Business & Technology
Clicks showcases its BlackBerry-inspired phone in a new hands-on video
Startup Clicks Technology released a video demonstrating its upcoming Clicks Communicator smartphone, targeting users who miss the physical QWERTY keyboard of BlackBerry devices. Priced at $499, the device features a customizable Signal Light, interchangeable back covers, a headphone jack, and expandable storage, with shipping expected in Q4 2026.
TechCrunch · 30 Jun, 21:36
Anthropic launches Claude Science – an AI workbench for scientists, not a new model
Anthropic has introduced Claude Science, an AI workbench that provides scientists with a unified environment for computational research, eliminating the need to switch between databases and tools. The platform is not a new AI model but a workflow solution.
TechCrunch AI · 30 Jun, 20:37
Netflix uses AI-generated Gene Wilder voice in its Willy Wonka reality show
Netflix's new reality series "Wonka's The Golden Ticket" will feature an AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder, created with family consent.
The Verge · 30 Jun, 20:37
Bose Soundlink Max drops to $279 in July 4th weekend deal
The Bose Soundlink Max Bluetooth speaker is now $279, down from $399, at Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose.com. Other deals include an SSD, wireless chargers, and a Lego set.
The Verge · 30 Jun, 19:38
California Bill to Preserve Online Games Fails Committee Vote
A California bill that would have required game publishers to notify players before taking games offline and offer refunds or continued play failed to pass a state senate committee.
Engadget · 30 Jun, 19:38
Blue Origin Still Doesn't Know Why Its New Glenn Rocket Blew Up Last Month
Blue Origin has yet to determine the cause of last month's New Glenn rocket explosion, but the company plans to resume flights this year with changes to its launch complex.
TechCrunch · 30 Jun, 19:38
Libby App to Introduce AI Content Filters
The popular library e-book app Libby will soon allow users to filter out AI-generated content, including AI-written books, narrated audiobooks, machine translations, and AI art.
The Verge · 30 Jun, 18:37
Some Apple products avoid price hike for now
Apple has increased prices on several iPad and Mac models due to ongoing memory shortages, but iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods remain unaffected so far. However, analysts expect price increases for these devices with the fall release of new models.
Engadget · 30 Jun, 18:37
Tesla begins testing Cybercab without pedals or steering wheel in Austin
Tesla has started testing a production version of its fully autonomous Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals in Austin, Texas, with a safety monitor in the passenger seat.
TechCrunch · 30 Jun, 18:37
Large fire breaks out in warehouse in Pārdaugava, Riga; ramp from Mūkusalas iela to Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve closed
A major fire erupted in a warehouse building at Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve 2 in Riga. The fire service has declared the highest danger level, with over 40 firefighters involved.
iAuto.lv · 30 Jun, 18:36
Recycling Paper and Cardboard Saves Wood Resources, but Latvia Lacks Capacity
Recycling waste paper, paper and cardboard packaging into other products significantly reduces the need for wood extraction, but currently there are few companies in Latvia processing significant volumes of used materials.
Dienas Bizness · 30 Jun, 18:36
Proton's privacy-focused AI chatbot Lumo gets an upgrade with image recognition and generation
Proton has released Lumo 2.0, an update to its public AI chatbot that adds image processing capabilities, faster performance, and user-controlled persistent memory.
TechCrunch · 30 Jun, 17:37
Google's Gmail Live AI Feature Is Now Available in Beta
Google has launched beta testing for Gmail Live, a voice-powered search feature that lets users find emails using natural language.
Engadget · 30 Jun, 17:36
NASA's robotic rescue mission targets a space telescope plummeting to Earth
NASA plans a daring robotic rescue mission to prevent the Swift space telescope from burning up in the atmosphere. The $30 million operation has a 50-50 chance of success, according to project scientists.
France 24 · 30 Jun, 16:37
YouTube Premium Costs More via Apple App Store Due to 'Apple Tax'
Subscribing to YouTube Premium through Apple's App Store costs $21/month, while the same subscription via YouTube's website is $16. The difference stems from Apple's commission fee, known as the 'Apple tax'.
Engadget · 30 Jun, 16:36
Austrian Biotech Startup Epitome Therapeutics Secures €4 Million in Funding
Vienna-based Epitome Therapeutics announced €4 million in total funding to advance its precision epigenome editing platform and expand its team.
EU-Startups · 30 Jun, 15:37
VAT Reduction to 12% — How Much Cheaper Will Food Be and How Will Traders Be Controlled?
From July 1, Latvia will apply a reduced VAT rate of 12% instead of 21% to four basic food categories: bread, milk, eggs, and poultry. Officials promise price drops, but it remains unclear how much and how consumers can verify fairness.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 15:36
Government Approves €9 Million for State Food Reserves
On Tuesday, June 30, the government supported the Ministry of Agriculture's report on allocating €9 million to strengthen Latvia's readiness to provide food to residents during crises or national threats.
LSM · 30 Jun, 15:36
Scandinavian Airlines bets on recovery with record €8.75 billion Airbus jet order
Scandinavian carrier SAS confirmed a record order for up to 40 twin-aisle Airbus A330 family aircraft worth over €8.75 billion to renew and expand its long-haul fleet, marking a significant turnaround after emerging from bankruptcy in 2024.
