De La Salle University’s bid for a repeat in the World University Basketball Series has come to an end.
Read More »
Phillips, La Salle’s repeat bid comes up short vs. Korea in WUBS finale
Mga barko ng BFAR binugahan ng tubig ng China Coast Guard sa Bajo de Masinloc
Hinarang at binugahan ng tubig ng China Coast Guard ang mga barko ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources na nagsasagawa ng maritime patrol malapit sa Bajo de Masinloc, Lunes ng umaga.
Read More »
Sir Charles Gairdner work orders expose shameful scale of maintenance issues threatening staff, patient safety
Leaking radioactive waste, human excrement through the intensive care unit, and costly damage to equipment are among the havoc at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital threatening patient and staff safety.
Read More »
Massive change coming to supermarkets as ACCC green lights new recycling scheme
The new scheme is an ‘important stepping stone’ to reduce the rising levels of soft plastics, following the 2022 collapse of the recycling scheme REDcycle.
Read More »
Israel kills Al Jazeera journalists in airstrike targeting one it accuses of heading ‘a Hamas terrorist cell’
"Al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and advanced rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said
Read More »
Should AI Be Allowed To Rewrite A Director’s Vision?
On August 1st, Ambikapathy, the Tamil version of Raanjhanaa, returned to theatres with a surprising AI-generated alternate ending that rewrote the film’s tragic finale and spared the protagonist’s life.
Read More »
BBC plots ‘streaming box’ with free TV channels & movies – but it’s missing key feature that Freeview fans love
THE BBC is to launch a “streaming box” aimed at simplifying watching TV in the digital age.
The new box is designed specifically for people who find modern streaming technology overwhelming.
It comes after the corporation unveiled the new Freely box last week, which is due to replace the traditional Freeview and Freesat services.
Rather than relying on aerials or satellite dishes, Freely streams live channels and catch-up content directly to a TV.
The switch is being overseen by Everyone TV, formerly Digital UK, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of free TV platforms – Freely, Freeview and Freesat – as well as leading free TV’s evolution for a digital age.
Everyone TV is owned and supported by the UK’s leading public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5.
Since its launch last year, Freely has been gradually building up its channel lineup.
It now offers BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and around 40 other broadcasters.
However, the biggest barrier to switching from Freeview to Freely has always been availability as the latter only worked on brand-new smart TVs from select manufacturers.
Those who purchased a TV several years ago would be unable to upgrade.
Problem solved
That has now been solved with the new standalone Freely device, made by French firm Netgem.
The new device has no aerial port.
Unlike current Freely TVs that allow users to “top up” with traditional Freeview channels through an aerial connection, this device is streaming-only.
But while the new Freely Box is designed to allow greater access to Freeview and Freesat, this week the BBC revealed it plans to make ANOTHER streaming box, as first reported by Cord Busters.
This will be a much simpler device and is unlikely to have some of the key features of Freeview – including access to dozens of streaming apps and channels.
Where the Netgem device offers streaming apps and dozens of additional channels, the BBC’s accessibility box is expected to focus purely on the essential UK broadcasters with minimal distractions.
Instead of navigating through multiple apps and complex menus, there is likely to be a straightforward channel guide.
This will allow quick access to catch-up services, and an interface that prioritises simplicity over features.
Why the BBC is launching the simplified box now
It comes after a BBC report identified three groups who risk being left behind as broadcasting adapts to the change from aerials to internet connections.
These are unemployed people, who the BBC believe are often held back by affordability, people with disabilities (facing accessibility barriers), and over-75s (many lacking confidence with digital technology).
What the two new boxes mean for YOU
Observers say the emergence of two different Freely approaches suggests the streaming transition will not be as simple as first thought.
Rather than an easy switch from aerials to internet connections the process is likely to be much more nuanced, with different options available for those who feel more confident – or less so – adapting to new technologies.
Viewers comfortable with technology and wanting the full streaming experience would likely choose the feature-rich Netgem box. This would allow access to dozens more apps and channels.
However, those who find modern streaming overwhelming or just want something that works like traditional TV would have the simplified BBC option.
It’s a recognition that not everyone wants their television to be a computer with endless apps, features, bells and whistles.
Sometimes, people just want to turn on the telly and watch EastEnders or Coronation Street.
When all this takes place, however, is still unclear,
The Netgem box is launching later this year, but the BBC is still “exploring” their accessibility device, according to Cord Busters.
‘Habitual absence, saan?’: VP Sara says claim has ‘no basis’
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday denied she has been habitually absent from her duties, saying this claim does not have any basis.
Read More »
Chinese ships smash into each other while chasing vessel in latest clash in South China Sea
THIS is the moment a Chinese navy warship crashed into its own coast guard vessel while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea.
Dramatic footage released by Manila showed a China Coast Guard ship and a much larger vessel bearing the number 164 on its hull colliding with a loud crash.
More footage and photos released later by the Philippine Coast Guard showed the stricken Chinese vessel still afloat but with its entire bow crumpled inward.
The vessel sustained major damage to its hull after crashing into its own coast guard ship.
The collision took place near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard were escorting boats distributing aid to fishermen in the area when the Chinese Navy vessels began chasing it, spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
He added: “The [China Coast Guard vessel] CCG 3104, which was chasing the [Filipino coast guard vessel] BRP Suluan at high speed, performed a risky manoeuvre from the [Philippine] vessel’s starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the PLA’s Navy warship.
“This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.”
At a later press briefing, Tarriella said that crew members aboard the smaller Chinese vessel had been visible in its front section just before the collision.
“We’re not sure whether they were able to rescue those personnel who were in front prior to the collision.
“But we are hoping that these personnel are in good condition,” he told reporters.
Tarriela said the Chinese crew “never responded” to the Philippine ship’s offer of assistance.
Gan Yu, a Chinese coast guard spokesperson, confirmed that a confrontation had taken place without mentioning the collision.
“The China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, including monitoring, pressing from the outside, blocking and controlling the Philippine vessels to drive them away,” he said.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not confirm or deny the collision when asked about it.
Monday’s incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely despite an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.
More than 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through the disputed waterway.
Speaking at a morning news conference, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said the country’s patrol vessels would “continue to be present” in the area to defend, as well as exercise Manila’s sovereign rights over the region.
The Scarborough Shoal – a triangular chain of reefs and rocks – has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012.
Earlier in the confrontation, the BRP Suluan was “targeted with a water cannon” by the Chinese but “successfully” evaded it, Tarriela’s statement said.
Why is the South China Sea contested?
THE South China Sea is an arena for a power struggle between different powers.
Several countries claim the rights to large portions of its territory based on historical rights.
The problem is, some of these claims overlap.
China’s claim is based on a vague “nine-dash line” on some maps, which is not generally recognised in international law.
Many countries argue that China’s claims violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Other countries, like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, are eager not the concede the territory, because it is known to hold valuable natural assets like natural resources.
One major point of tension is the Spratly Islands, with multiple countries claiming ownership of various islets and reefs.
China has been criticized for constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea and deploying military equipment there.
The latest announcements for a seabed research centre will further inflame this anger.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Written Update 11 August 2025: Pari Confronts Nandani, A Stranger Steps Into Tulsi-Mihir’s World
In the upcoming episode (11 August, episode 13) of the StarPlus show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, you will see Pari confronting Nandani.
Read More »