Daily News Podcast 2025-08-06

Verified video shows an explosion near a UN clinic in Gaza, identified as the Sheikh Radwan Clinic, following a reported Israeli airstrike. The BBC authenticated the footage, matching the building's features to online images. Reuters has since photographed the aftermath of the strike. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: World Title: Verifying Ukraine and Gaza video, and analysing UK chancellor's Budget challenge Source: BBC Full_article: Verified video shows explosion near UN clinic in Gaza Sherie Ryder and Peter Mwai BBC Verify We have authenticated a video showing an explosion near a clinic run by the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (Unrwa) in northern Gaza following a reported Israeli airstrike overnight. In the video, a loud explosion is heard and a fireball lights up the area behind a building with a communications mast on the roof. We have matched the distinctive building in the footage, which has a slightly curved front facade, to images available online of the Sheikh Radwan Clinic in the al-Maqousi area west of Gaza City. Pictures uploaded online show the building before it suffered any damage and the name Sheikh Redwan Health Center can be seen on the wall in English and Arabic along with the UN crest. We have done a reverse image search of key frames from the video to be sure it is recent. The Reuters news agency has since been to the scene and taken photographs of the aftermath of the strike. --- END ARTICLE TEXT --- Source: SAP News Center Watches of Switzerland Group partnered with Bluestonex to move to SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) in a partner-managed cloud approach. This was to enable application development and digital innovation. The company also implemented SAP Integration Suite in two weeks to incorporate insurance offers. This move helped them streamline SAP Fiori applications, strengthen IT resilience, and future-proof infrastructure. Bluestonex provides expertise and innovation that the Watches of Switzerland Group lacked internally. User research revealed a need for insurance options, leading to the SAP Integration Suite implementation. The teams are also exploring artificial intelligence applications to further improve business processes. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: Business Title: Watches of Switzerland Group and Bluestonex Head for the Cloud Source: SAP News Center Full_article: Based on a long-term relationship with SAP AppHaus Network partner Bluestonex, renowned luxury retailer the Watches of Switzerland Group moved to SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) in a partner-managed cloud approach to fully enable application development and digital innovation. SAP BTP: Unlock the full potential of your AI, data, and applications Learn how With the help of its trusted partner, the Watches of Switzerland Group also set up SAP Integration Suite within only two weeks, enabling the company to incorporate insurance offers in their processes. The Watches of Switzerland Group is a leading luxury watch retailer with a reputation for quality and exclusivity. With operations spanning the UK, U.S., and parts of Europe, its portfolio of brands has been a trusted name in luxury timepieces for decades. As the company expands its business and adapts to new market dynamics, Watches of Switzerland Group is transforming its technology infrastructure to prioritize scalability, efficiency, and streamlined operations across its global presence. The journey to SAP BTP as a partner-managed cloud model At the beginning of the engagement, the English watch retailer relied on an enterprise architecture including legacy systems such as on-premise SAP ECC 6.0 systems and middleware built in-house. Limited IT resources made scaling difficult to meet business demands for faster project delivery and modern integrations. After purchasing SAP BTP credits, the company faced internal skill gaps and competing priorities. Finally, the company wanted to adopt cloud-based technologies while remaining flexible about future ERP decisions, whether transitioning to SAP S/4HANA or exploring alternative platforms. Partnering with Bluestonex Watches of Switzerland partnered with Bluestonex and transitioned to a partner-managed cloud model – in this case SAP BTP. Under this model, Bluestonex took over responsibility for managing SAP BTP credits, resource allocation, and infrastructure support, allowing Watches of Switzerland Group to shift from an internal, self-managed approach to an expertly managed environment, always aligned with the retailer’s business objectives. Since moving to this model, Watches of Switzerland Group has: Increased SAP BTP value: Freed from managing credits and technical configurations, the customer team can focus on business-critical projects Freed from managing credits and technical configurations, the customer team can focus on business-critical projects Streamlined SAP Fiori applications: All SAP Fiori apps have been successfully migrated to the cloud, enhancing performance and improving the user experience All SAP Fiori apps have been successfully migrated to the cloud, enhancing performance and improving the user experience Strengthened IT resilience: With Bluestonex acting as a strategic partner, Watches of Switzerland has built a foundation to support future growth and innovation With Bluestonex acting as a strategic partner, Watches of Switzerland has built a foundation to support future growth and innovation Future-proofed infrastructure: The agnostic capabilities of SAP BTP ensure that the integration framework remains relevant, regardless of the future ERP platform Bluestonex Innovation Factory With the foundational work completed, Watches of Switzerland decided to further expand its adoption of SAP BTP services, integrating more business processes and scaling globally. But what were the core business processes? Where was the room or even need for