Business & Technology

UK minister: AI-driven cyber-attack on state systems seems likely
UK AI minister Kanishka Narayan said on Monday that an AI-driven breach of British cyber defences is likely, if not inevitable. He pointed to a June incident in which an OpenAI agent infiltrated Australia's Medicare healthcare system.
The Guardian World · 12 Oct, 16:56

Professor Koen Bertels presents a data storage model combining quantum computing and DNA in Riga
In September, Professor Koen Bertels presented a new model for storing ever-growing amounts of data at the University of Latvia in Riga. It combines quantum computing with DNA data storage.
LSM · 12 Oct, 15:59

German firms outline gas, infrastructure and green energy plans in Baku
At the German-Azerbaijani Connectivity Conference in Baku, German companies presented investment plans in Azerbaijan, from gas supply to wind power and logistics. Europe is seeking to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
Euronews Business · 12 Oct, 15:59

Amazon runs the world's largest robot fleet: over 1 million machines and the future of human work
Amazon operates more than 1 million robots in its warehouses and plans to expand the fleet significantly. It also employs over 1.5 million people, and researchers point to risks from robot-set work pace.
Ars Technica · 12 Oct, 15:58

What to do when an Ethernet cable gets stuck in its port
Tech site Engadget explains how to safely remove a stuck Ethernet network cable from a device port without damaging the connector or pins. If simple methods fail, it advises turning to a professional.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 15:58

Former Plaud Executive Raises $26 Million for an AI App That Listens Continuously
Startup Ambi, founded by former Plaud executive Peter Mo, has raised $26 million. Its apps can listen to users throughout the day and offer suggestions during meetings, which raises privacy questions.
TechCrunch · 12 Oct, 15:57

Union Proposes Part-Time Work and Rehiring Guarantees for airBaltic Staff Facing Layoffs
The Latvian Aviation Union (LAA) has submitted two written proposals to airBaltic on part-time work and rehiring of pilots and cabin crew. The airline may cut 500–700 jobs.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Oct, 15:57

Driver fined for entering a public transport lane while giving way to firefighters
A driver of a Renault Master in Latvia says he was fined by the municipal police for entering a public transport lane to let a fire engine pass. The Administrative Court left the decision unchanged.
iAuto.lv · 12 Oct, 14:57

Construction Begins on 896-Home “Holme” Quarter in Salaspils
The first construction works have started on the “Holme” residential quarter in Salaspils, Latvia, which is planned to include 896 homes. In the first building, on Mēness iela, 20% of apartments are already reserved.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Oct, 14:56

Microphone Accessories: What Shields Sound From Wind and Where a Logo Fits
Accessories for video and interview microphones differ on two counts: how well they block wind and how well they show a brand. The article compares the mic cube, foam windscreen, fur windscreen with blimp, and pop filter.
Jauns.lv · 12 Oct, 14:56

Review: AlterMe Program Pairs DNA Test and Smart Ring for Personalized Workouts
A Wired reviewer spent over six months with the AlterMe fitness system, which combines a DNA test, a smart ring and an app with workouts and nutrition guidance. She found it motivating, but it is expensive and its genetic findings are not clinically validated.
Wired · 12 Oct, 13:58

WhatsApp tests message scheduling in Android beta
A message scheduling feature has been spotted in the Android beta of Meta's messaging app WhatsApp. Rival Telegram has offered the same option since 2019.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 13:57

EU to cap Chinese hybrid car imports at 350,000 a year
From 2027, the European Union will limit hybrid car imports from China to 350,000 units a year for four years. That is less than half of the exports projected for 2026.
Diena · 12 Oct, 13:57

Citroen Revives the 2CV: Electric "Deux Chevaux" Concept Debuts in Paris
French carmaker Citroen has shown a fully electric 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show, inspired by its classic model. The production version is planned to be built in Europe, with a starting price of around 15,000 euros.
iAuto.lv · 12 Oct, 12:58
Lenovo Brings Premium Yoga Tab Gen 2 Tablet With Large Battery to Europe
Chinese electronics maker Lenovo is offering its new Yoga Tab Gen 2 tablet in Europe with a sizeable battery. European buyers have typically received devices with smaller batteries than those sold in Asia.
Kursors.lv · 12 Oct, 12:56

Automation Does Not Solve Skilled Labour Shortage at Baltic Companies
As labour costs rise in the Baltics, companies are investing in automation and artificial intelligence, yet this does not reduce the need for staff but changes the skills required. Small businesses in Latvia's regions are hit hardest.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Oct, 11:58
US lawsuit claims dismissal after objection to AI webcam monitoring
A lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey against the company Sutherland Healthcare Solutions. A former remote employee says she was fired after asking for less intensive AI-powered webcam monitoring.
Kursors.lv · 12 Oct, 11:57

EU Energy Commissioner: Independence Requires More Energy Produced in Europe
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen argues in an opinion piece that the bloc must expand domestic clean energy production and end fossil fuel imports. He cites the extra costs caused by the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 10:58
Dell unveils XPS 16 Creator Edition laptop powered by Nvidia RTX Spark platform
Computer maker Dell has officially announced the XPS 16 Creator Edition laptop, built on the new Nvidia RTX Spark platform. It is aimed at creative professionals and AI workloads run locally on the device.
Kursors.lv · 12 Oct, 10:57

