Google's Sundar Pichai weighs in on FBI encryption issue, sides with Apple's Tim Cook

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai took to Twitter to raise his concerns over the FBI's attempt to gain access to an iPhone backdoor which could expose user information. Pichai seems to agree with Apple CEO Tim Cook who today released a strongly worded public letter in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's desire to be able to access the contents of people's iPhones in investigations.

"The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens," Cook declared in his open letter.

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Apple brings Apple Pay to China

It’s official. Apple has brought Apple Pay to China. Chinese iOS users can now use Apple Pay to, well, pay for apps and goods using this service, as long as they are using China UnionPay credit and debit cards. Last year, Apple partnered with China UnionPay to help bring the service to the country. By using Apple Pay, Chinese users can start buying goods and services within the app without having to enter payment or contact information. China now joins Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia as countries that support the service.

Source: Apple | Via: 9to5Mac

Cineplex WorldGaming tournament to screen at Cineplex theatres on Feb 21st

Are you a fan of e-sports tournaments? You can catch one in action on February 21^st as the regional finals of the Cineplex WorldGaming tournament for Call of Duty: Black Ops III will be screened at 24 Cineplex theatres across the country. Those who joined the competition aren’t just in it for the bragging rights but for the opportunity to win $50,000 in prizes. The 24 winners of the regional finals will duke it out on March 6^th in Toronto. Gameplay will start at 3 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.50.

LG announces Stylus 2 mid-range smartphone

LG has announced the midrange Stylus 2 which boasts a 5.7-inch 720p HD display as well as a 1.2 GHZ quad-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage and a 13MP rear facing camera backed by a 8 MP front-facing camera along with a 3,000Ah battery. Expected to be fully revealed at Mobile World Congress, the LG Stylus 2 features a stylus pen, although what sort of specific apps or functionality this accessory offers is still a mystery as is pricing and availability.

Source: Phandroid