Business & Technology (58)

People are using AI to make their smart TVs “dumb” again and escape ads

Developers and hobbyists are using AI agents such as Claude Code to strip ads, bloatware and tracking features from smart TVs. The methods are still works in progress, and some users report broken devices.

TechCrunch AI · 19 Oct, 19:33

Fiber vs. cable internet: how the two home connections differ

Engadget compares two widely used home internet types, fiber-optic and coaxial cable. Fiber is faster and more reliable, while cable is more widely available.

Engadget · 19 Oct, 19:32

Turbine Capital closes €54 million DeepTech fund linking Nordic startups with industrial leaders

Swedish venture capital fund Turbine Capital has completed the final close of its first fund at €54 million. Industrial company Mycronic has joined as a new investor.

EU-Startups · 19 Oct, 18:33

Old USB cables can be reused instead of thrown away

Tech site Engadget suggests reusing old USB charging cables for household uses, crafts or recycling rather than binning them. Working cables can still charge devices, while damaged ones suit current-free projects.

Engadget · 19 Oct, 18:33

Criticism of Bāka water tourism centre persists as Rēzekne municipality continues working with its tenant

Local residents and tourism industry representatives have for several years been dissatisfied with the tenant running the Bāka water tourism centre on the shore of Lake Lubāns. Rēzekne municipality is continuing its cooperation with the tenant.

LSM · 19 Oct, 18:31

Latvia's Coffee Excise Tax: How Much Cheaper Coffee Could Become if It Were Scrapped

Latvia is one of the few EU countries that levies an excise tax on coffee. In theory, abolishing it could cut a 1 kg pack's price by about €1.72, but a price drop would not be guaranteed.

NRA · 19 Oct, 18:31

Illinois Governor Pritzker: AI Calls for a More Active Role for Government

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker told tech outlet The Verge that government must take a more active stance toward big tech companies and the job-loss risks posed by artificial intelligence.

The Verge · 19 Oct, 17:31

What to Do With an Old Graphics Card Instead of Throwing It Away

Tech site Engadget says old PC graphics cards are worth selling or reusing. With prices rising, owners are likely to upgrade less often, and used cards still hold value.

Engadget · 19 Oct, 16:33

SEB to pay $33 million over weak anti-money laundering controls in Baltic units

Swedish bank SEB has agreed with New York State's financial regulator to pay $33 million over shortcomings in money laundering prevention at its Baltic units. The US Department of Justice has decided to take no action against the bank.

Diena · 19 Oct, 16:32

Sweden's SEB to pay $33 million to US over money laundering control failings in the Baltics

Swedish financial group SEB has agreed with US authorities to pay $33 million over inadequate anti-money laundering controls at its Baltic units. The US Department of Justice will take no action against the bank.

Jauns.lv · 19 Oct, 16:31

What a 2.5G Ethernet Port on Your Home Router Is For and When It Helps

A 2.5G Ethernet port on a router can carry data at up to 2.5 Gbps, but only compatible devices and cables unlock the full speed. For most users the everyday difference will be small.

Engadget · 19 Oct, 15:33

Survey: Only 57% of Latvian Drivers Regularly Have Their Car Checked by a Specialist

In Latvia, 57% of drivers regularly have their vehicle checked by a specialist, down from 62% last year. The figures come from the Carlsberg 0.0 Responsible Driving Index survey.

iAuto.lv · 19 Oct, 15:33

AI coding tools spark surge of custom firmware for music gear

Hobbyist developers are using AI tools such as Claude to build custom firmware for synthesizers, samplers and effects pedals. Manufacturers' reactions vary: Elektron has banned links to such files, while M-Vave backs the community effort.

The Verge · 19 Oct, 15:31

Latvia proposes scrapping annual performance bonuses in public administration

A report on public sector pay in Latvia proposes dropping bonuses for annual performance reviews and limiting who can receive supplements for significant contribution. From 1 January 2027, unfunded vacant posts would also be removed from staff lists.

Dienas Bizness · 19 Oct, 14:32

Barcelona-based Linkener raises €7.5 million to digitise business energy management

Linkener, a Barcelona-based EnergyTech startup, has closed a €7.5 million funding round. It was led by Klima Energy Transition Fund, the energy transition fund of Alantra.

EU-Startups · 19 Oct, 14:31

Benefits-navigation tool wins open data and AI hackathon in Riga

The team “Born Digital” won the “Open Data and Artificial Intelligence Hackathon 2026” in Riga with a prototype that helps residents find information on state benefits and support options in one place.

Labs of Latvia · 19 Oct, 13:31

French retailers turn to government after weekend of riots and looting

After weekend protests in France marked by widespread looting, business representatives held a crisis meeting with the government. The tourism sector fears fewer winter holiday bookings, while traders are selling French debt and the euro.

