Business & Technology

Wikimedia says 'rogue' OpenAI bots may have contributed to May outage
The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, says it has found activity by 'rogue' OpenAI agents on its platforms, including unauthorized edits and heavy data traffic that may have contributed to a partial outage in May.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 22:25

Arc Raiders and The Finals set for TV and film adaptations
Production company Chernin Entertainment has signed a deal to adapt video games Arc Raiders and The Finals into television and film projects, with developer Embark Studios also involved.
Engadget · 5 Oct, 22:23
Russia drafts new telecom rules framed as anti-fraud measures
Russia's Digital Development Ministry has proposed amendments to the communications law that would let citizens manage phone number restrictions, buy eSIMs, and verify identity remotely through the Max messaging app and biometric data systems. The changes are presented as a response to phone scams.
Meduza · 5 Oct, 22:20

Oura Ring 5 vs. Apple Watch Series 12: Choosing the right health wearable
A new comparison shows the Oura Ring 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 track similar health data, but differ sharply in platform support, workout features and subscription costs. The right choice largely depends on your phone and lifestyle.
Engadget · 5 Oct, 21:26

OpenAI begins rolling out invisible text watermarks for EU users
OpenAI will introduce an invisible, machine-readable text watermark called textGrain to ChatGPT and Codex users in the European Union over the coming weeks, in response to the EU's AI Act requirements. The feature will not become a global default for now.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 21:24

19-year-old founder raises $11 million for personal AI computer startup Ghost
Ghost, founded by 19-year-old Zain Javaid, has raised $11 million to build Core, a $3,499 computer dedicated to running personal AI agents. The device is launching out of stealth with pre-orders opening Monday.
TechCrunch · 5 Oct, 21:23

Youngest Exoplanet Ever Confirmed Is Barely a Million Years Old
Astronomers have confirmed that exoplanet Elias 2-24b, under a million years old, is the youngest exoplanet ever discovered, challenging existing models of how giant planets form.
Wired · 5 Oct, 21:21
HackerRank launches AI interviewer Chakra to judge candidates' thinking, not just answers
Developer assessment platform HackerRank is making its AI interview agent Chakra generally available after a roughly six-month beta in which it conducted over 500,000 interviews. The tool evaluates how candidates reason through problems rather than just whether they reach the right answer.
TechCrunch · 5 Oct, 20:31

Why your USB-C to HDMI adapter might fail to show a picture or limit resolution
USB-C to HDMI adapters can connect devices to displays, but their performance is only as good as the weakest link in the chain of ports, cables and adapters involved. Mismatched components are the usual cause of blank screens or poor resolution.
Engadget · 5 Oct, 20:27

Report: Around 50 European Parliament lawmakers targeted by deepfake porn
A new report has found that at least 50 female members of the European Parliament have been targeted by AI-generated sexualized deepfake images or videos, according to Politico Europe.
Politico Europe · 5 Oct, 20:26

OpenAI publicist tried to cut short Altman's answer on ChatGPT user's suicide
During a Vanity Fair interview, an OpenAI publicist attempted to steer the conversation away after the editor raised a ChatGPT user's suicide with CEO Sam Altman. OpenAI said the interview had simply run over time.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 20:24

France and Germany push EU for fast-response tool against trade threats
French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz have asked the European Commission for powers to respond to trade aggression within days, including suspending access to the EU market. The proposal comes amid growing trade tensions with China.
France 24 · 5 Oct, 20:23

15 years without Steve Jobs: how the Apple co-founder transformed the tech world
Today, October 5, marks 15 years since the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. His former colleagues and the company's leadership are marking the day by recalling how his legacy still shapes the tech industry.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 19:20

How and why to turn on Developer Mode on a Chromebook
ChromeOS includes a Developer Mode that strips away the system's built-in security protections and grants full control over the device. Most users won't need it, but it opens up significant possibilities for developers and Linux enthusiasts.
Engadget · 5 Oct, 18:28

Electricity prices in Latvia and Lithuania drop 47% in a week
Last week the average electricity price in Latvia and Lithuania fell by 47%, dropping to 73.17 euros per megawatt-hour, state utility Latvenergo reported via the LETA news agency.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 18:24

Apple's new M6 Mac Mini now cheaper than the older M4 model
Amazon is offering a discount on Apple's new M6-powered Mac Mini that makes it $20 cheaper than the previous-generation M4 version currently stocked at Best Buy. It marks the first price drop on the new model.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 18:23

OpenAI rolls out visual ads alongside ChatGPT image generation
OpenAI is adding visual display ads that will appear next to images generated by ChatGPT, expanding its advertising push for free and low-cost users. The ads will debut this month in the U.S. only, with a limited group of test advertisers.
TechCrunch · 5 Oct, 18:21

OpenAI starts showing visual ads alongside ChatGPT's AI-generated images
OpenAI is rolling out a new display ad format that will appear next to images users ask ChatGPT to create. The ads will launch this month in the U.S. only, with a limited initial group of advertisers.
TechCrunch AI · 5 Oct, 18:20

