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My Preferred Cases for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro After Evaluating More Than 50 Choices

I refrain from using any case with my Android devices, but I don’t take chances with the iPhone. Given that I typically use the device for the majority of the year, I apply a case as soon as I start using it, and the iPhone 17 Pro is no exception. Over the past six months, I’ve tested a multitude of cases and discovered several that I really liked.

In total, I’ve acquired 54 cases for the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air. All the cases discussed below are compatible with various iPhone 17 and Pro models, and I’ll also briefly mention the iPhone Air cases I’ve tried. To streamline things, I’ve categorized the cases by manufacturer, so let’s dive in.

Nomad offers fashionable leather and silicone cases

For those in search of a premium leather case, Nomad’s $55 Modern Leather Case is a fantastic choice. Crafted from Horween leather, it develops a beautiful patina over time, offering solid protection without adding bulk. The case comes in brown and black, as well as a striking burgundy version.

Nomad additionally provides the $65 Traditional Leather Case, which differs in that the leather wraps around the sides; the Modern Leather Case features a polycarbonate frame instead. Both cases include Camera Control buttons, built-in magnets, and boast outstanding durability. If leather isn’t your preference, the silicone Modern Sport Case also offers comparable protection and comes in bright colors — and it’s more affordable at $39.

Bellroy’s leather cases are superb

Bellroy has become my preferred travel brand; I’ve taken the Transit Travel Pack Pro to over 10 countries, and it’s the best tech bag I’ve ever owned. Their Pixel 10 cases are among the finest leather cases available, so it’s no surprise that Bellroy offers a similar array of accessories for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and iPhone Air.

The Phone Case stands out as a well-crafted leather option designed for all models in the iPhone 17 series, as well as the iPhone Air, and its soft touch finish feels wonderful in hand. Like Nomad’s offerings, Bellroy effectively safeguards the phone without unnecessary heaviness, and the case ages gracefully over time. I also appreciate the Phone Case – 3 Card variant as it allows you to store credit or debit cards, though it forgoes MagSafe. If you require Qi 2 charging via MagSafe, I recommend the regular leather Phone Case available in four color choices.

ESR has outstanding clear cases

ESR features an impressive lineup of silicone cases, and the Cloud Soft iPhone 17 Pro case is among the best for all-day protection at a budget-friendly price. Priced at $33, it’s much cheaper than leather options, providing essential features: raised edges safeguarding both the panel and camera lenses, vivid colors, and built-in magnets.

I find the orange variant very appealing, and it complements my iPhone 17 Pro nicely. The highlight is the integrated kickstand cleverly designed around the camera island, enabling you to use the device at an angle for added convenience. For those needing a clear case, the $29 Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case comes highly recommended, also featuring a built-in kickstand and magnets. I’ve applied the clear case on my iPhone Air, and it has held up remarkably well through extensive use.

At the other end, the $31 Cyber Tough Magnetic Case offers military-grade defense, being a robust case built to endure drops from up to 23 feet. Plus, it comes in orange. I appreciate that ESR provides an identical selection of cases for the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air as well.

Spigen is your go-to choice for budget-friendliness

Spigen clearly requires no introduction; the brand continues to lead in accessories, and the $19 Ultra Hybrid T MagFit is among the most cost-effective clear cases available for the iPhone 17 Pro. It protects the camera island, features raised edges in the front, is lightweight, and doesn’t yellow over time — I’ve had mine for quite a while, and that hasn’t been an issue.

I utilize the $19 Rugged Armor MagFit with my iPhone 17, which offers the same protection levels as bulkier rugged cases without the heft. My favorite case is the Ultra Hybrid Neo One for my iPhone Air; it looks fantastic on the slender device, and I love the teardown aesthetic. Best of all, it’s priced at the same $19 as other clear cases from Spigen.

Pitaka features stunning ultra-thin cases

Water Resistance of the Google Pixel 10a: A Review

The Google Pixel 10a comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a common feature in contemporary smartphones, including its counterparts in the Pixel 10 lineup. This certification guarantees that the Pixel 10a is protected from dust and can endure submersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. Consequently, it is appropriate for various settings, like at the beach or by the pool, without the concern of damage from dust or short-term water contact.

The IP68 certification indicates that the device is safeguarded against dust infiltration and can withstand unintentional splashes or short periods of submersion in water. Nevertheless, it is not entirely waterproof, and extended exposure to water, particularly saltwater or water at high temperatures, should be avoided to avert damage. It is recommended that users dry the device immediately after it becomes wet and consider utilizing a waterproof case for longer water exposure.

The durability of the Pixel 10a, paired with its cost-effectiveness, renders it an attractive option for those in search of a budget-friendly smartphone that offers strong protection against environmental factors. Although it may not possess the highest standard of water resistance available, the IP68 rating is noteworthy for a device within its price bracket, providing reassurance for everyday use.