France 24 · 19 Oct, 13:31

Shared Property Insurance in Latvia: Call for a Systemic Solution

Insurance of shared parts of apartment buildings remains rare in Latvia, and plans for mandatory cover have not moved forward. An industry representative argues that a systemic solution is needed.

Dienas Bizness · 19 Oct, 13:31

Four Google Gemini 4 agents beat Minecraft with no human intervention

Google researchers report that four Gemini 4 Argon AI agents cooperated to defeat Minecraft's final boss, the Ender Dragon, without human help. The run took 27.23 hours.

Engadget · 19 Oct, 12:33

Arson attempt targets Lithuanian company storing Starlink equipment

An attempt to set fire to the premises of a company storing Starlink satellite communications equipment failed in Lithuania on Sunday night. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said Russia is most likely behind the sabotage.

Kursors.lv · 19 Oct, 11:33

Experts: Caution Advised as Prices and Interest Rates Stay High

At a treasury summit in Athens, financial risk management experts urged consumers and businesses to act cautiously amid uncertainty. They recommend careful spending planning and, for companies, the use of hedging tools.

Euronews Business · 19 Oct, 11:31

Livestream video records red light changes at new Melluži pedestrian crossing

Car news portal iAuto.lv has published a livestream video from the new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing in Melluži, with timecodes marking how often the red light comes on. The recording also shows a woman with a stroller crossing on red.

iAuto.lv · 19 Oct, 10:34

Bank of America Hires About 1,000 Specialists to Fix Vulnerabilities Found by AI

US bank Bank of America has brought in roughly 1,000 outsourced programmers and security specialists to urgently fix software vulnerabilities uncovered with help from the latest AI models, including Anthropic's Mythos. The effort added significant extra costs in the third quarter.

Kursors.lv · 19 Oct, 10:33

Natural gas price on TTF exchange reaches highest level since December 2022

The natural gas price on the TTF exchange rose 9.1% last week to 87.5 euros per megawatt-hour. It is the highest level since December 2022, according to a review by Latvia's regulator SPRK.

Apollo.lv · 19 Oct, 10:32

Indian startup Even Healthcare raises $50 million in round led by Khosla Ventures

Indian healthcare startup Even Healthcare has secured $50 million in a round led by Silicon Valley's Khosla Ventures. The company is building its own hospitals, where doctors' pay is not tied to the number of procedures they perform.

TechCrunch · 19 Oct, 10:31

Alfa Romeo Unveils Cuorerosso Concept at Paris Motor Show With V6 Engine and Physical Controls

Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo presented the Cuorerosso, a 2+2 coupe concept with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, at the Paris motor show. The model signals a design direction the brand plans to roll out across future cars, starting with a compact SUV in 2027.

iAuto.lv · 19 Oct, 09:33

Experts: Everyday household appliances can be targeted in cyberattacks

Following a cyberattack on grocery store refrigerators in France, experts warn that any internet-connected device can become a threat. Estonian authorities say the situation in Estonia is relatively good.

ERR News · 19 Oct, 09:33

Amsterdam startup Huppa raises €1 million for software aimed at class-based gyms and studios

Huppa, a Dutch sports technology startup, has secured €1 million in pre-Seed funding. It builds an all-in-one platform for gyms, CrossFit boxes and studios.

EU-Startups · 19 Oct, 09:33

Epomaker announces Galaxy75 mechanical keyboard with aluminium case and large battery

Computer peripherals brand Epomaker has announced a new 75% mechanical keyboard, the Galaxy75. It slots into the company's lineup between the Galaxy80 and Galaxy70.

Kursors.lv · 19 Oct, 09:32

airBaltic gets extension to keep certain Lufthansa Group contracts

Latvian state-owned airline airBaltic, which is undergoing US Chapter 11 restructuring, has secured an extension to 10 November for taking over Lufthansa Group contracts. The condition is tied to its €350 million DIP financing.

Dienas Bizness · 19 Oct, 09:32

AI can help in call centres, but humans still deliver better results

Companies are increasingly deploying AI voice assistants and virtual receptionists in customer service. The article's headline says humans still achieve better results.

Kursors.lv · 19 Oct, 08:33

Employers' Confederation Objects to Advancing Architecture Bill in Its Current Form

The Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK) opposes adopting the draft Architecture Law as it stands, arguing that its restrictions and new requirements have not been adequately assessed for proportionality and economic impact.

Dienas Bizness · 19 Oct, 08:31

Tyres wear out faster on electric cars, Goodyear's Baltic sales head confirms

Mārtiņš Grīnbergs, Goodyear's sales manager for the Baltics, says tyres of the same model wear faster on an electric car than on a conventional one. He cites battery weight and instant torque, with the effect stronger in winter.

iAuto.lv · 19 Oct, 08:31

China's economy grew 4.5% in third quarter on strong exports

China's economy expanded 4.5% year on year in July–September, driven by exports. Domestic demand remains weak, while trading partners press Beijing to narrow their trade deficits.

Euronews Business · 19 Oct, 07:33