Business & Technology
SK Hynix Plans U.S. IPO to Capitalize on AI-Driven Memory Chip Demand
South Korean memory maker SK Hynix is launching a U.S. IPO of nearly 17.8 million shares, potentially raising around $28 billion, as the AI boom fuels unprecedented demand for memory chips.
TechCrunch AI · 7 Jul, 02:36
Google to Count All Android Backup Data Toward Storage Cap Starting July 7
Starting July 7, Google will include all Android backup data in the account storage limit, adding about 40 MB on average. Users get new controls to select what to back up.
Engadget · 7 Jul, 01:36
America's 250th Birthday: The First Amendment Still Under Threat
The article examines historical and modern challenges to the First Amendment in the US, especially under the Trump administration, and urges protection of free speech.
The Verge · 7 Jul, 00:37
Vercel CEO discusses splitting models from agents and the new AI landscape
In an interview after the ShipNYC conference, Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch talks about two killer apps for agents, data security challenges, and the shift from single-lab partnerships to multi-model strategies.
TechCrunch AI · 6 Jul, 23:38
Historic building in Riga center to be converted into residential house
Real estate developer Baurum has acquired a neoclassical building at the corner of Tērbata and Blaumaņa streets, planning to turn it into a residential property. The transaction was the largest in the first four months of this year.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 23:38
Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch: Models and Agents Should Be Decoupled
Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch argues that AI agents and models should not be too tightly coupled, and tools like Eve and Sandbox help with data control and auditing challenges.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 23:38
What's the oldest Americana flown in space?
Several American historical artifacts, including a replica of George Washington's flag and Thomas Jefferson's manual, have traveled to space. The oldest is believed to be a copper spike from the USS Constitution dating to 1797.
Ars Technica · 6 Jul, 23:37
Hoto PixelDrive screwdriver drops to $60, matching its best price ever
Hoto's PixelDrive cordless screwdriver is on sale at Amazon for $59.99, a $20 discount that matches its lowest price to date.
The Verge · 6 Jul, 23:36
iOS 27 beta 3 lets you customize Siri's speaking pace and expressiveness
Apple's latest developer beta of iOS 27 enables new voice controls for Siri's pace and expressivity, allowing users to adjust how fast and emotionally expressive the assistant sounds, as part of efforts to make Siri more natural.
TechCrunch AI · 6 Jul, 22:37
iOS 27 beta 3 lets you adjust Siri’s speaking pace and expressivity
Apple’s latest iOS 27 developer beta enables sliders for Siri’s speech speed and emotional tone, moving toward a more natural AI assistant.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 22:37
LALIGABA website hit by cyberattack; no personal data compromised
The website of the Latvian Literature Annual Award (laligaba.lv) was hacked, but CERT.lv says no data was breached and the attack was not targeted.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 22:37
Google now uses your uploaded search media to train AI
Google quietly changed its policy to allow using media uploaded to its search tools for AI training. Users are automatically opted in but can opt out by adjusting settings.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 22:36
Reduced VAT Implementation Required Careful Preparation and Accurate Work in Stores
As of July 1, 2026, a reduced 12% VAT on basic food items was introduced in Latvia, requiring meticulous preparation in retail stores.
Dienas Bizness · 6 Jul, 22:36
Bookshop.org says Kobo e-reader support will happen this year after delays
Bookshop.org, an Amazon competitor, has reaffirmed that Kobo e-reader support is coming later this year after being delayed from 2025 and 2026.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 21:37
Wired headphones make a comeback: Why people are ditching wireless earbuds
After years of decline, wired headphones are seeing a resurgence, with sales surging in late 2025. Consumers are switching from Bluetooth models due to better sound quality for the price, battery issues, and a growing weariness of modern tech.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 21:36
OPEC Countries Boost Oil Production as Demand Declines
In June, OPEC members significantly increased oil production, and after the US-Iran peace deal, Persian Gulf states nearly fully restored exports through the Strait of Hormuz, while demand remains low.
Dienas Bizness · 6 Jul, 21:36
Dr. Zachary Rubin: Combating Medical Misinformation Requires Knowledge and Communication Skills
Pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin shares his experience fighting medical misinformation online, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy and embracing uncertainty.
The Verge · 6 Jul, 20:37
Bold Decisions Needed for Public Transport Sector
The regional bus network, vital for Latvia's mobility, has been facing persistent issues for years, prompting calls for immediate action.
