Business & Technology

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby: How the three media servers really compare
The article compares three popular media server solutions – Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby – highlighting their pros and cons regarding cost, ease of use, and privacy.
Engadget · 1 Jul, 16:37

Andrus Kaarelson: Estonia Must Cut Spending Sooner or Later
Politician Andrus Kaarelson warns that Estonia's national debt is growing unsustainably and cuts are inevitable, criticizing the government's lack of willingness to implement necessary austerity measures.
ERR News · 1 Jul, 16:37

Nearly €4 Million Pedestrian and Cycling Path Opened Between Rīga and Ķekava
A new section of a combined pedestrian and cycling path has been put into operation in Ķekava, connecting from Zvejnieku Street to the A5 roundabout. The total cost of the project is almost €4 million, mostly funded by the EU.
Dienas Bizness · 1 Jul, 16:36

Sony to End Production of Physical PlayStation Game Discs by 2028
Sony announced that as of January 2028, new PlayStation games will no longer be released on physical discs, only digitally. The move follows consumer trends toward digital media, but critics point to loss of resale value and sharing capabilities.
The Verge · 1 Jul, 15:37

Heating tariffs to rise in Kuldīga, Jūrmala, Talsi, Saldus and surrounding areas
In July, four companies in Latvia increased heating tariffs, while three lowered them. Tariff hikes affect Kuldīga, Jūrmala, Talsi, Saldus and nearby areas, while Valmiera, Cēsis and Baloži see reductions.
LSM (rus) · 1 Jul, 15:36

Getty Images cancels $3.7 billion Shutterstock merger over UK restrictions
Getty Images has terminated its $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock after UK regulators imposed conditions the company was unwilling to meet.
Engadget · 1 Jul, 14:37
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“Bauer Media Outdoor Latvia” renamed to “TVNET MEDIA”
The outdoor advertising company has officially changed its name in the Enterprise Register, marking the completion of the acquisition by MM Grupp.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 14:37
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Rīgas siltums to Set Maximum Heat Energy Purchase Price Each Month Starting October
The Public Utilities Commission has approved a procedure requiring Rīgas siltums to calculate and publish a maximum price for purchasing heat from independent producers in the competitive market segment, effective from October 2026.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 13:38

Pärnu Hotels Optimistic for Summer Despite Drop in Finnish Tourists
Hotel operators in Estonia's summer capital, Pärnu, remain hopeful for a strong July and August despite a decline in Finnish visitors, with some hotels reporting healthy bookings and occupancy near 100 percent.
ERR News · 1 Jul, 13:37
Food producers warn St. Petersburg stores of delivery delays amid Russia’s fuel crisis
Food producers across Russia have begun warning grocery chains of possible delivery delays due to a fuel crisis that has spread to nearly every region. While the situation is not yet critical, trucking companies are warning of at least a 10% rate increase.
Meduza · 1 Jul, 13:37

Tapestry VC launches €70 million Fund III with British Business Bank as co-anchor
London-based Tapestry VC has launched its €70 million Fund III, nearly three times the size of its previous funds, with a €35 million commitment from the British Business Bank. The fund will focus on repeat founders in Europe and North America.
EU-Startups · 1 Jul, 12:38

Russia to Further Cut List of Jobs Barred to Women Amid Labor Shortages
Russia plans to reduce the number of professions legally off-limits to women by 2027, as it seeks to address a severe labor shortage driven by demographic decline, wartime mobilization, and emigration.
The Moscow Times · 1 Jul, 12:37

Prague-Based AI Trading Lab EquiLibre Secures Series A at €438 Million Valuation
Prague-based EquiLibre Technologies has closed a Series A funding round at a valuation exceeding €438 million, led by Creandum. The capital will be used to purchase computing power and scale operations.
EU-Startups · 1 Jul, 11:37

Russian Manufacturing Returns to Growth for First Time in Over a Year
Russia's manufacturing sector returned to growth in June for the first time in just over a year, according to the S&P Global PMI survey.
The Moscow Times · 1 Jul, 11:37
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Three-euro customs duty on low-value shipments from third countries takes effect today
As of July 1, 2026, a fixed customs duty of three euros per item line applies to goods purchased from online stores outside the EU, ending the previous exemption for shipments under 150 euros. The changes aim to promote fair competition and eliminate price advantages for third-country traders.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 11:36

Vanšu Bridge Accident: Motorcyclist Injured in Collision with Van
A traffic accident involving a motorcyclist and a van occurred on Vanšu Bridge in Riga on Wednesday morning. The motorcyclist was injured and handed over to medical personnel; police are investigating.
iAuto.lv · 1 Jul, 10:37

University degree: Where in Europe it gives you the biggest edge in the job market?
A university degree still boosts employability, but its impact varies greatly across Europe. In Eastern Europe, graduate unemployment is near zero, while in Southern Europe it remains significantly higher.
Euronews Business · 1 Jul, 10:36
Banks Across Eurasian Economic Union Introduce Fees on Cash Ruble Deposits
Several banks in Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states have started charging fees on cash ruble deposits, responding to a surge in ruble inflows from Russia.
Meduza · 1 Jul, 10:36

