Business & Technology

Centralized Exam Results: Stable in Basic Education, Improved in Secondary Education
The results of the 2025/2026 academic year centralized exams show that average scores in basic education remained similar to the previous year, while in secondary education, average scores improved in Latvian and English at the optimal level.
Dienas Bizness · 14 Jul, 12:37

How AI and Circular Farming Can Empower Small Farmers in Emerging Economies
With five out of six farms globally under two hectares, smallholders produce 35% of food but face information and resource gaps. European AgriTech startups are leveraging AI and circular practices to create scalable solutions.
EU-Startups · 14 Jul, 12:37

Latvia's Real Estate Sector Shows Signs of Growth Potential
After years of stagnation, Latvia's economy and real estate market are showing faster growth, while Lithuania faces rising costs and declining competitiveness.
Dienas Bizness · 14 Jul, 11:37

US Approves Launch of Mirror Satellite That Can Reflect Sunlight to Illuminate Earth at Night
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized Reflect Orbital to test its mirror satellite Eärendil-1, which can reflect sunlight onto specific locations on Earth at night. The project has drawn criticism from astronomers and environmental advocates.
Wired · 14 Jul, 11:37

Hisense A10: E Ink phone with detachable color LCD display
Hisense's upcoming Android phone A10 features a 6.13-inch E Ink main screen and a magnetically attachable color LCD on the back, which can be purchased separately.
Engadget · 14 Jul, 11:36

Taste Buds: A Reliable Tool for Food Technologists
Professor Evita Straumīte from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies explains that taste is one of the hardest senses to deceive and can serve as a precise measurement tool in food technology.
LSM · 14 Jul, 11:36

BMW Electric Vehicle Sales Drop 7.4% in First Half
BMW sold 204,295 fully electric cars in the first half of 2026, a 7.4% decrease year-on-year. The decline was driven by weak demand in China, while European sales rose significantly.
iAuto.lv · 14 Jul, 10:37

Hyundai workers start three-day partial strike over wage demands
The union of South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor began a three-day partial strike on Monday after wage negotiations broke down.
iAuto.lv · 14 Jul, 09:38

Early Withdrawal of Third Pillar Pensions Threatens Long-Term Savings
Experts warn that allowing early access to third pillar pension savings could undermine financial security in retirement and increase the burden on the state budget.
Dienas Bizness · 14 Jul, 09:37

Reduced VAT on Food: First Results but Experts Warn of Challenges
Since July 1, the reduced VAT rate on four food groups has boosted sales of dairy and chicken, but experts caution about budget revenue loss and global price risks.
Jauns.lv · 14 Jul, 09:37

New National Research and Innovation Institute Established in Latvia
Latvia has established a new science center, the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), by merging two leading research institutes to accelerate the development of new drugs, diagnostics, and medical technologies.
LSM · 14 Jul, 09:36

Berlin-based NextGO Epi raises €2 million for gallium oxide semiconductor development
NextGO Epi, a German deep-tech startup and Europe's only producer of gallium oxide epitaxial wafers, has secured €2 million in pre-seed funding to develop next-generation semiconductor materials that could cut EV charging time from 60 to 10 minutes.
EU-Startups · 14 Jul, 08:37

China's June exports surge 27% year-on-year as AI boom drives demand
China's exports rose 27% in June from a year earlier, beating expectations, while imports jumped 36%. The surge is largely fueled by semiconductor demand from the AI boom, with strong trade to Southeast Asia, the EU, and Latin America.
Euronews · 14 Jul, 08:37

Latvian Companies to Boost Cooperation in Defense Technology in Vilnius
Representatives of 40 Latvian companies will travel to Vilnius on July 15-16 to establish business contacts, develop joint projects, and expand export opportunities in defense, security, and high-tech sectors.
Labs of Latvia · 14 Jul, 08:36

Netflix alumni-founded Nopan raises €7.2 million to scale account and wallet payments across Europe
Amsterdam-based fintech Nopan has secured €7.2 million in total funding led by Newion, with participation from Crane and Seedcamp. The company plans to expand its account and wallet payment coverage and optimization capabilities across Europe.
EU-Startups · 14 Jul, 07:38

Latvia may be on the verge of a new growth cycle, economist suggests
Economist Arnolds Antanavičs argues that Latvia, long lagging behind Lithuania and Estonia, is now at the start of a growth cycle, evidenced by rising foreign investment and a recovering housing market.
Delfi · 14 Jul, 07:37
Oil Prices Rise, Wall Street Falls, European Stocks Inch Up
On Monday, global oil prices climbed as investors worried about a potential resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran, while Wall Street stocks declined and European exchanges saw a slight increase.
Dienas Bizness · 14 Jul, 07:36

watchOS 27 beta: Siri AI turns the Apple Watch into a true wrist computer
The new Siri AI features in the watchOS 27 developer beta make the Apple Watch more versatile, allowing tasks to be performed from the wrist without needing the phone.
The Verge · 14 Jul, 06:38