Dienas Bizness · 6 Jul, 20:36
Apple restores card payments for Apple Account purchases in India after four-year gap
Apple has begun gradually restoring card payments for Apple Account purchases in India after more than four years, adapting to regulatory changes in the country's digital payments landscape. Users can now add Visa and Mastercard cards to pay for subscriptions and App Store purchases.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 19:37
Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, mostly at Xbox
Microsoft announced it is laying off 4,800 employees, or about 2% of its global workforce. The majority of cuts target the Xbox division, which will lose 3,200 positions and four studios.
Euronews Business · 6 Jul, 19:37
Former Xbox studios Double Fine and Compulsion will keep games after going indie
Microsoft is spinning off four Xbox game studios; Double Fine and Compulsion will become independent and retain their intellectual property and game catalogs.
The Verge · 6 Jul, 19:37
AI actor Tilly Norwood reportedly starring in a feature-length movie
An AI-generated character named Tilly Norwood is said to headline a film called 'Misaligned' by Particle6 Productions, but the project's feasibility is highly uncertain.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 19:37
Generational change: can it break the 'glass ceiling' of Latvian entrepreneurs?
Around ten thousand new companies are founded in Latvia each year, but only a few grow large enough to invest in R&D and compete internationally. A generational shift might alter this dynamic.
Dienas Bizness · 6 Jul, 19:36
Luxury McLaren Crashes into Barrier in Riga
A luxury McLaren car crashed into a road barrier on Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve in Riga on Monday. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle sustained significant damage.
iAuto.lv · 6 Jul, 18:37
BGF surpasses €5.8 billion deployed after 15 years backing UK and Irish startups
Growth capital provider BGF has invested over €5.8 billion in 650 businesses over 15 years, marking a milestone in its support for the UK and Irish growth economy.
EU-Startups · 6 Jul, 18:36
Microsoft lays off nearly 5,000 employees, with Xbox and commercial sales hit hardest
Microsoft cut about 4,800 roles on Monday, equivalent to 2.1% of its global workforce, in its latest round of layoffs. The most affected divisions are Xbox, which lost 1,600 employees, and commercial sales, raising concerns about AI replacing jobs.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 18:36
A USB-C port isn't a guarantee of high speeds: here's why
USB-C promised simplicity but has become a mix of different specs; a USB-C port can be as slow as USB 2.0 or as fast as USB4, and manufacturers often don't label capabilities clearly.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 18:36
Logistics Robotization in Latvia Still in Early Stages
Only 3–5% of Latvian companies use automation and robotization in logistics, compared to 19% in Lithuania and even higher in Sweden. Another 9% of Latvian firms plan to introduce robots within the next five years.
Dienas Bizness · 6 Jul, 18:36
German startup alqem raises €8M to boost Europe's materials supply chain
Munich-based deep tech startup alqem secured €8 million in pre-seed funding to develop an AI-driven platform for discovering and commercializing advanced materials, aiming to strengthen Europe's supply chain for magnets and other critical materials.
EU-Startups · 6 Jul, 17:38
WhatsApp allows username reservations ahead of feature launch
Meta-owned chat app WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations, enabling users to share contacts without revealing phone numbers.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 17:38
Xbox confirms 3,200 layoffs over the next year
Microsoft will cut 3,200 jobs across its Xbox division, with 1,600 immediately. Four studios are being transferred or spun off, and the company cites the need for a 'reset' due to unsustainable margins and a hardware crisis.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 17:38
Russian oil falls to $42 a barrel — the same price as before the Middle East war
Russian Urals crude has dropped to $41.66 per barrel in early July 2026, returning to pre-war levels after peaking at $116 in April.
Meduza · 6 Jul, 17:38
Business News on July 6: 'Prime Prometics' Success and Baltic Defense Tech Growth
On July 6, key business stories include Latvian cosmetics startup 'Prime Prometics' reaching €101 million turnover and nearly €15 million profit, mainly in the US market. Baltic defense tech startups are increasingly attracting foreign investors, though most capital flows to Estonia. Additionally, a transport association in Pierīga must submit a bus service plan by Tuesday.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 17:36
Station F ramps up support for Europe's hottest AI startups
Paris-based startup hub Station F is preparing for the second cohort of its F/ai accelerator, aiming to solidify its role as a launchpad for European AI startups. The first cohort raised $34 million in pre-seed funding.
TechCrunch · 6 Jul, 16:37
Microsoft lays off 4,800, sells four Xbox studios in major gaming cuts
Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs, with over 30% in Xbox, and spinning off four studios as part of a restructuring labeled an 'Xbox reset.'
The Verge · 6 Jul, 16:36
USB4 Cables: When and Why It's Worth Paying More
USB4 cables offer higher bandwidth and can power multiple devices simultaneously, but they are significantly pricier than standard USB-C cables. Experts advise buying them only if your devices support this standard.
Engadget · 6 Jul, 16:36