USB-C All cables are not created equal.

Basically, you get what you pay for so don't go cheap. It could cause you some major issues.

Luckily their is a Google Engineer on a mission to test as many USB-C cables as possible and give sound advise via Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A25GROL6KJV3QG/ref=cm_cr_rdp_pdp

Handy as I caved and purchased a OnePlus 3 thats on-route here (Dash 4A charging). It'll be my first proper dual-sim phone and it'll apparently have a impressive finger print reader, so should be my go-to phone over the 6S Plus.

Sony X1000V 4k Action Camera

Thought i'd post some images of my new Sony action Cam I bought the x1000vr which comes with the live remote and waterproof case, the camera its self is slash-proof.. I'll post some 4k footage when I get time. 

As this is going on my cycling helmet the majority of the time I didn't want to user the submersable case as that muffles the sound too much. I used the following accessories to helmet mount the device (and protect the lens):

Universal headmount kit (BLT-UHM1)

Hard Lens Protector (AKA-HLP1)

fast.com Netflix Speedtester using CDN caches. Interesting...

Google Pay is out in the UK.

You'll also need a compatible bank and if you're with Barclays, Natwest or Santander you won't be in luck. Supported banks at launch include Bank of Scotland, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, M&S Bank, MBNA and Nationwide Building Society.
As i'm now stuck back on my old OnePlus One (Still a decent phone!) i'll be making use of this.

I've noticed Tesco Bank isn't on this list which is a shame. They have one of the best Mobile apps going in my experience!

Source:
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/everything-you-need-to-know-about-android-pay-in-the-uk-1321615

Public service announcement.

iPhone 6s Plus 128GB space grey is stolen.
Part: MKUD2B/A
IMEI: 353289076550310

P.s. Person selling it is an asshole and likely the thief who stole it from me, report them to the Police immediately.

Also the Apple activation lock is still on so you won't be able to use this item and it has a Police crime reference number against the IMEI. 

FTC slaps Asus with 20 years of security monitoring

Naughty Asus! 

Their consumer products are tempting but I get this has knocked confidence for a few people. 

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2016/02/24/ftc-asus-20-years-monitoring/1

Epic Games adds Vulkan support to Unreal Engine 4

Linux gamers are banking a lot on Vulkan and heres hoping the performance gains are realised!

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2016/02/22/vulkan-unreal-engine-4/1

Developer watches as hackers break into a server

Good read and a fascinating look at the process used.

http://thenextweb.com/dd/2016/02/10/developer-watches-as-hackers-break-into-a-server/

Well played Microsoft - They've purchased SwiftKey

Although MS probably have one of the best default keyboards on Windows Phone they've gone and bought SwiftKey as they continue to push products on the Android and iOS platforms. Smart move as SwiftKey along with Swype have massive popularity in the enhanced input market.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/02/03/microsoft_buys_swiftkey/

IEEE 802.11ah has been sees official release.

"The Wi-Fi Alliance has officially launched its new WiFi“HaLow” technology, which is based off the long-in-development IEEE 802.11ah standard and uses the 900MHz radio spectrum band in order to deliver a longer range and lower power network solution."
http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2016/01/longer-range-wifi-halow-networks-coming-via-900mhz.html

LG announces new TV lineup - includes 8k production set.

http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/02/lg-8k-tv/

So LG have outted their new Web0S 3.0 lineup. This includes a 8k $130,000 TV! I don't think you'll need to worry about upgrading that 4k Amazon fire TV just yet!

Cisco packet tracer for iPhone / Android

I never knew about these apps but they are great! Wish I had them when studying. Good fun for messing about with on the train / commute.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cisco-packet-tracer-mobile/id1015041980?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netacad.PacketTracerM&hl=en_GB (UK Store)

Ars: Dolby Cinema: Twin laser projectors + object-based 3D audio = awesome

Or as i'd title it: IMAX and Dolby pushing to keep the cinema experience relevant.

It's nice to see that the cinema is still an experience. I don't think the home consumer is taking to things such as 3D-Blu-rays (and eventually 4K Blu-rays) due to an un-unified push by industry, hardware confusion, OTT and high royalties.

http://arstechnica.co.uk/gadgets/2015/12/dolby-cinema-laser-powered-projection-object-based-3d-audio-awesome/

Bitcoin surges past $400 today

Screenshot taken from coindesk. Price is currently sitting at $421.44 for 1 BTC. Thats around £279 !!!   

This is the world’s most expensive substance – at £100 million a gram Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/08/this-is-the-worlds-most-expensive-substance-at-100-million-a-gram-5552673/#ixzz3tp2R1M5T

Endohedral fullerenes, because.... SCIENCE!
Seems the Brits are still flying the flag for material development with recent strides in graphene as well.

http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/08/this-is-the-worlds-most-expensive-substance-at-100-million-a-gram-5552673/?ito=facebook