Business & Technology

Researcher: Forestry waste could boost Estonia's mushroom cultivation
Kalev Adamson, associate professor at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, is exploring the use of forestry waste such as stumps for mushroom cultivation. In experiments in the Järvselja training forest, birch, black alder, and aspen stumps were inoculated, with black alder showing the best results.
ERR News · 18 Jun, 14:20

Waymo recalls over 3,800 robotaxis over software issue that could drive into closed freeway construction zones
Waymo is voluntarily recalling more than 3,800 self-driving taxis because a software glitch might cause them to enter closed freeway construction zones at speed. The company has restricted freeway driving and is working on a fix.
Engadget · 18 Jun, 14:20

EU Tightens AI and Social Media Rules: Bans, Age Limits, and Global Charter Gaps
The European Union is advancing several regulations on artificial intelligence and social media, including plans to ban nudifying AI tools and impose a minimum age for social media inspired by Australia. OpenAI granted the EU access to its advanced models after cybersecurity concerns, while a global AI charter signed by 88 countries lacks binding safety commitments.
Politico Europe · 18 Jun, 13:22

Sennheiser unveils Accentum Clip open-ear earbuds with nine-hour battery life
Sennheiser has announced the Accentum Clip, a new open-ear earbud design featuring 12mm drivers, dynamic EQ, and a clip-on fit. The earbuds offer nine hours of battery life, IP54 rating, and multipoint Bluetooth, with a staggered rollout starting in select regions.
Engadget · 18 Jun, 13:21

Summer Quiet Weeks: An Ideal Time for Founders to Get Fundraising Ready
For startup founders planning to raise capital later this year, the quieter summer weeks can be the perfect time to prepare. Dr. Florian Kandler’s online Fundraising Summer Camp helps build a professional fundraising strategy before the September rush.
EU-Startups · 18 Jun, 13:20

VSCO Launches Studio Pro App for Professional Batch Photo Editing
The photo editing app VSCO announced Studio Pro, allowing batch editing of up to 100 photos at once, and plans to release a Studio One bundle for $500 per year.
Engadget · 18 Jun, 12:20

Latvijas Pasts and eBay Sign Memorandum of Cooperation
Latvijas Pasts and eBay have agreed to cooperate to simplify cross-border deliveries and boost Latvian companies' exports in the digital environment.
Dienas Bizness · 18 Jun, 12:20

Morbidelli T502X: An Affordable Adventure-Touring Motorcycle with Full Equipment
Italian manufacturer Morbidelli introduces the T502X, a mid-range dual-purpose motorcycle priced from €5,490. With a 486 cc engine producing 47 hp and a weight of 210 kg, it combines daily commuting comfort with touring capabilities.
iAuto.lv · 18 Jun, 11:21
Renovation of Multi-Storey Buildings – An Untapped Opportunity for Housing Affordability
Renovating existing multi-storey residential buildings can extend their lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the availability of modern housing, especially at a time when loan interest rates are rising again.
Dienas Bizness · 18 Jun, 11:20

Dutch startup Vivici secures €12.5 million EIC backing to scale animal-free dairy proteins
Vivici, a Dutch ingredients startup producing dairy proteins via precision fermentation, has raised €12.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The funds will boost market access and supply of its Vivitein™ protein ingredients and accelerate innovation.
EU-Startups · 18 Jun, 10:22

Temporary Reduction of Contributions to Second Pension Tier is Constitutional – Court
Latvia's Constitutional Court has ruled that the temporary reduction of mandatory contributions to the second pension tier from 6% to 5%, redirecting one percentage point to the first tier, complies with the Constitution.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 10:20
Portrait: Dainis Duļbinskis, Creator and Co-owner of Rozie, on the Key to Business Success
A published portrait of Dainis Duļbinskis, the creator and co-owner of Rozie, highlights his belief that business success hinges on adaptability, perseverance, and the ability to surround oneself with strong and motivated people.
Dienas Bizness · 18 Jun, 10:20
EU seeks balance between circular economy goals and market reality
The European Union's waste management targets are becoming increasingly ambitious and are being linked more closely to economic competitiveness, resource security, and business development, creating a need to balance these with market realities.
Dienas Bizness · 18 Jun, 09:20

New Chery QQ3: Compact Electric Crossover Coming to Europe in 2027
TV Autoziņas test-drove the upcoming Chery QQ3 in China. The electric crossover boasts a 400 km range, rear-wheel drive, and a modern design, marking a significant shift from its predecessor.
iAuto.lv · 18 Jun, 09:20

Warren raises €10 million to rethink workplace pensions in Belgium
Ghent-based FinTech startup Warren has secured €10 million in seed funding to accelerate growth in Belgium and prepare for European expansion. The company aims to address Belgium's strained pension system by offering transparent and cost-effective workplace pension plans.
EU-Startups · 18 Jun, 08:21

Latvian Egg Producers Continue Shift to Cage-Free Production; Parliament Rejects Ban
Major Latvian egg producers, including Balticovo and Agrova Baltics, are advancing their transition to cage-free egg production, investing millions. The Saeima rejected a bill in June that would have banned cages by 2032, but the industry is already moving toward free-range systems.
Dienas Bizness · 18 Jun, 08:20