Money in Account Loses Value, but We're Afraid to Invest. How to Take the First Step
Many Latvians keep their money in bank accounts or cash, despite inflation eroding its value. Economists note that investing has become more accessible, but fear still prevents people from taking the first step.
LSM · 1 Jul, 10:36

Study: Data Centers Emit Far More CO2 Than Projected
A new Allianz Trade study finds that data centers emitted 286 million tons of CO2 in 2025—57% more than the International Energy Agency estimated. AI already consumes 15-20% of data center electricity, a share that could rise to 40% by 2030.
Dienas Bizness · 1 Jul, 09:38

Smart Unveils Details of New #2 Model: Price Under €22,500
Smart has revealed the concept of the #2, a two-seat electric car that will succeed the Fortwo and cost less than €22,500.
iAuto.lv · 1 Jul, 09:37

Australian creatives warn against weakening copyright in exchange for AI datacentre billions
Australian artists and authors are demanding the government rule out any deal that would weaken copyright to attract over $50bn in datacentre investment in return for a $350m annual fund for creatives, as senator David Pocock calls it the 'ultimate dirty deal'.
The Guardian World · 1 Jul, 09:37

From July 2026, All OCTA Insurers Must Participate in LTAB Claim Administration
Starting July 1, 2026, all motor third-party liability insurers in Latvia will be required to handle claims belonging to the Latvian Motor Insurers' Bureau, aiming to distribute workload and improve service for victims.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 09:37

Former airBaltic interim CEO's salary revealed: nearly €350,000 per year
Pauls Cālītis, who served as airBaltic's interim CEO last year, declared income of €348,868 from the airline. He also owns significant financial instruments and real estate.
Jauns.lv · 1 Jul, 08:37
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Kučinskis: airBaltic will likely have to scale down operations
Latvian Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis believes that national airline airBaltic will have to reduce its scale, as the state can no longer provide direct subsidies and the company's business model based on transit passengers is no longer valid.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 08:36

Demand for drones grows, but pilots are scarce – industry
Demand for drones in Latvia is rising, but the industry faces a shortage of qualified pilots. Baltic Unmanned Solutions, a drone manufacturer, points out that while equipment can be produced, trained pilots are insufficient.
LSM (rus) · 1 Jul, 08:36
Stock Markets Rise, Oil Prices Fall
Stock prices in the US and European exchanges increased on Tuesday, driven by investor optimism about artificial intelligence that outweighed concerns over geopolitical tensions and inflation. Meanwhile, global oil prices declined.
Dienas Bizness · 1 Jul, 08:36

EBRD provides $50 million to boost lending for young entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is lending up to $50 million to Uzbekistan's SQB bank to expand credit for entrepreneurs under 35, as small businesses still struggle to access bank financing.
Euronews Business · 1 Jul, 07:38

China Considers Human Employment Amid AI Integration
The New York Times reports that China is embedding AI in all industries while simultaneously thinking about how to keep humans employed.
The New York Times · 1 Jul, 06:38

Internet pioneer Vint Cerf retires from Google
Vint Cerf, co-creator of TCP/IP protocols, is stepping down as Google's chief internet evangelist after 20 years. At a conference, he predicted AI agents will drive the need for new communication standards.
TechCrunch AI · 1 Jul, 06:37

Survey: 92% of Latvian Residents Experience Financial Stress, Employers Seek Solutions
According to a Swedbank survey, 92% of Latvian residents experience financial stress, and over half say it affects their emotional well-being. Companies are increasingly recognizing that employee financial security is key to sustainability, with growing interest in employer contributions to the third pension pillar.
Žurnāls Ir · 1 Jul, 06:37

Google Gemini Spark assistant arrives on macOS app
Google has begun rolling out its new agentic AI assistant Gemini Spark to the Gemini app for macOS. It is currently available only to US users who pay $100 per month for Google AI Ultra.
Engadget · 1 Jul, 06:36

NASA may send a backup nuclear-powered Mars rover to the Moon
NASA is considering repurposing a spare Mars rover, 'Promise,' for lunar missions, leveraging years of experience with rovers Perseverance and Curiosity.
Ars Technica · 1 Jul, 05:37

Acer Swift Go 16 AI is a lot of laptop for $900
The Acer Swift Go 16 AI laptop is on sale for $899.99 at Best Buy, nearly half off its usual price. It features a 16-inch OLED display, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
The Verge · 1 Jul, 05:37
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Have Trump and Putin's talks scared investors away from Latvia?
Over the past year and a half, global instability has heightened, raising questions about investment flows to Latvia. The source analyzes whether the communication between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin has affected investor confidence.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 05:37

New BMW X5 Unveiled: Five Powertrains, 612 HP Hybrid, and Hydrogen – Starting at €98,800
BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5 (G65), featuring an unprecedented range of powertrains including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric, and a planned hydrogen version. The SUV starts at €98,800 and will arrive in late 2026.
iAuto.lv · 1 Jul, 05:37