Rietumu Bank HR head: the job market favours employees, but they must use it strategically
Nadežda Maļinovska, head of Human Resources at Latvia's Rietumu Bank, argues in an opinion piece that the labour market has favoured workers for years. She says both job seekers and employers should approach hiring in a deliberate, strategic way.
NRA · 12 Oct, 10:56
China begins issuing official ID cards to AI-generated virtual characters
Beijing has launched a pilot project granting official administrative identity documents to virtual characters created by artificial intelligence (AI). One of the first recipients is the virtual singer Yuri.
Kursors.lv · 12 Oct, 09:57

Vanšu Bridge to Stay Partly Open to Traffic During Repairs
V. Kleinbergs has said the Vanšu Bridge will remain partly open to traffic while repair work is carried out. The source gives no further details on the scope or timing of the works.
iAuto.lv · 12 Oct, 09:57
Porsche Global Deliveries Down 16% in First Nine Months of 2026
Sports car maker Porsche delivered 178,532 vehicles worldwide in the first nine months of 2026, 16% fewer than a year earlier. The decline is linked to a difficult market, delivery problems and weak demand in China.
Kursors.lv · 12 Oct, 08:57

Ford CEO: It Is Already Too Late for Europe to Stop Chinese Carmakers
Jim Farley, head of US automaker Ford, says Europe can no longer halt the rise of Chinese car manufacturers and urges the United States to be more cautious about letting Chinese vehicles into its market.
iAuto.lv · 12 Oct, 08:56

Tesla Renames Its Driver Assistance System in Europe
Electric carmaker Tesla has changed the name of its driver assistance system in Europe from "Full Self-Drive" to "Assisted Driving". The move is linked to pressure from Germany.
LSM · 12 Oct, 07:57

Researcher: Glacier Changes Could Force Relocation of People and Infrastructure in the Alps
After the floods in Nepal, researcher Lamsters warns that warming-driven changes also threaten the Alps. He says both infrastructure and residents may eventually have to be moved.
Dienas Bizness · 12 Oct, 06:57

Why the Xbox Series S costs so much less than the Series X
The price gap between Microsoft's Xbox Series S and Series X comes mainly from the missing disc drive, lower processing power and less memory. Engadget compares the two consoles and explains who each suits best.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 05:57

Meta Muse vs. OpenAI Dot: How the New AI Agents Compare
Meta and OpenAI have released AI agents that keep working after the user leaves. They differ considerably in price, permission handling and availability.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 04:57

Used BMW M550d xDrive Touring with four turbochargers now listed at €33,990
German outlet Autobild has featured a 2019 BMW M550d xDrive Touring diesel estate, listed on Germany's Mobile.de for €33,990 against a new price of about €89,000. Buyers are advised to check its technical condition carefully.
iAuto.lv · 12 Oct, 04:57

Alex Gibney's Documentary “Musk” Portrays Elon Musk as a Modern Confidence Man
Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney has made “Musk,” a four-hour documentary about tech billionaire Elon Musk. It challenges his image as a visionary, and it drew the subject's anger before its release.
Ars Technica · 12 Oct, 03:58

Opinion: Passkeys Give Users Less Control Than They Appear To
A technology commentator argues in an essay that passkeys, which are replacing passwords, give users less control than passwords or authenticator apps. He also criticizes the make-up of the FIDO Alliance, which has no consumer advocacy groups among its members.
Hacker News (≥150 p.) · 12 Oct, 03:57

Importing Foreign Smartphones to the US: Benefits and Risks
US buyers can purchase foreign smartphones that aren't sold domestically, but they may face compatibility, software and warranty problems. Engadget outlines the main points to weigh before buying.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 03:56

Grok's free tier: what it offers and what requires payment
The free tier of the Grok AI chatbot is limited and suited mainly to trying it out or occasional use. Broader capabilities, more advanced models and image and video generation are tied to paid plans.
Engadget · 12 Oct, 01:56

Europe's Housing Crisis: Eviction Protests in Spain, Berlin Weighs Removing Property Investors
High rents and a shortage of apartments are pushing European cities to look for radical solutions. Spain has seen protests over evictions, while Berlin is considering getting rid of real estate investors.
Žurnāls Ir · 12 Oct, 00:58

Apple Reportedly to Unveil HomeView Smart Home Hub on Tuesday
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, US tech company Apple will unveil a new smart home device called HomeView, with a display and Siri, on Tuesday. Updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models are also expected.
TechCrunch · 12 Oct, 00:57
Open-source Nanolathe engine brings classic strategy game Total Annihilation to modern computers
The Nanolathe project offers an MIT-licensed, open-source engine for playing the strategy game Total Annihilation on modern computers. A browser demo and a public desktop beta are available.
Hacker News (≥150 p.) · 11 Oct, 23:59