Business & Technology

SpaceX reportedly plans to build natural gas pipeline in Texas
SpaceX intends to construct an 8-mile natural gas pipeline from the Port of Brownsville to its Starbase facility to fuel Starship rockets. The project raises environmental concerns for nearby wetlands.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 20:37

Apple seeks permission to buy memory from blacklisted Chinese supplier
Apple is asking the Trump administration for an exception to purchase RAM chips from CXMT, a company blacklisted by the Pentagon due to ties with the People's Liberation Army.
The Verge · 27 Jun, 20:36

First European ZAZ car meetup held in Riga
On Saturday, the first European gathering of ZAZ (Zaporožec) cars, affectionately known as 'zapiņi', took place in Riga, with the farthest participant traveling 2,000 kilometers.
LSM · 27 Jun, 20:36

Ayaneo's Pocket Micro 2: An Enhanced Game Boy Micro Remake
Ayaneo has unveiled the Pocket Micro 2, a modernized replica of the Game Boy Micro with a larger battery, improved controls, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Pricing starts at $239 early bird.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 19:36

Latvijas radio studies digital technologies' impact on voters
Election outcomes are increasingly determined by digital technologies, not just debates and posters. Ahead of elections, Latvijas radio examines foreign experience and specific cases where digital tools were used to influence voters' choices.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 19:36

Journalist Kai Wright refuses to buy a new phone
Guardian co-host Kai Wright reveals in an interview that he hasn't bought a new phone in years, uses hand-me-downs from his partner, and criticizes device obsolescence.
The Verge · 27 Jun, 18:37

State to Compensate 75–90% of Losses from Military Incidents
The Latvian government has approved a new regulation providing state compensation of 75 to 90 percent for losses caused by military incidents, including drone attacks, during peacetime.
LSM · 27 Jun, 18:36

Amazon brings AI features to Kindle iOS app, leaving older ereaders behind
Amazon has unveiled new AI tools for its Kindle iOS app, including series recaps and an AI chatbot, but they are initially limited to newer devices and US users, sparking copyright concerns.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 18:36

The fittest founder got cancer. Here's how he used AI to fight back.
Conno Christou, a 35-year-old founder who meticulously tracked his health, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive lymphoma after a routine checkup. He used AI, multiple medical opinions, and data-driven decision-making to choose the most effective treatment and avoid unnecessary radiotherapy.
TechCrunch · 27 Jun, 17:38

Indie Developers Create Their Own Star Fox Games, Tired of Waiting for Nintendo
Frustrated by Nintendo's long silence on new entries in the Star Fox series, several indie developers are making their own games inspired by the franchise. They face funding challenges and publisher skepticism but hope for audience support.
The Verge · 27 Jun, 17:38

This Week in Latvian Business: Riga Airport Recognition and Frankenburg Technologies Missile Plant
Riga Airport received recognition and Frankenburg Technologies opened a missile production plant, highlighting the role of infrastructure and strategic investments in Latvia's economy.
LSM · 27 Jun, 17:36
Tech Leaders Face Confusion as Trump Administration Restricts AI Model Releases
Silicon Valley billionaires who backed Donald Trump over fears of Democratic AI overregulation are now confronted with new White House restrictions on releasing AI models, prompting tech lobbyists to seek clarity.
Politico Europe · 27 Jun, 17:36

Anthropic cleared to restore Mythos 5 access to certain US organisations
The US government has given Anthropic the green light to restore access to one of its most powerful AI tools, Mythos 5, for select organisations that operate and defend critical infrastructure.
Euronews · 27 Jun, 16:37

Dolby vs DTS: Choosing the Best Surround Sound for Your Home Theater
This article compares Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, explaining their differences and offering guidance on selecting the right system based on user needs and room conditions.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 16:37

"More ideas than a dog has fleas" – medicinal herb exporter Gundars Skudriņš
Entrepreneur Gundars Skudriņš grows medicinal plants on over 600 hectares, producing dried preparations that are almost entirely exported, mainly to pharmaceutical companies. Despite large-scale production, he stresses the importance of monitoring not only market demand but also understanding nature.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 16:37

Apple Raises Prices: AI Industry Costs Shifted to Consumers
Apple's recent price hikes, including a $300 increase for the MacBook Pro, are attributed to surging RAM costs driven by AI data center demand, according to experts.
The Verge · 27 Jun, 16:36

Simple puzzle game premise hides surprising depth
"What’s the Password?" by developer Dan DiIorio, known as TrampolineTales, offers over 100 puzzles requiring a four-digit code. Despite its simple concept, the game surprises with varied clues and a calming atmosphere.
The Verge · 27 Jun, 15:37

