics
A new study shows that Lithuanian companies are more likely to raise prices significantly this year compared to their Estonian and Latvian counterparts, mainly due to rising overall costs.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 14:37
Retailers in Latvia Adapt to Diverse Shopping Habits with Technology
International research shows consumers increasingly value tech-enabled convenience, and Latvian stores are gradually introducing solutions to cater to both quick and leisurely shoppers.
Dienas Bizness · 15 Jul, 14:37
Buenavista Equity Partners secures €75 million from Fond-ICO Global for its third buyout fund
Madrid-based independent management firm Buenavista Equity Partners has obtained €75 million in commitments from Spain's public fund of funds Fond-ICO Global for its third buyout fund.
EU-Startups · 15 Jul, 14:37
Samsung Unveils New Flex Titanium Foldable Display – Tougher and Less Creasy
Samsung has introduced Flex Titanium, a new foldable display technology promising greater durability, slimmer profile, and reduced crease visibility. It will debut in Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, and could also land in Apple's rumored foldable iPhone.
The Verge · 15 Jul, 13:37
EU and UK AI Regulation Converging, Not Diverging
Despite fears of regulatory divergence, the EU and UK are actually converging on AI regulation, both focusing on outcome accountability and auditability rather than technology-specific rules.
EU-Startups · 15 Jul, 13:36
Ex-SpaceX engineer raises $65M to modernize wire harness manufacturing
Senra, a startup founded by a former SpaceX engineer, has raised $65 million to upgrade traditional wire harness production using software and automation.
TechCrunch · 15 Jul, 13:36
24 AI startups begin operations in Riga
24 artificial intelligence startups have started operations in Riga, with the most promising ones eligible for investments starting from €50,000.
Labs of Latvia · 15 Jul, 13:36
Estonia ranks third in EU for industrial output drop in May
Estonia's industrial production fell by 3% in May compared to the same month last year, the third steepest decline among EU countries, according to Eurostat.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 13:36
Daniel Ek's Neko Health raises €612.7 million Series C as it prepares for US expansion
Swedish health tech company Neko Health has completed a €612.7 million Series C funding round to expand into the United States and further develop its preventive healthcare offerings.
EU-Startups · 15 Jul, 12:38
Rīgas ūdens commissions two solar power plants
SIA Rīgas ūdens has officially put into operation two solar power plants, which will reduce electricity costs and strengthen energy independence.
Dienas Bizness · 15 Jul, 12:37
Europe's biggest company ASML lifts forecast, fuelling fresh hopes for the AI boom
Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML raised its full-year outlook after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) systems, boosting optimism in the tech sector.
Euronews Business · 15 Jul, 12:36
Cross-border e-prescription use in Latvia continues to grow – new countries join
In the first half of 2026, the number of e-prescriptions issued in Latvia slightly decreased, but cross-border use rose by 7%, and foreigners used 43% more e-prescriptions in Latvia.
Dienas Bizness · 15 Jul, 11:37
Retirement in Latvia: Many Face Tough Choice Between Working or Cutting Expenses
Upon retirement, many Latvians will have to make a difficult decision – either continue working or significantly reduce spending, as the first and second pension pillars will only provide 40–50% of previous income. A survey shows 55% of respondents believe at least 1,500 euros per month is needed for a decent life, while the average pension is below 625 euros.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 11:36
Daugavpils Bus Park Sold for €1.48 Million
The Daugavpils municipality-owned company Daugavpils Bus Park has been sold to RTS Grupa for €1.48 million. The municipality assures that passengers will see no changes, as the state transport contract remains in force.
LSM · 15 Jul, 11:36
Starlink V5 dish is now available – smaller, lighter, and more efficient
SpaceX has launched the Starlink V5 residential dish in select areas, significantly reducing its size, weight, and power consumption compared to the V4 model, though peak download speeds are slightly lower.
The Verge · 15 Jul, 10:37