Business & Technology

Essential gear for physically demanding hikes: What to bring
Every gram counts in strenuous hikes. iAuto.lv has compiled a list of compact, lightweight tools that can make a significant difference in comfort and safety outdoors.
iAuto.lv · 20 Jun, 07:20

Study Reveals Cars Most Likely to Reach 300,000 km Without Major Repairs
An analysis by iSeeCars has identified the top ten vehicle models with the highest probability of reaching 300,000 kilometers without costly breakdowns. Japanese and American brands dominate the list, with no European manufacturers making the cut.
iAuto.lv · 20 Jun, 05:20

Philips Hue Introduces Wired Wall Modules, New Lamps, and Upgraded Bulbs
Philips Hue has launched its first wired wall modules, allowing non-smart lights to be controlled via the Hue app. The company also introduced more affordable Play lamps and upgraded candle bulbs with Matter-over-Thread.
The Verge · 20 Jun, 04:21

VLC Creator Builds Infrastructure for Real-Time Robot Control
Jean-Baptiste Kempf, lead developer of VLC Media Player, has launched Kyber, an open-source platform for real-time remote device control, securing $5 million from Lightspeed.
TechCrunch · 20 Jun, 04:20
Do Fitness Trackers Work with Tattoos?
Tattoos on the wrist can interfere with smartwatch and fitness tracker sensors, causing inaccurate heart rate readings and detection issues. Manufacturers acknowledge the problem, but a full solution remains elusive.
Engadget · 20 Jun, 03:21

US Government Orders Anthropic to Restrict AI Model Exports; History Shows Export Controls Fail
The White House has ordered Anthropic to curb exports of its powerful AI models Fable and Mythos, citing unspecified national security concerns. Historical attempts to control encryption and spyware demonstrate that such export restrictions are often ineffective.
TechCrunch AI · 20 Jun, 02:20

White House orders Anthropic to restrict AI exports: A lesson from history
The U.S. government ordered Anthropic to limit export of its powerful AI models Fable and Mythos over national security concerns. The article draws parallels to past failed attempts to control cyber technology spread, such as PGP encryption and spyware.
TechCrunch · 20 Jun, 02:20

Nothing cancels this year's CMF phone due to RAM prices
Nothing co-founder announced that the successor to the CMF Phone 2 Pro won't launch this year because memory prices prevent building a phone at a reasonable price.
The Verge · 20 Jun, 01:21

Go's Record IPO Fuels Robotaxi Ambitions and Acquisitions in Japan
Japan's largest IPO of 2026, taxi-hailing app Go raised $553 million to expand its robotaxi business and pursue acquisitions, addressing a severe driver shortage.
TechCrunch · 20 Jun, 01:21

Aura Ink – An E-Ink Photo Frame That Looks Like a Print
Aura has launched the Aura Ink frame, using color e-ink and a custom dithering algorithm to display photos with only six colors, mimicking the look of printed photographs.
TechCrunch · 20 Jun, 00:20

NASA selects Eric Schmidt's rocket company for a 2028 mission to Mars
Relativity Space, led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, has been chosen to launch NASA's Aeolus payload to Mars in 2028 to study the planet's atmosphere.
The Verge · 19 Jun, 23:21

Fusion startups: a look at companies that have raised over $100 million
Fusion energy has attracted significant investment, with several startups raising hundreds of millions of dollars. This article covers ten companies that have secured over $100 million, including Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion, and TAE Technologies.
TechCrunch · 19 Jun, 20:22

State Revenue Service Reminds: Capital Gains for Q2 Must Be Declared by July 15
The State Revenue Service reminds that individuals whose income from capital asset transactions in the second quarter exceeded €1,000 must submit a capital gains declaration by July 15.
TVNET · 19 Jun, 20:21

Norway Imposes Strict Restrictions on AI Use for Elementary School Students
Norway is banning generative AI tools for children aged 6 to 13 starting this school year, while teens aged 14 to 16 may only use them under teacher supervision.
Engadget · 19 Jun, 20:20

Fuel Prices in Latvia Retreat from Spring Peak
After a sharp rise in spring, fuel prices in Latvia have decreased, influenced by global oil market developments, the situation in the Middle East, and the decision to keep a reduced excise tax rate for diesel.
LSM · 19 Jun, 20:20

Is the US Government's Anthropic Ban Accidentally Helping the Brand?
The US government forced Anthropic to pull two new AI models over national security concerns, but experts suggest the ban may inadvertently boost the company's profile ahead of a potential IPO.
TechCrunch AI · 19 Jun, 19:20

US government's Anthropic ban: security concern or brand boost?
The US government forced Anthropic to pull its two newest AI models over national security fears after Amazon researchers allegedly bypassed guardrails. Cybersecurity experts signed an open letter calling the move dangerous, while some suggest the ban could accidentally help the company.
TechCrunch · 19 Jun, 19:20

