Business & Technology
BT and Verizon form global joint venture in $625m deal
BT and Verizon are combining their international operations into a 50/50 joint venture, with Verizon paying a $625 million equalisation fee for equal voting rights. The new company will serve over 3,000 customers in nearly 180 countries and have combined annual revenue of $4 billion.
The Guardian World · 29 Jun, 10:37
Eurozone Economic Sentiment Improves, US Consumption Gains Momentum
The Eurozone composite PMI rose to 49.5 in June, nearing the 50-point growth threshold, while US household spending increased 0.3% in May, with disposable income up 0.7%.
Dienas Bizness · 29 Jun, 09:38
Riga’s Housing Market: Lowest Prices, Highest Rental Yield in the Baltics
Real estate market analysis shows Riga offers the lowest housing prices among Baltic capitals while providing the highest rental yield.
Dienas Bizness · 29 Jun, 08:38
Europe still holds strategic leverage over China in several technologies
Despite China's push for technological self-reliance, the European Union remains a key partner in semiconductors, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive chips, and robotics, though experts doubt Europe can use this dependence as a bargaining chip due to China's rare earth monopoly.
Euronews Business · 29 Jun, 08:37
Consumer Confidence in Finland Hits Four-Year High
Finland's consumer confidence index rose to -5.3 points in June, the highest level since February 2022, but remains below the long-term average.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jun, 08:37
Oil Prices Rise as US, Iranian Strikes Threaten Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Oil prices climbed on Monday following tit-for-tat US and Iranian strikes over the weekend, renewing doubts about a return to normal shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose about 0.9% to $73.21 per barrel.
Al Jazeera · 29 Jun, 07:37
Latvia ranks fourth globally in AI app downloads, but experts warn of risks
Latvia is the fourth country in the world in per capita AI app downloads, yet studies indicate a decline in cognitive abilities and threats from disinformation.
Žurnāls Ir · 29 Jun, 07:37
New Dispatch Control and Data Center for Latvia's Power System Commissioned
A new dispatch control and data center has been opened in Riga to monitor and manage Latvia's electricity transmission grid in real time, funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Dienas Bizness · 29 Jun, 07:37
Oil crisis impact on Latvia's economy proves stronger than expected
Latvia's economy is set to face a greater blow from rising oil prices and inflation this year, prompting forecasters to cut growth estimates and raise inflation projections.
Žurnāls Ir · 29 Jun, 06:37
Volkswagen Crisis: 100,000 Jobs at Risk, Domestic Factors Beyond China Blamed
Volkswagen faces 100,000 job cuts globally with four German plants potentially closing long-term. Causes include high energy prices, bureaucracy, and slow e-mobility transition, not just unfair competition from China.
Politico Europe · 29 Jun, 06:36
Heat Emergency Alert Sparks Debate in Latvia
An emergency warning sent to mobile phones in Latvia about high temperatures (31-35°C) on June 28 has prompted discussions about the appropriateness of using the alert system for weather forecasts.
iAuto.lv · 29 Jun, 05:38
Shoppers increasingly abandon purchases due to poor in-store experience
A study shows that 74% of consumers have abandoned a purchase due to information overload or complex choices. Long queues and unclear store layouts are major pain points.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jun, 05:36
Startup Slate Unveils Cheap Electric Pickup – Base Model Lacks Touchscreen and Audio
US startup Slate, backed by Jeff Bezos, has introduced its first electric pickup, the Slate Truck, starting at $24,950. The base version comes without a touchscreen or audio system but offers extensive customization options.
iAuto.lv · 29 Jun, 04:36
New apartment prices drop while overall housing market rises
In the first quarter of this year, despite an overall increase in housing prices in Latvia, prices for new projects have decreased, suggesting that buyers may have reached their affordability limit.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 03:36
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Europe Faces Competitiveness Crisis – Macron and Leaders Discuss Future Strategy
Last October, the Copenhagen competitiveness summit brought together French President Macron, EU Commission President von der Leyen, the prime ministers of Poland and Denmark, and 28 top European business leaders to discuss how Europe can maintain its competitiveness in the global economy. Rising US protectionism, Chinese competition, and security threats are pressuring Europe to act, but slow approval processes, fragmented regulation, and barriers in the single market hinder progress.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 02:37
China's Z.ai GLM-5.2 claims to match Mythos in cybersecurity, lags on general tasks
China's Zhipu AI has released its open-weight model GLM-5.2, which researchers say matches Mythos in certain bug-finding and cybersecurity scenarios, though it still lags behind Western models on general tasks.
The Verge · 29 Jun, 01:37
California Law Targeting Loud Streaming Ads Takes Effect on July 1
Starting July 1, a California law bans streaming services from showing ads louder than the accompanying video content, potentially prompting broader industry changes.
TechCrunch · 29 Jun, 00:36
Suno launches Spark incubator program for independent artists
The AI music platform Suno introduces a program offering grants and mentorship, but requires broad rights and a positive portrayal clause.