Oil Prices Continue to Fall
Oil prices are declining after the US and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement, which includes unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 08:20
AMLA: A New Step in Cross-Border Financial Crime Fighting
The European Union’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) is fully operational, with Latvia’s FIU delegate sharing insights on joint analyses and international cooperation.
LV portāls · 18 Jun, 06:22

Albanese announces generous capital gains tax exemptions for small businesses after budget backlash
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced significant capital gains tax relief for 2.7 million small businesses, responding to criticism over contentious tax reforms in the budget.
The Guardian World · 18 Jun, 06:21

Rheinmetall and Vantor Join Forces for European Sovereign Space Reconnaissance
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and US satellite imagery provider Vantor have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture aimed at enhancing the sovereign reconnaissance capabilities of Germany and other European nations.
Pravda — ziņas · 18 Jun, 06:20

Rutkaste: Latvia's Economic Model is Losing Steam and Needs Adjustments, Not Tax Hikes
Uldis Rutkaste from the Bank of Latvia says the current economic model is losing its potential, and calls for public administration optimisation rather than tax increases or linear budget cuts.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 06:20

Midjourney unveils full-body ultrasound scanner
Midjourney CEO David Holz revealed the company's first hardware product—a full-body ultrasound scanner that creates detailed internal body images using a ring of sensors.
The Verge · 18 Jun, 06:20

How to disable AI features in Google Docs
Google Docs users can turn off AI prompts like Gemini by adjusting settings in the document or via Gmail's workspace preferences.
TechCrunch · 18 Jun, 05:21

Ford F-150 Raptor R with 730 HP to Hit European Market at €159,000
The American pickup with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 will be available in Europe from 2027. Prices start at approximately €159,000.
iAuto.lv · 18 Jun, 05:20

FTC Lawsuit Reveals How Subscription Scam Networks Evade App Store Enforcement
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued Genesis Tech, alleging it defrauded consumers through subscription traps using shell companies in Cyprus and Ukraine to hide its identity and funnel revenues overseas.
TechCrunch · 18 Jun, 04:21

Massive Leak Exposes Credentials for Thousands of Sensitive Networks
Attackers used a 45-GPU cluster to crack SSL VPN authentication hashes, gaining access to thousands of sensitive networks worldwide, including a Turkish NATO defense contractor.
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 04:21

California accuses AT&T of lying to FCC in bid to shut down old phone network
California regulators filed a complaint with the FCC claiming AT&T misled the agency while trying to discontinue copper landline service without adequate replacement.
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 03:21

AI-driven memory chip shortage may force Apple to raise iPhone, Mac, iPad prices
Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned that upcoming products such as iPhones, Macs, and iPads could become more expensive due to a global shortage of memory chips driven by AI demand. Cook called the price increases 'unavoidable' after chip costs have quadrupled in the past year.
TechCrunch · 18 Jun, 03:21

Snap Stock Drops After Unveiling Expensive AR Glasses
Snap's stock fell more than 5% after the launch of its long-awaited AR glasses Specs, which will retail at nearly $2,200.
TechCrunch AI · 18 Jun, 02:21

FDA Clears Second Carrion-Fly Species for Maggot Wound Therapy
The FDA has approved a second carrion-feeding fly species, Lucilia cuprina, for use in maggot debridement therapy, expanding options for wound care.
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 02:21

Tim Cook Says Apple Price Increases 'Unavoidable' Due to Memory Crunch
Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that the company will have to raise prices on its products due to soaring memory component costs driven by AI development, though he did not specify the amount or timing.
Engadget · 18 Jun, 02:21

South Korean Telecom Giant SK Telecom at Center of U.S. AI Export Control Dispute
The Trump administration's decision to impose export controls on Anthropic's most advanced AI model followed concerns over SK Telecom's ties to China, sources say, compounded by Amazon's vulnerability findings in the model's safeguarded version.
Wired · 18 Jun, 02:20

iPhone Air 2 reportedly coming next spring with a second camera
According to rumors, Apple plans to launch the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, possibly featuring a second rear camera, improved battery life, and the A20 Pro processor.
Engadget · 18 Jun, 01:22

Venture Capitalist Chi-Hua Chien: The Real AI Winners Won’t Be Selling AI
Goodwater Capital co-founder Chi-Hua Chien, who once discovered Facebook, argues that AI models are becoming commoditized, and the biggest winners will be companies using AI in applications rather than selling the technology itself.
TechCrunch · 18 Jun, 01:21

Tim Cook says RAM expenses are unsustainable, Apple will raise prices
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the company is forced to raise prices due to a memory component shortage driven by AI data center demand.
The Verge · 18 Jun, 01:21

Roelof Botha Joins SpaceX’s Board of Directors
Former Sequoia Capital managing partner Roelof Botha has been appointed to SpaceX’s board, less than a week after the company’s record-breaking initial public offering.
TechCrunch AI · 18 Jun, 00:22