There’s a Latvian app for that

Arnis Gross | 

It has been more than three years since the first Apple iPhone was introduced in the Baltics. Not only has the user interface and phone technology been constantly improving, but Latvian language support has become even better and new Latvian applications ranging from reading Latvian newspapers, checking tram timetables to translating Latvian text and listening to a favourite Latvian radio station have appeared in the iTunes App store.

With the recently introduced voice-enabled iPhone 4S worldwide, Apple continues its streak of record-breaking sales. The upgrade of Apple’s tablet computer, the iPad2, earlier this year is also leaving its mark on enterprises by disrupting business models and restructuring IT departments. The industry has been affected so dramatically that manufacturers that once were dominant players are desperately seeking the ideal hardware and software combination to catch up in this transformational era of touch screen-based mobile computing.

For the estimated 40,000 iPhone and 5,000 iPad users currently in Latvia, both the iOS4 and iOS5 software upgrades introduced further Latvian language support.  The Latvian date format on the welcome screen is fixed and Latvian language purists now get the “ŗ” (or palatalised r) option by touching the “r” key for more than a second. iOS5 provides dictionary support for the Latvian language for the first time, however Latvian didn’t make the short list of languages used by Siri, Apple’s smart new voice recognition software introduced with the iPhone 4S.

Although the App store for the Baltics has operated since April 2009 it is only in the last 18 months that have we seen a flurry of new apps and new developers attracted to the platform. Among them is 15-year-old Kristers Jursevskis, author of the Doit app. Latvian newspapers and magazines are not wasting any time either by producing iPhone and iPad versions of their content. This is a boon for Latvians living abroad who still want to keep abreast of the latest news and gossip, but don’t want to have to wait up to a week to receive the paper version via snail mail. Dienas mediji offers the daily edition of Diena for only USD 11 per month. Dienas mediji has made a significant investment in its own customised reader application, which apart from the occasional hiccup with the display of photos is very easy to use. Downloading the daily issue normally takes only a minute or two.

Dienas mediji also produce an iPad only publication called piektDiena that includes news from the previous week, adds some weekly video footage by journalist Māris Zanders and is a little more interactive than the regular Diena PDF version. When it was first launched in June of this year the downloads were a hefty 220MB is size, but nonetheless were quick to download. Six months later and still with a free price tag Dienas mediji has managed to reduce the weekly edition to half the file size. However, this hasn’t helped reduce the network load and it now takes several attempts to download piektDiena successfully. Dienas mediji also offer Dienas Bizness (USD 30 per month or USD 2.15 per issue) and and iPad-only version of the weekly Lietišķā Diena (Zurnāls LD) at USD 99 cents per issue.

The Lilita publishing house has also been providing iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad versions of all of its magazines since earlier this year using the Zinio publishing platform. Magazines such as Copes Lietas, Kas Jauns, Pastaiga, Lilita, Geo, NEXT, FHM, Cosmopolitan, Latvijas Arhitektūra and Latvijas Būvniecība can all be enjoyed at the discounted price to the printed version. With the release of iOS5 and the new Newstand feature, Apple’s own publishing platform, it will be interesting to observe what Zinio and the others will do, because ultimately the user will want to visit only one place for all their subscribed newspapers and magazines.

Swedbank has led the way in providing a mobile banking application (Swedbank Latvija) enabling customers to check their account balance, view previous transactions, pay bills, transfer funds, check currency rates and perform many other useful tasks. It took a whole year before other banks offered similar applications—Rietumu banka with its iRietumu App and dnBNord (DNB Latvija) which became available on the App store earlier this month. SEB banka has Estonian and Lithuanian versions, but a Latvian app is yet to be seen.

Trans Riga, created by independent developer Kristaps Grīnbergs, presents the tram, trolleybus and bus timetables of Rīga in an easy to use interface on the iPhone. Clicking on the map icon displays the route in Google Maps which users can then zoom in for more detail. A useful addition to this application, especially for tourists not familiar with Rīga, is to determine the visitor’s current location and list all of the available nearby public transport. And what about train timetables as well as reporting on public transport delays in real time? Admittedly this would be difficult to do without the cooperation of the Rīga public transport authority, which currently does not release this kind of data.

Ardis Markss from E Forma has produced a simple, but effective educational application (Ābece) targetted at both pre-school children and adults to learn the Latvian alphabet. Each letter has been beautifully drawn and users can also click to hear pronunciation of each word.

One of the more active mobile application developers has been the Rīga-based Cube advertising agency led by Mārtiņš Dambis. Applications include a television programming guide (Lattelecom TV) commissioned by one of the leading cable and digital TV providers in Latvia (I would love to see this app also become a remote control for switching channels and selecting TV shows so that I can finally throw out the old remote); a Līgo song app (LMT Līgo Līgo) that at the shake of the iPhone can provide the words and tune to many Jāņi songs while celebrating the summer solstice; an events guide to this year’s Positivus 11 music festival; a live audio stream from the progressive radio station Radio 101 as well as a video stream to view what’s happening in the studio; and a shopping guide (Alfas dāvanas) from one of the largest shopping centres in Rīga to help users decide what to buy.