improvement to deliver best-in-class customer services, be successful overall, and remain on top of things in the luxury retail segment? “The partnership with Bluestonex is not just about technology,” said Glenn Bamford, head of Business Systems at Watches of Switzerland Group. “They act as an extension of our team, bringing innovation and expertise that we lack internally. With their support, we’ve been able to make strategic moves towards modernizing our systems while remaining agile for the future.” To understand business, user, and customer needs, thorough research can provide reliable answers and a solid foundation for innovation. So, along the human-centered approach to innovation, Bluestonex Innovation Factory team organized a user research journey visiting six representative Watches of Switzerland Group showrooms, shadowing employees and observing different processes in the context of purchasing, customer inquiries, deliveries, commissioning, and many more. After visiting the different showrooms, one observation was that requirements could vary considerably from one to another, simply because of different locations and customer profiles. In some showrooms, it was mainly about selling middle-priced watches and attending several customers at a time; in others, it was about serving one customer with specific needs for a purchase of a very expensive and unique piece. Incorporating insurance options with the help of SAP Integration Suite Despite all the differences, there is one requirement the researchers observed, that spanned across all customer engagements. That is the wish for an appropriate insurance option for the purchased watch. The Watches of Switzerland Group and Bluestonex decided to realize this integration of an insurance option in its service processes through SAP Integration Suite. In just two weeks, the insurance integration went live as scheduled, allowing the Watches of Switzerland Group to meet crucial business demands without sacrificing quality or functionality. With SAP Integration Suite, Watches of Switzerland Group is now positioned to continue modernizing its technology stack in alignment with its strategic vision. This scalable solution can evolve with their future needs, including a potential transition to SAP S/4HANA. “This project demonstrates the value of Bluestonex as a strategic partner,” Bamford said. “Not only did they execute the integration under intense time pressure, but they also provided critical expertise. SAP Integration Suite, deployed with Bluestonex’s support, paves the way for greater flexibility and scalability as we move forward with our digital transformation.” During the annual SAP BTP strategy day held in the Bluestonex AppHaus Shropshire, Watches of Switzerland Group identified concrete business objectives and how technology could be harnessed to accomplish these goals, both for them and for Bluestonex as its partner. With the proven hands-on methods to prioritize and align different solutions to these goals the joint team was able to map goals to short-term and medium-term actions. Looking back, Bluestonex Commercial Director Richard Henry said: “Our partnership with Watches of Switzerland was born from our SAP AppHaus DNA, as well as the focus on providing value-driven user experience in SAP BTP applications. As a niche SAP partner, we could provide the right skill set, along a human-centered approach to innovation and support the Watches of Switzerland Group in its digital strategy with SAP.” After realizing the value of SAP Integration Suite, Watches of Switzerland Group and Bluestonex are now looking for further integration projects right across the business. The group’s flexible and secure cloud-first approach enables it to adapt to changing markets and continue to deliver the best possible customer service. The way ahead One area where both teams are equally eager to progress is in artificial intelligence (AI). The Bluestonex team always looks for business use cases that could be improved with the help of SAP Business AI capabilities. Also, the Watches of Switzerland Group’s team is keen to understand how to unlock the use of AI in its organization. Bluestonex showcased several solutions, including its document processes application, which was developed as part of the Next Level Programme in just 10 days, as well as the integration of SAP’s generative AI copilot Joule for its flagship product Maextro, a data governance tool. For all the opportunities SAP Business AI holds in stock, customer and partner are currently planning for a first SAP Business AI Explore workshop to identify use cases that could be improved with the help of AI. As said above, it is all about thorough research and a trustful collaboration to stay future-ready and a leader in luxury retail. Imke Vierjahn is communications lead for SAP AppHaus Network. --- END ARTICLE TEXT --- Source: CineD Tilta has released a $125 handheld support system for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone. This cage system turns the drone into a handheld camera rig, offering professional mounting options like cold shoe receivers, 15mm rod compatibility, and rosette mounts. It allows for handheld shooting or vehicle mounting for dynamic shots. While the concept seems odd, it could offer advantages for vehicle-mounted shots due to the drone's stabilization system. However, for handheld use, the benefits are less clear, though the lightweight design and integrated systems could be useful. