Business & Technology

Uber Lobbies to Slow Autonomous Vehicle Adoption in the US
Uber is pushing for legislation in US states that would limit fully driverless taxi services, requiring that most rides be completed by human drivers.
Wired · 12 Jul, 23:37

Lorde says Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are ‘not sexy’
During her set at Madrid’s Real Cool Festival, Lorde criticized AI smart glasses, telling fans not to buy them, as Meta reportedly plans to launch continuously recording models.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 23:36

AI Appreciation Day: Critics Suggest Alternative Ways to Spend the Day
July 16 marks AI Appreciation Day, but tech publication Engadget criticizes the event and suggests spending time on human experiences instead of artificial intelligence.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 23:36

Brazilian court orders Microsoft to restore hacked Xbox account and digital library
A Brazilian court ruled in favor of a gamer, requiring Microsoft to reinstate a suspended Xbox account and digital game library, and pay about $400 in damages. The case may set a precedent for digital ownership rights.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 22:37

Refreshed Apple Pencils may arrive in 2027 with improved repairability
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release two updated Apple Pencil models in the first half of 2027, potentially featuring better repairability due to EU regulations on replaceable batteries.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 21:37

Electric car batteries get second life in stationary energy storage
Electric vehicle batteries can be repurposed for stationary energy storage in solar parks or homes, and eventually recycled into new batteries.
iAuto.lv · 12 Jul, 21:37

American Beauty Summer Meet 2026 Brings American Car Enthusiasts to Haapsalu, Estonia
The American Beauty Car Show, also known as the American Beauty Summer Meet 2026, is taking place in Haapsalu, Estonia, as one of the most well-known American car events in the Baltics, featuring powerful vehicles and a photo gallery from iAuto.lv.
iAuto.lv · 12 Jul, 20:38

NHTSA gives robotaxi companies ultimatum to fix first responder interference
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered autonomous vehicle developers to submit solutions by month's end to address failures in detecting and responding to emergency scenes, following repeated incidents involving Waymo vehicles.
TechCrunch · 12 Jul, 19:37

Apple's failed self-driving car program left a legacy of powerful AI chips
Apple's self-driving car program was never completed, but the Neural Engine technology developed during its creation became the foundation of the company's modern AI chips.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 19:36

International Experts to Lead Online Workshops on Preventing Fraud in Infrastructure Projects
From August to October, a series of online workshops called “The Integrity Express” will be held, where international experts will help infrastructure professionals identify and prevent fraud and corruption risks.
TVNET · 12 Jul, 18:37

Why Xiaomi phones aren't banned in the US but are rarely sold there
Xiaomi is the third largest smartphone maker globally, yet its phones are almost invisible in the US market. Despite a brief ban in 2021 being lifted, the company chooses to stay out due to strategic reasons.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 18:36

Oura Ring 5 Review: Incremental Update with More Clutter
The Oura Ring 5 is thinner and lighter but keeps the same sensors and battery life as its predecessor. Software updates are not exclusive, and the limited size range may disappoint.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 17:37

Blue Prince becomes a family bonding and learning tool
A family discovers that the video game Blue Prince helps their son develop logical thinking and fosters collaboration between mother and son.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 16:37

Wi-Fi Router Antenna Positioning: A Simple Guide for Better Coverage
Properly positioning your router's antennas and the device itself can significantly improve Wi-Fi signal strength and reduce dead zones. The optimal setup depends on your home's layout and the type of router.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 16:36

Nigeria Opens Largest Lithium Processing Plant in West Africa
Nigeria has commissioned a new plant as part of efforts to process strategic metals locally.
LSM · 12 Jul, 16:36

The Fight Against AI Data Centers Is Just Beginning
Protests against AI data centers are escalating across the US, with communities and lawmakers pushing back against rising energy costs and environmental impacts.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 15:37

Experts Review the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2026
Wired journalists tested several battery-powered pool cleaning robots and named the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra as the best overall.
Wired · 12 Jul, 14:37

Apple Overhauls Child Safety Features in iOS 27
Apple announced several new child safety tools for iOS 27, responding to advocacy and legal pressure, including enhanced parental controls and communication safety updates.
Wired · 12 Jul, 13:37

Estonian lunar rover successfully tested at artificial Moon facility in Germany
An Estonian student-built lunar rover, KuupKulgur, has successfully completed tests at the LUNA center in Germany, which simulates the Moon's surface. The developers hope it could travel to the real Moon within the next decade.
ERR (rus) · 12 Jul, 12:37

External Drive Market Shifts: AI Data Centers Drive Prices Up, Spinning Drives Make a Comeback
Wired's latest roundup of external hard drives highlights soaring SSD prices due to AI data center demand, making traditional HDDs more attractive for backups. The guide features top picks for various needs, from desktop backups to high-speed Thunderbolt 5 drives.
Wired · 12 Jul, 12:36