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 unveils full Disrupt Stage lineup for San Francisco event
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place October 13-15 in San Francisco, featuring executives and investors from several major tech companies. Organizers have released the full lineup for the event's main Disrupt Stage.
TechCrunch · 5 Oct, 17:28

US dollar plunges against Brazilian real after first-round election result
The dollar fell more than 4% against Brazil's real on Monday after Senator Flávio Bolsonaro unexpectedly led the first round of the presidential election; the runoff is set for October 25.
5 avoti · 5 Oct, 16:28

Health Minister Abu Meri to step down as Unity party board chairman after election setback
Latvia's Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri announced he is leaving his post as chairman of the Unity party board and will step back from active party work, citing the party's poor election result. He will continue as health minister until a new government is formed.
Dienas Bizness · 5 Oct, 16:27

OpenAI to begin testing visual ads in ChatGPT image generation
OpenAI will start testing a new ad format in the US this month, displaying images of sponsored products when users generate images in ChatGPT. The ads will not appear for paying subscribers.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 16:21
Indian stock market rebounds after record eight-week losing streak
India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rose more than 0.6% on Monday, October 5, snapping an eight-week losing streak — the longest in 25 years. Analysts caution it remains unclear whether this marks a genuine turnaround or merely a temporary bounce within a broader downtrend.
2 avoti · 5 Oct, 15:31

TCL's matte OLED screen builds anticipation for Apple's iPhone Duo
In a hands-on review of the TCL P80 Ultra, The Verge's Dominic Preston says the phone's matte OLED display has left him more eager to try Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Duo, which will feature a similarly textured inner screen. While the phone itself is unremarkable, its display technology stands out as a notable advance.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 15:27
Munich's RobCo reaches unicorn status as valuation doubles in nine months
German robotics firm RobCo has doubled its valuation in nine months, surpassing €892.4 million ($1 billion), making it one of Europe's robotics unicorns.
EU-Startups · 5 Oct, 15:25

Over 500 Baltic business leaders to meet in Riga to discuss company futures in the AI era
On November 24, Riga will host Baltic Business Forum 2026, bringing together more than 500 top executives and business leaders from the Baltic states. Discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, leadership, and companies' ability to adapt in a changing technological landscape.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 15:25

Accept 'bad things' for AI's benefits, says OpenAI's Sam Altman
OpenAI chief Sam Altman said society should accept some harmful consequences of AI in exchange for its benefits, sparking backlash after a company safety researcher resigned.
The Guardian World · 5 Oct, 15:22

How long will the Xbox Series X keep going? Longevity and repair outlook
Despite Microsoft's upcoming next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, the Xbox Series X is set to remain relevant for years thanks to continued software support and a reasonably repairable design.
Engadget · 5 Oct, 15:20

airBaltic signals possible layoffs of up to 700 employees
Latvia's national airline airBaltic has told media that a business plan revision involving reduced operations could potentially lead to the layoff of 500 to 700 employees. Further details remain unclear.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 15:20

Google admits some Android apps won't run smoothly on new Intel-based Googlebooks
Google has acknowledged that its newly launched Googlebook laptops running on Intel chips may struggle to smoothly run a small number of Android apps. The admission came on the very day the devices went on sale.
The Verge · 5 Oct, 14:27

Altman names Macron the world's most impressive leader on AI
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told Decoded by POLITICO that French President Emmanuel Macron impresses him most among world leaders on AI policy, as Macron nears the end of his final term in 2027.
Politico Europe · 5 Oct, 14:27
/nginx/o/2026/10/05/17957024t1h57b2.jpg)
Vilma Fērklava appointed CEO of "Bite Latvija"
Mobile network operator SIA "Bite Latvija" has announced that Vilma Fērklava has been appointed as the company's chief executive officer, the company confirmed to the LETA news agency.
TVNET · 5 Oct, 14:24

Riga to host cruise industry professionals from around the world
On October 6–7, Riga will host the international "Cruise Baltic" association's conference, bringing together cruise line and Baltic Sea port representatives. A familiarization visit to the city is planned beforehand.
Jauns.lv · 5 Oct, 14:23

Schneider Electric shares tumble after record $22.6bn PTC acquisition deal
French energy technology group Schneider Electric has agreed to buy US software firm PTC for $22.6 billion in its largest-ever acquisition, but the announcement sent its shares sharply lower.
Euronews Business · 5 Oct, 14:22

Latvian firm NorSAF and UK tech company to cooperate on bioethanol from forestry residues
Liepāja-based NorSAF and British company Nova Pangaea Technologies have agreed to cooperate on producing bioethanol from Latvian wood residues for sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to build a resilient local supply chain and reduce Europe's reliance on imported feedstocks.
Dienas Bizness · 5 Oct, 14:21
Saudi Arabia surprises oil markets: prices fall for Asia, rise for Europe
Saudi Arabia unexpectedly cut oil prices for Asian buyers on Monday while raising them for Europe, as Houthi rebels attack Saudi Aramco facilities and G7 nations release fuel reserves.
2 avoti · 5 Oct, 13:35