NTS Radio Player brings internet radio to your hi-fi system
NTS Radio and Swedish audio company Atonemo have launched a dedicated player that delivers NTS's genre-defying mixes and streaming stations to any stereo setup, while also supporting services like AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect.
The Verge · 19 Jun, 18:21
Weekly funding round-up for European startups (June 15–19) from EU-Startups
EU-Startups has published its weekly round-up of European startup funding rounds for June 15–19. The content is exclusive to club members.
EU-Startups · 19 Jun, 18:21

Chechen Businessman Buys Stake in Gold Mining Company at Final Auction
A construction firm owned by Chechen-born billionaire Ruslan Baisarov won a government auction for a 67.2% stake in Yuzhuralzoloto Group for 93.16 billion rubles.
The Moscow Times · 19 Jun, 17:21

Amazon MGM Drops Film About Sam Altman
Luca Guadagnino's film 'Artificial' about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will not be released by Amazon MGM; the studio is seeking a new distributor.
The Verge · 19 Jun, 17:20

Former shoe company Allbirds transforms into AI infrastructure firm Smartbird
Allbirds sold its shoe business for $43 million and pivoted to AI, becoming Smartbird. New CEO Nadia Carlsten plans to build a team and offer AI infrastructure services focused on data sovereignty.
TechCrunch · 19 Jun, 16:21

Toy Story 5 Offers a Surprisingly Thoughtful Critique of Technology
Pixar's Toy Story 5 doesn't portray technology as inherently bad, but as a disruptive force that can be either helpful or harmful. The film urges parents to take an active role in managing their children's use of gadgets.
Engadget · 19 Jun, 16:21

Survey: Nearly One-Third of Residents Would Not Withdraw Second Pension Tier Savings Early
A survey by LSM.lv and Norstat shows that 30% of Latvian residents would not take advantage of early withdrawal of second-pension-tier savings if it were allowed. Signature collection for a referendum on this issue is ongoing.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 16:20

Transmission line corridor selected for Gulf of Riga offshore wind farm
A transmission line corridor connecting a planned offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Riga to the mainland grid has been selected.
ERR News · 19 Jun, 15:21

Amazon investigates three employees who spoke out against building more AI data centers
Three Amazon engineers who testified at Seattle city council meetings urging a pause on AI data center construction are now under internal investigation. The employees' group has filed a civil rights complaint against the company.
Engadget · 19 Jun, 15:21

Positive Economic Signals: Olpha Investments and New Pet Food Plant in Ventspils
This week Latvia's economy shows positive signs as global uncertainty in energy and trade decreases, and companies continue investing in production and exports. Key developments include investments by Olpha and a new pet food plant in Ventspils.
LSM · 19 Jun, 15:20

Houdini Bio emerges from stealth with €1.7 million to tackle DNA silencing in gene therapies
British biotech startup Houdini Bio has announced €1.7 million in pre-seed funding to develop a platform that overcomes the DNA silencing barrier in gene therapies.
EU-Startups · 19 Jun, 14:21

Over-reliance on chatbots can diminish critical-thinking skills, study finds
A new MIT study shows that relying too heavily on AI assistants like ChatGPT can weaken people's ability to independently detect misinformation.
The Guardian World · 19 Jun, 14:21

Russian Central Bank Cuts Key Rate to 14.25%
The Russian Central Bank lowered its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 14.25%, the ninth consecutive cut, though less than the expected 50 basis points. High inflation expectations persist due to the global energy crisis from the Iran war and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
The Moscow Times · 19 Jun, 14:21
The Best Fitness Trackers of 2026: Garmin, Google Fitbit, and More
Wired editors have selected the top fitness trackers for 2026, ranging from the Garmin Vivoactive 6 to the Oura Ring 5 and Apple Watch Series 11.
Wired · 19 Jun, 13:21

Ghent-based Adomate raises €1.4 million to help marketers create AI-powered social media ads at scale
Adomate, an AI startup from Ghent, Belgium, has secured €1.4 million to expand its platform that enables marketing teams to produce social media ads more efficiently using artificial intelligence.
EU-Startups · 19 Jun, 12:21

Massive driver checks across Latvia during Midsummer holidays
The State Police will intensify driver controls from June 19 to 25, focusing on preventing drunk driving.
iAuto.lv · 19 Jun, 12:21

US Says ASML's Top Chip Tool May Be in China; ASML Denies
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed concern that one of ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, the only tools capable of producing the most advanced chips, may have ended up in China. ASML firmly denies the allegations.
TechCrunch AI · 19 Jun, 11:21

US claims China may have ASML’s top chip tool; company denies
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed concern that one of ASML's most advanced extreme ultraviolet lithography machines may have ended up in China, a major export control breach. ASML strongly denies the presence of any EUV machine in China and says it tracks all systems.
TechCrunch · 19 Jun, 11:21

Uzbekistan turns investor proposals into economic reform roadmap
Uzbekistan plans to prepare a formal roadmap based on 120 recommendations from foreign investors submitted during the Tashkent International Investment Forum.
Euronews Business · 19 Jun, 11:20