Fish Processing Volumes Double in a Decade, but Labor Shortage Hampers Growth
Over the past 10–12 years, fish processing companies have doubled their sales volumes, driven by new markets and rising demand for canned fish. However, the sector faces a labor shortage that prevents further production increases.
LSM · 12 Jul, 12:36

Heavy Truck Gathering Held in Engure During Fishermen's Festival
On July 11, Engure hosted a heavy truck gathering as part of the Fishermen's Festival, attracting participants from all over Latvia. The event served as a warm-up for the larger Truck Meet scheduled for July 18 in Rāmava.
iAuto.lv · 12 Jul, 08:38

Exports not just for big players: small Latvian businesses can conquer world by finding niche
The myth that exports are only for large companies is outdated – in the digital age, even a home hobby can become a globally competitive product, says an expert.
LSM · 12 Jul, 07:36

Bentley Announces Its First All-Electric Crossover's Name and Debut Date
Bentley has revealed that its first fully electric model will be called Torcal, set to premiere on September 23. The crossover will be under five meters long and use an 800-volt platform shared with the future Porsche Cayenne Electric.
iAuto.lv · 12 Jul, 04:37

Ferrari in Estonia: A Dream That Never Ages – Luxury Car Demand Unfazed by High Prices
Despite prices starting at €250,000 and waiting lists years long, demand for Italian supercars Ferrari remains high. The distributor says Estonia offers great roads to enjoy these cars.
ERR (rus) · 12 Jul, 04:37

US government proposes reducing public input in grazing regulations on federal lands
For the first time since 1995, the Bureau of Land Management is rewriting grazing rules to expand livestock on 155 million acres in the West while limiting public participation in decision-making.
Ars Technica · 12 Jul, 03:38

GameStop Marks Up Pokémon Cards by Up to 400%, Drawing Criticism Over Predatory Pricing
Retailer GameStop is charging significantly higher prices for Pokémon 30th anniversary cards compared to official channels, with markups exceeding 300% in some cases, sparking outrage among collectors.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 03:38

When an apartment is not an apartment: hidden pitfalls in real estate purchases
A seemingly ordinary apartment may be legally classified as commercial space, affecting mortgages, taxes, and resale. Registration is possible, but banks and tax authorities treat it differently.
ERR (rus) · 12 Jul, 03:37

Reed Jobs would rather talk about curing cancer than his last name
Reed Jobs, son of Steve Jobs, runs Yosemite, an oncology-focused venture firm launched in 2023 that uses philanthropy and venture capital to build biotech companies from academic research. He emphasizes AI's role in accelerating drug discovery and clinical trials.
TechCrunch · 12 Jul, 03:36

Spotify's Release Radar gets new personalization options to refine music recommendations
Spotify has updated its Release Radar playlist with refined session controls, allowing users to narrow down recommendations. Options like "Discover new artists" and "Editors' picks" are now available at the top of the playlist.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 02:37

Short but Satisfying: 'Dosa Divas' RPG Blends Family Drama and Food Culture
The game 'Dosa Divas' is a turn-based RPG set in a world where a corporation has outlawed cooking. Players control two sisters fighting against the evil corporation run by their little sister.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 01:38

Bluesky Officially Appoints CEO: Toni Schneider Takes Permanent Leadership Role
The social network Bluesky has announced that interim CEO Toni Schneider is now officially the permanent CEO, succeeding Jay Graber, who stepped down earlier this year.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 01:38

Ninja Slushi Twist slushie machine a lifesaver during NYC's heat wave
The new Ninja Slushi Twist, with dual 48-ounce vessels for making two different frozen drinks simultaneously, proved a lifesaver during New York City's brutal heat wave.
TechCrunch · 12 Jul, 01:36

Google Introduces Eclipsa Video, a New Open HDR Standard
Google, together with Apple and NBCUniversal, has developed a new open HDR standard called Eclipsa Video, aimed at making HDR content look consistent and predictable across different devices and lighting conditions.
Engadget · 12 Jul, 00:37

AI Companies Seek to Weaken Australia's Copyright Laws; Artists Outraged, Labor Divided
Australia's government is split over copyright reform related to artificial intelligence, as tech giants lobby for data mining exemptions. Artists and Senator David Pocock warn of a potential 'dirty deal' in exchange for data center investments.
The Guardian World · 12 Jul, 00:37

After years of teasing, the viral Nopia synth is ‘basically finished’
Creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal have announced that the Nopia synth, which sparked a frenzy in 2023, will launch in a couple of months for around £550.
The Verge · 12 Jul, 00:36