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: Technology Title: Tilta Wants You to Rig Your Mavic 4 Pro Drone as a Handheld Camera (Yes, Really) Source: CineD Full_article: Tilta Wants You to Rig Your Mavic 4 Pro Drone as a Handheld Camera (Yes, Really) Tilta just announced a handheld support system that turns your DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone into a terrestrial camera rig. Yes, really. At $125, they’re asking you to ground your flying machine and use it like a regular handheld camera. It’s either brilliantly innovative or completely insane – and we’re honestly not sure which. Let’s dive into this Tilta handheld drone rig! Sometimes the filmmaking industry throws us a curveball so unexpected that we have to double-check the calendar to make sure it’s not April 1st. Today is one of those days, courtesy of Tilta and their latest offering: the Handheld Support System for DJI Mavic 4 Pro. Yes, you read that correctly – they’ve created a cage system that transforms your drone into a handheld camera rig. Before you dismiss this as another “solution looking for a problem,” let’s dive into what Tilta is actually proposing here. First off: Let’s make it clear that we like Tilta’s solutions, and their innovative approach at on-set pain points. Currently, we are reviewing the Tilta Nucleus M II and that review should be out within a month. Also, in case you missed it, we did a factory tour at their HQ in China some years ago, check out that mini documentary here in case you missed it. But given the solution at hand today, let’s dive in and have a little fun, shall we? Tilta Handheld Support System for DJI Mavic 4 Pro. Image credit: Tilta From sky to hand: the concept At first glance, the idea seems almost comically counterintuitive. Drones were invented to fly, weren’t they? But Tilta’s engineering team apparently looked at the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and thought, “You know what this needs? Handles.” The system is custom-designed specifically for the Mavic 4 Pro, featuring what Tilta calls a “unique camera cage style setup.” The modular design allows for various configurations, whether you’re shooting handheld or – and this is where it gets interesting – mounting to a vehicle for “dynamic 360° roller shots.” The technical breakdown of the Tilta handheld drone rig Credit where credit is due: Tilta hasn’t half-hearted this concept. The support system comes loaded with professional mounting options including: Cold Shoe receivers for accessories 15mm rod compatibility Rosette mounts 1/4″-20 threads with locating points Perhaps most intriguingly, the base of the remote controller mount features a specialized clearance slot designed for seamless integration of DJI audio accessories. This suggests Tilta is serious about positioning this as a legitimate filmmaking tool, not just a novelty item. The company emphasizes the system’s “ultra-lightweight construction and tool-free assembly,” making it suitable for what they call “mobile workflows” with fast setup and breakdown capabilities. He’s not sure how to feel about it either. But it’s a fun thing to talk about. Image credit: Tilta The practical reality check Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. The obvious question isn’t whether this system works technically – knowing Tilta’s track record, it probably does. The question is: why would you want to do this? There are scenarios where this could make sense. Vehicle mounting for chase scenes or tracking shots, for instance, where the drone’s stabilization system could provide smooth footage without the complexity of traditional gimbal rigs. The 360° roller capability Tilta mentions could open up creative possibilities for dynamic vehicle-mounted shots. For handheld work, the proposition becomes more questionable. Why use a drone when traditional handheld cameras and gimbals exist? Perhaps the answer lies in the Mavic 4 Pro’s specific capabilities – its lightweight design, advanced stabilization, and integrated recording systems might offer advantages in certain situations. The 360° roller capability would be, however, definitely easier to execute than with the Ronin RS series of gimbals since the drone gimbal is so much lighter and won’t change the center of gravity as its moving (like a camera in many cases would). The barebones of the Tilta Handheld Support System for DJI Mavic 4 Pro, minus the drone. Image credit: Tilta Pricing and availability Tilta is offering the system for $125 (down from $139) with a “Save 10% until August 19th” promotion. It’s currently available for pre-order with shipping expected in 2-3 weeks. The product comes in Tilta’s signature Titanium White finish. At that price point, it’s positioned as an accessible accessory rather than a premium specialty item, which might be key to get some adoption. Or you might just buy this for a laugh with your buddies on set. The verdict: innovative or ridiculous? This product sits squarely in that fascinating space where innovation meets absurdity. On paper, it sounds like something dreamed up during a particularly creative brainstorming session after too much coffee. In practice, it might just solve problems we didn’t know we had. Tilta has built a reputation for thinking outside the box with their camera support solutions, and this certainly qualifies. Whether the Handheld Support System for DJI Mavic 4 Pro becomes a cult favorite among indie filmmakers or a cautionary tale about over-engineering remains to be seen. One thing’s for certain: it’s sparked a conversation. And in an industry where standing out from the crowd is increasingly difficult, maybe that’s half the battle won. What do you think of the Tilta handheld drone rig? Revolutionary filmmaking tool or solution looking for a problem? Let us know in the comments below. Note: Featured image was supplied by Tilta, with the right side of the frame expanded using Photoshop generative fill (the hands had no face in the original photo and the framing didn’t work for a featured image.) --- END ARTICLE TEXT --- Source: BBC An Essex police officer, PC Jed Raven, rescued a swan from the middle of a road in Colchester. He likened the incident to a scene from the movie "Hot Fuzz," where officers are tasked with finding a missing swan. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: Entertainment Title: 'Hot Fuzz' swan rescued from road by Essex police officer Source: BBC Full_article: 'Hot Fuzz' swan rescued from middle of the road The 'Hot Fuzz' swan was brought back to safety after finding itself in the middle of the road A police officer had his very own Hot Fuzz moment when he was tasked to rescue a wandering swan. PC Jed Raven, Essex Police's heritage and wildlife crime officer, was called to the feathery friend which had been spotted in the middle of a road in Colchester. He likened the incident to a scene from 2007 movie Hot Fuzz, starring Simon Pegg, in which officers were hot on the trail of a missing swan. PC Raven quipped: "It was a bit of a wild goose chase, but I knew I had to wing it." --- END ARTICLE TEXT --- Source: ESPN Singapore A third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is postponed indefinitely. Instead, Beterbiev will fight Deon Nicholson on November 22, on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde event. Beterbiev lost to Bivol in February after defeating Bivol in their first match last October. Beterbiev and Bivol sought to hold their trilogy fight in Russia, but Beterbiev will now face Nicholson. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: Sports Title: Beterbiev puts Bivol trilogy bout on hold, will fight Nicholson Source: ESPN Singapore Full_article: Open Extended Reactions An expected third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is on hold indefinitely after it was announced Tuesday that Beterbiev will return Nov. 22 against Deon Nicholson. The fight will be on the undercard of the Ring IV "Night of Champions" event headlined by David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde. Beterbiev, the former undisputed light heavyweight champion, is coming off a majority decision loss to Bivol in February, the first defeat of his professional career. He defeated Bivol by majority decision to become undisputed champion in their first meeting last October. Instead of sticking with Riyadh Season as their promotional outfit, Beterbiev and Bivol lobbied for their trilogy fight to take place in Russia with different organizers. Saudi Arabia's chairman of General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, gave his blessing for the Russian fighters to move forward, but Beterbiev will opt for another opponent instead. --- END ARTICLE TEXT --- Source: Space A solar eruption from sunspot region 4168 produced an M4.4-class flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME). Initially, the CME was directed away from Earth, however, there's a possibility that Earth may experience a glancing blow on August 8th. This glancing blow could cause a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm, potentially triggering auroras as far south as northern Michigan and Maine. The CME's magnetic orientation will determine the strength and visibility of the auroras. --- ARTICLE TEXT --- Topic: Science Title: Solar eruption from Earth-facing sunspot could bring auroras this week Source: Space Full_article: The M4.4 solar flare unleashed a coronal mass ejection (CME) into space — and Earth might just receive a glancing blow which could trigger auroras. Sunspot region 4168 is certainly making quite a name for itself! Earlier this week, active region 4168 churned out three M-class flares within 24 hours , ending weeks of calm on the sun. Then, on Aug. 5, it fired off a strong M4.4-class flare, peaking at 11:58 a.m. EDT (15:58 GMT), and hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) into space. But though the eruption came from almost smack-dab in the center of the sun 's disk, a spot that usually spells "bullseye" for Earth, this one had a trick up its sleeve. Instead of heading straight for us, the CME launched sideways, flinging most of its plasma westward, away from Earth . Still, space weather forecasters say there is a chance Earth may still receive a glancing blow from the CME on Aug. 8, which could trigger a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm, potentially sparking northern lights as far south as northern Michigan and Maine . "Virtually center disk flare, CME goes sideways. Just Solar Cycle 25 things," aurora chaser Jure Atanackov posted on X , summing up the oddball behavior. Even so, Earth might not entirely be in the clear. Atanackov pointed to NASA's WSA-ENLIL model, which "indicates the CME from the M4.4 flare may (despite its best efforts) still clip us." The model suggests a potential impact around 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC) on Aug. 8 — with a generous margin of error of ±8 hours. CME impact? The NASA M2M WSA-ENLIL+Cone model indicates the CME from the M4.4 flare may (despite its best efforts) still clip us. The glancing blow is indicated on August 8th around 6h UTC (+/- 8 hrs). https://t.co/jFP7bSwulk pic.twitter.com/4XVMiAuLBLAugust 6, 2025 The U.K. Met Office agrees there's potential, noting that "as this region was located near the centre disk at the time, there is a likelihood of an Earth-directed component." However, they also say confidence in that forecast is low. Sunspots visible on the sun today (Aug. 6). The sun's orientation from Earth-based telescopes varies depending on time, location, and telescope setup. This image has been adjusted to match how space-based observatories like NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory view the sun — with solar north up. (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro by Daisy Dobrijevic. Sun image captured on Aug. 6, 2025 with Vaonis Vespera Pro.) If the CME does brush past Earth, we could see auroras stretch south into high and even mid-latitudes, but only if the storm's magnetic orientation (a key ingredient for auroras) cooperates. Essentially, the CME's magnetic field needs to point southward — opposite to Earth's northward field — to effectively connect and transfer energy into our magnetosphere . If it points north instead, the "door is closed" and solar wind simply glances off, and the auroras may be a no-show. For now, we wait and watch. As always with the sun — stay tuned. --- END ARTICLE TEXT ---