Google Pixel 10a: Understanding Qi2 Magnetic Charging Compatibility

Google’s latest budget model, the Pixel 10a, has been launched, but it might not represent the improvement many anticipated. While it does bring some enhancements compared to its forerunner, the Pixel 9a, including quicker charging capabilities—30W wired and 10W wireless—when paired with Google’s 45W USB-C wall charger, it falls short of major new features. In particular, the Pixel 10a does not support Qi2 magnetic charging due to the lack of built-in magnets, and utilizing a magnetic case is not feasible either.

The Pixel 10a maintains the identical 5,100 mAh battery as the Pixel 9a, providing comparable battery life. Nevertheless, the phone’s design is mostly unchanged, featuring only a slightly brighter display that is now shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. The dual-lens camera setup of the Pixel 10a aligns seamlessly with the rear panel, made possible by a slight increase in thickness. It operates on Android 16 and guarantees seven years of OS and security updates, encompassing Pixel-specific features and AI utilities.

Despite these advancements, the Pixel 10a is perceived as a limited upgrade, and unless it is offered at an attractive price point, it may not justify an upgrade from the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10a is available for £499 at several retailers, including Mobiles.co.uk and Carphone Warehouse. While it may be considered one of the top affordable Android smartphones, its modest improvements render it a less appealing choice for those in search of substantial progress.

Anker’s Powerful Home Theater on Wheels is Pure Chaos

The Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is too weird to exist. It takes the excellent 4K projector and karaoke microphones from Anker’s Nebula X1 and stuffs them inside a powerful five-speaker Google TV party on wheels. It’s so absurd that it feels like a gadget fever dream – and I’m here for it. At the heart […]

The Fall of Password Managers: Investigating Alternatives and Innovative Security Strategies

In the current digital landscape, handling numerous passwords across different applications, services, and websites can be quite difficult. Although utilizing a single password for everything poses risks, password managers have long been the preferred method for securely keeping and overseeing passwords. Nevertheless, due to technological advancements, the necessity for specialized password managers is decreasing, as the majority of devices now include built-in features for password management.

Contemporary operating systems, whether on Windows computers, Apple devices, or Google platforms, provide integrated password management tools. For instance, Apple’s iCloud Keychain securely keeps passwords and auto-fills credentials within its ecosystem. Windows users can depend on Credential Manager, whereas Google’s Password Manager offers a cross-platform solution associated with your Google account.

However, despite the ease of use of these built-in options, they might lack cross-platform functionality. For example, iCloud Keychain is mainly designed for Apple devices, and Credential Manager is confined to Windows. Yet, for users who do not need cross-compatibility, these proprietary solutions provide convenience and an economical choice.

In addition to password managers, biometric authentication and passkeys are emerging as viable alternatives. Devices such as iPhones and Android phones enable biometric logins through facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, delivering a smooth and secure login experience. Passkeys, which remove the requirement for conventional passwords, utilize a local “fingerprint” connected to your device for authentication.

New developments in AI-driven identity and access management, like IBM Verify, are also on the horizon, promising improved security against phishing and hacking attempts. While these technologies are not yet broadly accessible for consumers, they signify exciting progress in the realm of digital security.

To summarize, while dedicated password managers have served as crucial tools, the incorporation of password management capabilities in devices, along with advancements in biometric authentication and passkeys, is rendering them progressively redundant for the average user.

WhatsApp Creating Anti-Spoiler Function for Text Messages

### WhatsApp to Introduce ‘Spoiler’ as a Formatting Feature

Soon, users will have the capability to designate messages as spoilers, making their content not immediately accessible to recipients. Here are the specifics.

According to WABetaInfo, the newest TestFlight build of WhatsApp contains indications of a function that allows users to label messages as spoilers. WABetaInfo reports that this feature is currently in development and not available for beta testing yet, but it provides insights into its probable operation once released.

The report indicates that the spoiler formatting option will be located alongside other tools like Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough. When chosen, it will obscure the text with a gray bar that recipients will need to tap to view.

In terms of syntax, the Spoiler formatting option requires users to add two pipes to the chosen message or words, allowing them to simply input ||double pipes before and after|| the content they wish to conceal, instead of always needing to bring up the formatting pop-up.

Additionally, WABetaInfo notes that while the feature is still being developed for text content, there’s no indication if it will be compatible with other types of messages, such as images.

As is often the case with features found in beta versions of WhatsApp, it is challenging to pinpoint when this feature will be officially launched. Nonetheless, considering it is also being tested on WhatsApp’s Android beta, users are likely to see this feature implemented sooner rather than later.