Solution to Feynman's reverse sprinkler puzzle also applies to 'silly sprinklers'
Researchers at New York University have confirmed the momentum flux theory explaining how angular momentum of water drives rotation in reverse sprinklers, and extended it to silly sprinkler designs.
Ars Technica · 14 Jul, 06:38

Already Rich, Already Successful: Why the Last Wave of Tech Winners Is Grinding Again
Several wealthy and accomplished tech founders and executives are returning to active work, joining AI companies or launching new AI startups, driven by a fear of missing out on the defining moment of artificial intelligence and the potential for even greater wealth.
TechCrunch · 14 Jul, 06:37
S7 and GTLK deal for Tu-214 jets may collapse or be scaled back
A deal between S7 Airlines and the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) for up to 100 Tu-214 passenger jets could fall through or be reduced to a minimum number of aircraft, according to industry sources.
Meduza · 14 Jul, 05:38

Estonia's Ministry of Justice broadly supports EU-wide age restrictions for social media, awaits concrete proposals
Estonia generally backs EU-level age restrictions on social media for children, but adopts a wait-and-see approach pending specific legislative initiatives.
ERR (rus) · 14 Jul, 05:38

Apple releases public betas for iOS 27 and more
Apple has released public betas for iOS 27 and other major OS updates, including the delayed Siri AI overhaul.
The Verge · 14 Jul, 05:37

X tweaks algorithm to boost mutuals and foster friendlier community
X has updated its algorithm to prioritize posts from mutual followers, aiming to reduce the 'battleground' feel in replies and encourage more community interaction, says head of product Nikita Bier.
TechCrunch · 14 Jul, 05:37

US refunds $81bn in Trump tariffs after Supreme Court ruled them illegal
The US government has returned $81 billion in tariffs collected before the Supreme Court declared them illegal. The refunds are a result of a February ruling that struck down a large portion of additional tariffs imposed by President Trump.
The Guardian World · 14 Jul, 05:37

SpaceX gears up for 13th Starship test flight with real Starlink satellites
SpaceX is preparing for its 13th Starship test flight, potentially as soon as Thursday, featuring 20 operational Starlink V3 satellites, a Raptor engine restart attempt, and heat shield upgrades.
Ars Technica · 14 Jul, 05:37

iCloud+ vs. Apple One: Which Is Worth It for You?
Apple offers two paid services: iCloud+ for extra storage and privacy features, and Apple One, a bundle of multiple subscriptions. Choose iCloud+ if you only need more cloud space; choose Apple One if you already pay for other Apple services, as it can save you money.
Engadget · 14 Jul, 04:38
Google Pixel 11 colors leak ahead of official launch
Leaked Amazon listings reveal possible colors, price, and specs for the Google Pixel 11 series.
The Verge · 14 Jul, 04:37

US warns of Russian hackers targeting routers
The US government, alongside international partners, warns that Russian state hackers are mass-compromising home and small office routers to obscure attacks on sensitive organizations.
Ars Technica · 14 Jul, 04:37

Uber Expands Services: Hotels, Boat Rentals, and AI Tools, but Doesn't Aim to Be 'Everything for Everyone'
Uber's Chief Product Officer reveals the company's strategy, including hotel bookings, boat rentals, and a data-collection initiative called AV Labs, while emphasizing that Uber does not want to become an 'everything app.'
TechCrunch · 14 Jul, 04:37

Uber's product chief on hotels, robotaxis, and why the company doesn't want to be 'everything for everyone'
Uber is expanding beyond ride-hailing and delivery into hotels, boat rentals, and shopping, while advancing autonomous vehicles and AI features. Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal explains that Uber aims to focus on travel and partnerships rather than becoming a super app.
TechCrunch AI · 14 Jul, 04:37

Indonesia’s jailing of Gojek founder raises fears for investor confidence
A court in Indonesia sentenced Gojek co-founder Nadiem Makarim to 10 years in prison for corruption, sparking concerns about foreign investor trust in the country's economy.
Al Jazeera · 14 Jul, 04:36

Fiat Unveils Two New SUVs: Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback
Fiat has introduced two new C-segment SUVs – the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback – which will go on sale in Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026.
iAuto.lv · 14 Jul, 04:36

Ransomware Negotiator Who Colluded with Attackers Sentenced to 70 Months
Angelo Martino, a ransomware negotiator, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for colluding with the BlackCat ransomware group to extort victims. He provided attackers with confidential information, leading to over $75 million in ransom payments.
Engadget · 14 Jul, 03:37

Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones hit lowest price since January
The bone conduction headphones Shokz OpenRun Pro are now available for $109, a $50 discount matching the all-time low price last seen in January.
The Verge · 14 Jul, 03:37

Alternatives to Mortgages: Renovation, Small Home, and Energy Efficiency Loans
Inbank offers three types of housing loans – renovation, small home, and energy efficiency – available up to 30,000 euros without collateral or down payment, primarily assessing the borrower's creditworthiness.
TVNET · 14 Jul, 03:37