Inspired by the Alice in Wonderland app, Jānis Liepiņš has translated a Latvian folktale into English, added stunning illustrations with animation and adapted it for the iPad to captivate both young and old audiences. Liepiņš even pulled out all stops to make a YouTube video promoting the special King’s Daughters iPad interactive book. I am eagerly waiting for the Latvian version so that I can enjoy it together with my youngest son before bedtime.

The software development company Tilde, best known for its Latvian spelling, grammar and translation software, has released the Translation app that can translate whole sentences from Latvian to English, English to Latvian and Latvian to Russian. It is free, but you’ll need to be connected to the Internet via WiFi or 3G. airBaltic has an iPhone app (airBaltic) to view timetables and flight status, as well as access online check-in facilities. There is also a companion app for the airline’s frequent flyers (BalticMiles). CSN Test will help users prepare for the challenging 30 multiple choice questions presented in the driver’s theory exam; Latvian Nouns provides an instant reference to noun, adjective, numeral and pronoun declensions (apologies for the shameless plug); DPD LV allows customers to track shipments online from pick-up to delivery; Riga in Your Pocket puts its popular tourist guide on an iPhone (Riga) with updates on a regular basis; and the draugiem.lv app has revamped its user interface and removed the charging mechanism for iPhone users. As a fan of Latvian ice hockey I tried to retrieve the Dinamo Rīga app, but it seems that access to this could be restricted to the territory of Latvia, which leaves me no other option than to visit the real game next time I’ll be in Rīga.

To find the latest and greatest Latvian app, click on the flag on the right bottom of the iTunes screen and select Latvia. The iTunes Latvia store has been available since August. Another alternative is to regularly check Web sites such as mac.tunt.lv, which provides further links to macpasaule.lv and ipods.lv. Yet another option is to download the new app called “Lietotnes latviski,” the primary goal is to help manage one’s way through the plethora of new Latvian apps that are now appearing on a weekly basis. However, at the time of writing not all apps were included and updates have been sporadic.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Latvian apps, but it gives an appreciation for the diversity now available. I look forward to the day when Latvian utilities, TV stations and government departments will open up their data to the community to pave the way for even more innovative and exciting mobile applications, no matter where one may be located worldwide.

Lietotnes latviski

The Lietotnes latviski application, available for both Apple’s iPhone and iPad, helps users discover new Latvian-related mobile tools.

Russian language initiative now has more than half of required signatures

Andris Straumanis | 

An initiative that could make Russian an official language in Latvia now has more than half the signatures needed to get the parliament to consider amending the country’s constitution, according to figures compiled by the Central Election Commission in Rīga.

However, supporters have just one more week to get the total of 154,379 voters—10 percent of all those eligible—they need to get proposed legislation before the Saeima. The deadline for gathering signatures is Nov. 30.

From Nov. 1-21, according to the election commission, a total of 78,279 eligible voters had signed on to the initiative. Combined with the 12,533 who put their names on a petition to begin the process, supporters now have nearly 59 percent of the total required.

Under the constitution, Latvian is the country’s only official language. The “Dzimtā valoda” (Native Language) group is pushing to change five sections of the constitution to give Russian equal status. An estimated 27.4 percent of Latvia’s population is ethnic Russian, according to the Central Statistical Bureau, while ethnic Latvians account for 59.5 percent.

The initiative got a boost when Rīga Mayor Nils Ušakovs, who is an ethnic Russian, announced that he had signed the initiative. He has said that his political party, the center-left Harmony Centre (Saskaņas centrs) maintains its support for Latvian as the only state language. However, during a party congress on Nov. 17 he encouraged members to also sign the initiative, according to media reports.

If the initiative succeeds, the Saeima will have to consider the proposed changes to the constitution. However, it is expected the legislation would be defeated, which would then lead to a national referendum.

Outside of Latvia, voters interested in adding their signature to the initiative may do so at one of 39 embassies and consulates. A list of the locations abroad is available from the Central Election Commission’s website, www.cvk.lv.

Andris Straumanis is a special correspondent for and a co-founder of Latvians Online. From 2000–2012 he was editor of the website.

Reflecting on independence, ambassador to U.S. sees hope for future

Andrejs Pildegovičs | 

Latvia’s honorary consuls! Dear fellow Latvians! I have the great pleasure of sending my greetings to you on Latvia’s 93rd anniversary of the proclamation of independence, as well as on the 20th anniversary since restoration of independence.