Ad Revenue Issues in the Creator Economy and India’s AI Aspirations

The creator economy is evolving fast, and ad revenue alone isn’t cutting it anymore. YouTubers are launching product lines, acquiring startups, and building actual business empires. In fact, MrBeast’s company bought fintech startup Step, and his chocolate business is outearning his media arm. This isn’t just one creator’s strategy. For many, it’s the new playbook.  On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Rebecca Bellan unpack how creators are diversifying beyond ads, […]

Researchers Perplexed by Finding of the Farthest Galaxy from Earth

On January 28, 2026, NASA revealed a remarkable finding made by the James Webb Space Telescope: the identification of the most distant galaxy observed so far, designated MoM-z14. This galaxy, observed as it existed only 280 million years after the Big Bang, poses challenges to current theories regarding early star formation because of its surprising brightness and chemical makeup. The detection of high levels of nitrogen and primordial hydrogen gas implies that massive stars emerged more swiftly than previously believed, indicating that the early universe consisted of more than merely neutral hydrogen.

The identification of MoM-z14 underscores the widening divide between existing astronomical knowledge and the realities of the universe, while also highlighting the possibilities for future discoveries. The James Webb Space Telescope’s capacity to view distant galaxies using infrared technology has already exceeded prior expectations, and with the impending launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, NASA is set to explore the universe’s origins even further.

MoM-z14 is significantly brighter, more compact, and chemically richer than what was expected for its time. The galaxy’s light, which has been traveling for about 13.5 billion years, places it within a category of unexpectedly bright early galaxies. Scientists attribute this luminosity to “unusual nitrogen enrichment,” likely resulting from the swift formation of supermassive stars in the dense early universe. Moreover, the galaxy’s capability to disperse surrounding primordial hydrogen indicates that these stars produced sufficient energy to penetrate dense gases, a phenomenon termed “reionization.”

NASA’s employment of advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope has greatly enhanced our comprehension of the early stages of the universe. Before this, the Hubble Space Telescope had discovered GN-z11, a galaxy dating from 400 million years post-Big Bang, which was the furthest known at that time. The James Webb Space Telescope has since validated this distance, further cementing its significance in revealing cosmic mysteries.

The outlook for NASA’s space exploration is bright, with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope scheduled to investigate dark matter and dark energy. Despite possible budgetary issues, recent actions by Congress have maintained funding for NASA’s vital missions, ensuring ongoing exploration of the universe’s deepest enigmas.

Acclaimed James Bond Director Accountable for Infamously Bad Comic Book Film

Alan Smithee is a cinematic force that demands attention, and the mere sight of this name in a film’s credits often signals that what follows might be a disaster. However, Mr. Smithee isn’t a real individual; rather, it has been a pseudonym adopted for decades by Hollywood filmmakers seeking to separate themselves from a project they directed. While we exist in a realm that lauds both cinematic blunders (remember to support the 2026 Golden Raspberry Awards) as much as triumphs, it is occasionally surprising that the Smithee moniker isn’t more frequently utilized.

Renowned director Martin Campbell, despite committing one notable directorial error, has never embraced the alias. Campbell delighted many James Bond enthusiasts when his second Bond project, the 2006 film “Casino Royale,” premiered. The action-thriller, running over two hours, received widespread critical praise and impressive box office success, leading to four additional Bond films featuring Daniel Craig, culminating with 2021’s “No Time to Die.” This is the same Martin Campbell who helmed the notoriously criticized 2011 film “Green Lantern,” a superhero misfire that genre aficionados might label among the worst films ever made.

Featuring Ryan Reynolds as the lead character, the film narrates the protagonist’s voyage as he becomes the first human chosen for an intergalactic law enforcement team known as the Green Lantern Corps. Not only did “Green Lantern” scarcely break even financially — amassing $220 million on a $200 million budget — but it swiftly received a torrent of negative reviews across various media and aggregate review platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.

Most reviewers deemed Green Lantern a failure, and its director concurred.

In a conversation with Screen Rant, Martin Campbell revealed his thoughts on his Green Lantern endeavor: “I shouldn’t have done it [Green Lantern]. Because with something like Bond, I adore Bond, and I watched every Bond film before I ever directed one. Superhero films are not my preference, and for that reason, I should not have taken it on. But directors always have to shoulder the blame for the failures.” It’s somewhat bittersweet to hear Campbell admit his accountability in his directing role, yet the Hollywood system doesn’t thrive on responsibility; it thrives on production.

And the evidence is arriving soon: DC and HBO are preparing to launch a live-action Green Lantern series (entitled “Lanterns”) in the near future, which will further expand the larger DCU. As for Mr. Campbell, we are happy to note that his career has progressed beyond the Green Lantern downturn. Some of his more recent works include “Memory” (2022), “Dirty Angels” (2024), and “Cleaner” (2025) — the final one featuring Daisy Ridley, Clive Owen, and Taz Skylar.

It’s difficult to predict when a new James Bond installment will be released, but one can only speculate on how remarkable it would be with Campbell at the helm once more. If “Casino Royale” and “GoldenEye” serve as any measure, the outcome would likely be quite impressive.