New indie games and Steam Summer Sale: roundup
This week's indie game roundup features new releases like Dark Scrolls and Mini AirHockey, along with news about studio closure and delays. The Steam Summer Sale is also underway until July 9.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 15:37

Asian AI startups launch Mythos-like models as US export ban drags on
Asian AI startups are unveiling models that rival Anthropic's banned Mythos, as the US export restrictions remain in place.
TechCrunch · 27 Jun, 15:37

Kučinskis: Fully revised budget draft must be handed over to the new Saeima and government
Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis emphasizes the need to revise the state budget and improve the municipal financial equalization system before the parliamentary elections.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jun, 15:36

Duer Pants on Sale Up to 35% – Rare Chance to Grab Functional Everyday Wear
Canadian brand Duer, known for its functional everyday pants, is offering discounts up to 35% on select styles as part of its Fourth of July sale.
Wired · 27 Jun, 14:38

Does DeleteMe Actually Get Your Info off the Internet? I Tried It
The article details the author's experience with DeleteMe, a data broker removal service, which has helped reduce spam calls and clean up personal info from Google results since January, but is not a silver bullet.
Wired · 27 Jun, 13:37

Experts Advise on How to Monitor and Reduce Home Electricity Consumption
On Latvijas Radio's program 'Kā labāk dzīvot', experts shared tips on tracking electricity usage and considering a switch to a stock exchange tariff.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 13:36

AI Boom Drives Up Memory Chip Prices, Raising Electronics Costs
Surge in demand for AI infrastructure strains memory chip supply, pushing up prices for consumer electronics. A 64GB DDR5 module now costs up to €1,500, triple the price from a year ago.
ERR News · 27 Jun, 12:37
Trump administration partially lifts Anthropic AI export ban
The Trump administration has partially lifted the export ban on AI company Anthropic, granting select companies and agencies access to its Mythos 5 model while a second advanced model remains blocked.
Politico Europe · 27 Jun, 10:37
Australia plans to tighten ban on social media accounts for children under 16
Australia's government intends to strengthen the ban on children under 16 creating social media accounts, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced.
Dienas Bizness · 27 Jun, 10:36

European Zaporozhets gathering takes place in Riga
Today, the European Zaporozhets (ZAZ) gathering is held at the Riga Motor Museum and Bikernieki track, with approximately 100 crews from seven countries participating.
iAuto.lv · 27 Jun, 09:37

Fuel prices drop in Baltic capitals, except petrol in Vilnius
Last week, fuel prices fell in all Baltic capitals except for petrol in Vilnius.
LSM · 27 Jun, 09:36
Finland's Patria and Lithuania's Kovo Armor to Produce Armored Vehicles in Lithuania
Finnish defense company Patria and Lithuanian firm Kovo šarvai (Kovo Armor) have signed a memorandum of understanding to produce armored vehicles in Lithuania.
Dienas Bizness · 27 Jun, 09:36

Narvesen Manager: Sustainability is Our Priority, We Reduce CO2 and Palm Oil
The manager of Narvesen explains the company's sustainability efforts, including CO2 reduction targets, the introduction of Nutri Score, and plans to decrease palm oil in products.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jun, 08:36
Padel Centers Take Over Warehouse Spaces in Riga
In the last three years, approximately 18,000 square meters of warehouse space in Riga have been repurposed for padel courts, with several projects still under development.
Dienas Bizness · 27 Jun, 08:36

Why GTA 6 will launch without a disc - and what it means for gamers
Rockstar announced the physical edition of GTA 6 will only contain a download code, sparking debate over game ownership and the future of physical media.
BBC World · 27 Jun, 07:38

OpenAI begins limited preview of GPT-5.6 with three variants
OpenAI has launched a preview of its GPT-5.6 series, offering three variants—Sol, Terra, and Luna—to a select group of trusted partners, with a broader release expected in weeks.
Engadget · 27 Jun, 07:36

Antibiotic megacluster discovery offers new strategy to fight superbugs
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a gene megacluster in Streptomyces bacteria that produces four molecules working together to block bacterial biotin synthesis, potentially leading to new combination antibiotics.
Ars Technica · 27 Jun, 06:38

Electronics Prices Rise, but Experts Advise Against Buying Just Because of Increases
Apple has raised prices by about 20%, but market participants signal this is just the beginning of a global chip shortage driven by AI infrastructure demand, which continues to push electronics costs higher.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 06:38

More tech companies are building their own chips to reduce dependence on Nvidia
OpenAI, Google, Apple, and SpaceX are joining a trend of developing custom chips to lessen reliance on Nvidia's dominant position in the AI chip market.
TechCrunch · 27 Jun, 06:37