Euronews Business · 30 Jun, 14:36
UK household disposable incomes fall as price rises and tax changes bite
UK households saw real disposable income drop 0.8% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by rising inflation and higher capital gains tax receipts, while GDP growth was revised slightly downward.
The Guardian World · 30 Jun, 13:37
EU allocates steel import quotas to trading partners to curb import surge
The European Union announced on Tuesday the allocation of steel import quotas to trading partners in an effort to limit global overcapacity and protect its internal market.
Euronews Business · 30 Jun, 13:36
New e-bike motors with integrated eCVT promise seamless shifting and reduced maintenance
Two companies – Avinox (a DJI spinoff) and Gobao – unveiled next-generation motor gearbox units (MGUs) with electronic continuously variable transmissions (eCVT) at the Eurobike show, offering infinite gear ratios and automatic cadence control.
The Verge · 30 Jun, 13:36
From July 1, reduced VAT on bread, milk, eggs, and poultry
Starting July 1, a reduced VAT rate of 12% will apply to four main food categories – bread, milk, eggs, and poultry – for one year, potentially lowering prices in stores. Authorities urge consumers to be vigilant and check that retailers are honest in reflecting the tax reduction in prices.
LSM · 30 Jun, 13:36
Verkko Robotics Launches VOLTAIC: A Cost and Energy Saving Spiking Neural Inference Model
London-based Verkko Robotics has unveiled VOLTAIC, an AI system that uses 98% less energy than traditional LLMs, learns continuously, and retains knowledge, potentially challenging the current AI industry economics and supporting European AI sovereignty.
EU-Startups · 30 Jun, 12:38
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airBaltic Board Re-elected; Company May Need Additional Funding in 2026
The board of Latvia's national airline airBaltic has been re-elected for a three-year term with Andrejs Martinovs as chairman, Jurģis Sedlenieks as deputy, and Ruta Amtmane as member. Meanwhile, the company's annual report indicates a potential need for an additional 100–150 million euros in funding for the 2026/2027 winter season.
TVNET · 30 Jun, 12:36
airBaltic Board Re-elects Martinov as Chairman; Sedlenieks as Deputy
At the shareholders' meeting, Andrejs Martinovs was re-elected as Chairman of the Board of airBaltic, Jurģis Sedlenieks as Deputy Chairman, and Ruta Amtmane as a member.
LSM · 30 Jun, 12:36
InSoil secures €120 million to boost regenerative agriculture lending across Europe
Vilnius-based climate finance firm InSoil has obtained a €120 million credit facility from Pollen Street Capital, backed by an EIF guarantee, to expand financing for agricultural SMEs adopting sustainable practices. The deal is one of the largest private credit commitments for sustainable agriculture in Europe.
EU-Startups · 30 Jun, 11:37
Finland to Silence Last Landline Phones in July
Finland's largest telecom operator Elisa will discontinue fixed-line services, marking the end of the landline era in the country.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 11:36
Iraq Demands Larger Oil Production Quotas from OPEC
Iraq is increasing pressure on OPEC to raise its oil production quotas, driven by economic difficulties from the war in Iran and an influx of international oil investments.
LSM · 30 Jun, 11:36
Heatwave Damages German Autobahns with Concrete Blow-Ups
The summer 2026 heatwave in Germany has caused significant damage to several autobahns, particularly those with older concrete surfaces. Traffic restrictions are in place as repairs continue.
iAuto.lv · 30 Jun, 10:37
INMerge Berlin Concludes International Event Series Ahead of Baku Summit
INMerge Berlin, held as an official side event of GITEX Europe, was the final stop before the flagship INMerge Innovation Summit in Baku in November. The event featured panel discussions, a fireside chat, and a startup pitch competition.
EU-Startups · 30 Jun, 10:36
Latvian-Made Digital Skin Care Assistant Gains Attention in US and UK
An online tool called “Betterskin”, developed in Latvia, helps women improve their skincare routine by combining technology and medically based information, and has already attracted international interest.
Labs of Latvia · 30 Jun, 09:37
Heat Waves Becoming Serious Economic Risk in Europe
Summer heat waves reduce labor capacity and economic activity, especially in construction, agriculture, and services, with long-lasting effects, research shows.
Dienas Bizness · 30 Jun, 09:37
Porsche Enhances Taycan Models with New Features and Extended Range
Porsche has updated all Taycan models with innovations including a virtual transmission, Manthey kit, and increased range of up to 700 km, improving driving excitement and digital experience.
iAuto.lv · 30 Jun, 08:36
Deepfakes: From Tech Curiosity to Realistic Threat – Experts Explain How to Spot Them
Cybersecurity experts warn that advances in AI have made deepfakes highly convincing, urging caution and awareness to avoid falling for scams.
LSM · 30 Jun, 08:36
New eSignature Solution for eID Card Holders: Technical Changes, No Action Required Yet
About 346,000 eID card holders will gain access to a new remote eSignature solution by the end of the year. LVRTC emphasizes residents do not need to take any action at this time.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 08:36