I would like to thank all of you for your significant contribution to the prosperity and promotion of Latvia abroad. I would also especially like to congratulate our most recent honorary consuls: Andris Lācis in Michigan, Roberts Blumbergs in Chicago, Tālis Sēja in Boston, Jānis Bolis in Rhode Island, Uldis Bērziņš in Oregon, Juris Buņķis in Los Angeles and Līga Hoy in San Francisco. I hope that you will be able to participate in the meeting of honorary consuls in Rīga, to be held July 5 and 6, 2012.

Nov. 18 is a bright and unique holiday that unites all Latvian generations and communities in countries near and far. On this day, for a moment forgetting our everyday concerns, we review our accomplishments and evaluate anew what the Latvian nation means to the Latvian people. In this regard we belong to the lucky, we can almost say chosen, people and generations. Not so long ago the idea of Latvians having their own nation seemed like a dream, an unreachable mythical ideal. The name of the Latvian nation appeared to be more associated with the past than the future.

Twenty years ago a new era began. The Baltic people won a fantastic victory, freeing themselves from totalitarian oppression. At that time we were united, and we have reason to be proud of our hard-earned freedom. For this, the rest of the world admired us. The nonviolent and peaceful “Singing Revolution” has become known as a unique phoenomenon in world history. In the same way we affirmed our determination in later years, strengthening our nation in new circumstances—by joining the European Union and NATO, by improving our relations with Russia.

The role of the United States and its people was especially essential to Latvia’s rebirth. This connection remains vitally important also today. That is why Latvia is and will remain a reliable ally of the NATO alliance and of the U.S. In May the NATO Summit will take place in Chicago, which will reaffirm this military union as well as mark the 10th anniversary since Latvia was invited to join the alliance in Prague. The selection of the host city for the summit is not unintentional, since Chicago is a city with the largest community of residents of Latvian, Lithuanian and other Central European origins.

Unfortunately, our rapid transformation led to a certain euphoria that life would improve linearly, that the quality of life from year to year would continue to improve. Disparity in income between various sections of the population increased, migration grew and the birthrate decreased. The most serious economic crisis since the restoration of independence inflicted deep wounds in the welfare of our people, in their self-confidence and in the belief of their own strengths. The GDP was reduced by one fourth; due to emigration Latvians formed new communities in Europe, the United States and Australia. Still, our nation was able to mobilize.

I will take the liberty to assert that there is reason to look to the future with more hope. The consequences of the crisis can still be felt, but the most difficult period is behind us. The economy has recovered and grown 4.5 percent. Domestic consumption and and manufacturing capacity continues to grow. Thanks to the favorable international situation, exports continued to grow this year, surpassing pre-crisis levels. This December the Latvian Government will conclude its loan program with the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission. The government has established as a goal the fulfullment of all criteria for transitioning to the united European currency—the euro.

It is meaningful that in the political arena a new development phase has been reached following the referendum regarding the dissolution of the 10th Saeima and the snap elections of the 11th Saeima. Many younger people have entered politics, various parties have regrouped, the composition of the coalition has been altered. An effective center-right coalition has been formed. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has guaranteed the government’s succession in the areas of economics and finance. I thank you for your investment in the strengthening of economic ties and your support in preparing the U.S. visits of Latvia’s government officials and business representatives.

In my opinion a number of commendable changes have taken place in the manner of thinking and planning. Our resolve that we cannot spend more than we earn, that we cannot count on swift, extensive breakthroughs continues to grow. We more clearly realize that future growth will need to be achieved in fierce competition with other nations, step by step enriching our knowledge and experience, increasing productivity. In this context I am proud of the dynamic Latvian and U.S. cooperation in the field of education. The Baltic American Freedom Fund has successfully launched a research and internship program between universities and businesses. Recently a foundation supporting the University of Latvia was established in the U.S. Active contacts between Rīga Technical University, the Rīga Business School and their partners in the U.S. have been established. These contacts are one of pillars of our future relationships.

Another example—a positive change in attitude towards Latvians abroad. Serious work has begun regarding amendments in the citizenship law, in order to increase the number of Latvia’s citizens. In the first reading 94 deputies supported the amendments. It is my hope that these amendments will strengthen the emotional as well as legal ties to the ancestral homeland. I invite Latvians to consider this possibility and take advantage of this opportunity once the amendments have passed. Ambassador Rolands Lappuķe will be coordinating the government’s policy in relations with the Latvian diaspora. To alleviate the passport application process, at the beginning of 2012 the Embassy of Latvia in Washington will launch a mobile passport system, which will give an opportunity to obtain the passports in the Latvian community centers around the U.S.

In one month, on Dec. 6, the period of independence of the renewed Republic of Latvia will exceed the length of pre-war independence. With each year we are approaching a magic number—Latvia’s centennial. Together let us shape Latvia as a prosperous, modern, democratic and judicial country! Let us cultivate the modern partnership of Latvia and the U.S. into the 21st century!