The Verge · 28 Jun, 23:36
Ford rehires veteran engineers after AI falls short on quality
Ford is bringing back 350 experienced engineers, including former employees, after AI and automated systems failed to deliver expected quality levels. The move is expected to save $1 billion this year.
TechCrunch AI · 28 Jun, 22:37
Insolvency proceedings terminated for former manager of "Elkor" stores
The Riga City Court has terminated the insolvency proceedings of SIA "ETG", as the company fulfilled the creditor claims repayment plan. The company was declared insolvent in December 2023.
TVNET · 28 Jun, 22:36
5 easy ways to get more range out of your EV
From regenerative braking to ditching roof racks, these tips can help EV drivers stretch their battery life on long trips.
Engadget · 28 Jun, 21:36
Abandoned and vandalized car on Ventspils highway – police issued a fine but the car remains
A resident reported an abandoned and partially vandalized Seat Altea on the Ventspils highway near Ķemeri. The car has been there for over a week, wheels stolen, window smashed, but police only cordoned it off and issued a fine.
iAuto.lv · 28 Jun, 20:38
Australia doubles maximum penalty for social media ban breaches
Australia has increased the maximum fine for social media companies violating its under-16 ban from 49.5 million to 99 million AUD (over $68 million), and granted the eSafety commissioner broader enforcement powers to demand evidence of compliance.
Engadget · 28 Jun, 20:37
Ian Bogost on 'The Small Stuff': Reclaiming Connection to the Material World
In his upcoming book, writer and academic Ian Bogost argues that technology and convenience have stripped people of sensory experiences, but the solution is not systemic change but mindful attention to everyday small things.
TechCrunch · 28 Jun, 20:37
China Claims World's Fastest Supercomputer Despite US Trade Restrictions
China's LineShine supercomputer has become the fastest in the world, surpassing the US-built El Capitan, even as the US restricts sales of high-performance components to China.
The Verge · 28 Jun, 20:36
US tariff pressure pushes Brazil and Europe closer
US tariffs are driving Brazil and Europe toward stronger trade ties, opening new markets for aircraft parts and cachaça, the key ingredient in caipirinhas.
NPR World · 28 Jun, 19:37
£1 in every £11 spent on UK public contractors goes to private equity, research shows
A Guardian investigation reveals that nearly £24.4bn or 8.8% of UK government spending on contractors went to private equity-controlled companies last year, raising concerns about debt levels and profit-driven service delivery.
The Guardian World · 28 Jun, 19:37
Tesla FSD Under Scrutiny After Fatal Crash; Waymo Imports Thousands of Robotaxis
Tesla's Full Self-Driving system faces increased scrutiny after a fatal crash in Texas, prompting NHTSA and NTSB investigations. Waymo is on pace to import 3,156 robotaxis from China, Lucid lays off 18% of its workforce, and Lyft bans camera-only autonomous vehicles from its network.
TechCrunch · 28 Jun, 19:37
Apple's touchscreen MacBook to launch with M5 chips, not M7
Apple's upcoming touchscreen MacBook is reportedly set to launch with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips by early 2027, while M7 versions are already in advanced testing for a later release.
Engadget · 28 Jun, 19:36
Jim Henson’s ‘The Cube’: A Forgotten Proto-Black Mirror Masterpiece
A 1969 teleplay by Jim Henson, “The Cube” is a surreal bottle film about a man trapped in a white room, visited by strangers, raising unsettling questions about reality, simulation, and television.
The Verge · 28 Jun, 19:36
Wall Street Bets on Micron as the Next AI Chip Giant
Micron’s market cap briefly surpassed Meta and Tesla as AI-driven memory shortages sent its stock up 236% in a month, making it a Wall Street darling.
TechCrunch AI · 28 Jun, 18:38
Wall Street thinks US memory maker Micron could be the next Nvidia
Micron, the Idaho-based memory chip maker, has seen its stock surge over 236% in the past month, briefly surpassing Meta and Tesla in market cap, driven by an AI-induced memory shortage and strong earnings.
TechCrunch · 28 Jun, 18:37
Mesh Wi-Fi or a Range Extender? How to Choose What You Actually Need
Wi-Fi extenders are cheap but cut bandwidth and can be inconvenient, while mesh systems offer seamless coverage at a higher cost. The choice depends on budget and space size.
Engadget · 28 Jun, 18:36
Govee launches smart nugget ice maker with AI noise reduction
Govee introduces the GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, a $500 premium gadget that produces soft, chewable nugget ice in six minutes and can be controlled via app or voice commands.
TechCrunch · 28 Jun, 17:37
Prosecutors Used ChatGPT Logs as Evidence in LA Wildfire Arson Trial
In the trial for a devastating New Year's Day 2025 wildfire in Los Angeles, prosecutors introduced ChatGPT logs as evidence, but the jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of the defense, leading to a mistrial.
The Verge · 28 Jun, 17:37
Raimondo and Holcomb, Not Running for President, May Shape US AI Agenda in 2028
Former US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb are not presidential candidates, but they might drive the 2028 artificial intelligence policy.
Politico Europe · 28 Jun, 17:36