Apple is preparing to launch a new family of devices under the “Star” codename, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The secret project apparently involves a line of lightweight Macs running ARM processors, which might combine the best bits of Apple’s laptops and mobile devices in one piece of hardware.
Treat this as speculative for now, even though rumors stretching back to last year have claimed Apple wants to get macOS and iOS merged together in some way. That’s an idea that Apple boss Tim Cook shot down in an interview last month.
Apparently Star prototypes have already been made and feature a touchscreen, a SIM card slot, GPS and a compass. They run the same basic firmware as current Mac devices, according to 9to5Mac’s sources, and that points to them being some kind of ultra-portable MacBook line of devices.
Reach for the Stars
At the same time, the new pieces of kit are also said to run a derivative of iOS, and are labelled as a different family to the iOS devices Apple currently makes – in the same way that the iPhone and the iPad are labelled as different families of devices.
That’s just about all the information we have, and even if this prototypes are real, there is of course no guarantee Apple is going to bring them to the masses. The company is no doubt experimenting with a variety of different ideas for upcoming hardware launches, with plenty of refreshes expected later this year.
What we do know is Apple has been pushing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement for a while now, and seems to want to redefine what a computer is as we head towards the third decade of the 21st century. If the Star line-up does make it to market, expect to see launches by 2020.
The Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL aren’t the most fragile phones around, thanks to their partially metal backs and IP67 protection. But like most flagship phones, they don’t come cheap: starting at $649 (£629, AU$1,079) for the smaller Pixel 2 and $849 (£799, AU$1,399) out-of-pocket for the Pixel 2 XL.
As such, it’s wise to find some protection for your investment. Most enthusiasts don’t want to cover up the lush design of their phone, and we totally understand why, but the last thing you want is to send it away for repair.
Below, you’ll find several case recommendations that cover a wide range of budgets and style preferences. While we’ve personally used most of the following cases, some of these options are untested. Nevertheless, we’re confident that each entry is a cut above the rest due to their value and design.
Thin case from MNML
There’s a more affordable ultra-thin case that we recommend from MNML. Available in multiple colors for both Pixel 2 sizes, these cases fit Google’s phone nice and snug.
Despite its good looks, it’s not a case that you want to put through much turmoil. It prevents micro-scratches, but it likely won’t prevent damage from a drop, and in the case of the Pixel 2 XL, its curved glass isn’t protected in the slightest.
These are cheap enough that you can buy multiple colors to suit your outfit or mood.
Incipio Multi Stripes case
It’s surprisingly hard to find a Pixel 2 case that adds some wild flair, but Incipio’s fits the bill, but for more than just being vibrant.
At its affordable asking price, it cradles Google’s phone real close – even providing a lip over the screen to prevent scratches or cracks from accidentally sliding it on the table face-first.
Let’s be honest, the best thing about this case is that it just looks nice. Most of us here consider the Pixel 2 to be a good-looking phone, but if you’ve got to protect it, you might as well add some style.
Image 1 of 4
This case doesn’t add much bulk
Image 2 of 4
It matches the look of the Pixel 2 nicely
Image 3 of 4
The buttons preserve their ‘click’ through the case
Image 4 of 4
The case raises above the glass to protect the screen
Fabric Phone Case from Google
Google’s own case for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL does well at maintaining the slim look and feel of the phones. Unlike the other options on this list, this one adds microfiber material to the list, giving it a classy look that enhances the grippiness in hand.
We like this case for several reasons. Its price is tolerable, it’s available in a few different colors (Carbon is pictured, but Cement, Midnight and Coral are for sale) and it makes all of the Pixel 2’s features easily accessible. The buttons are effortless to push, making it feel like there’s no case on at all. It also raises the phone’s front so that the glass display isn’t grazing any surfaces.
The only downside in our experience is that fuzz from your pocket gets into the grooves near the screen. Simply wiping it away cleans things up, but it’s annoying to have to do that each and every time you pull it out. Also, the bottom of the phone near the charging port isn’t protected on the front, which subjects it to scratching.
This one’s currently available on Amazon in a few different color varieties, but if you can’t find it, head to the links below.
Image 1 of 4
See the cases’s two layers?
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Makes the buttons nice and clicky
Image 4 of 4
Protects the phone from all corners while maintaining a low profile
Live Case from Google
It should be no surprise that Google’s cases don’t fuss with their phones’ design too much. The Live Case is a more durable option over the Fabric Case, giving it two levels of protection. To pop it on, there’s a silicon case that’s protected by a tough shell that has the design of your choice on it.
Every angle of the Pixel 2 is protected here, including the camera and screen. The buttons feel nice to press and better yet, the Live Case functionality is interesting. Your phone’s wallpaper can match the look of the case by downloading the Live Case app and putting in the code that’s printed on its inside.
Removing and reapplying the Live Case takes a bit of practice, though we never felt like it was close to breaking. All in all, this case is best if making something custom is a high-priority for you.
You should be able to find a nice variety of pre-designed Live Cases on discount through Amazon, but should you want to customize, head to the links below.
Image 1 of 4
This case has quite the bumper
Image 2 of 4
You’ll encounter a bit of bulk here
Image 3 of 4
The buttons feel a bit stiff under the protective layer
Image 4 of 4
This case adds bezels to an otherwise bezel-lite phone
Evo Check Case from Tech21
While not the most rugged case in its design, the Evo Check case by Tech21 is taking us into options that add a fair amount of bulk to the Pixel 2.
This case fits the Pixel 2 snugly, adding on the company’s FlexShock barrier to make it drop-friendly from distances up to 10 feet. Overall, it strikes a nice balance between form and function, showing off the Pixel 2’s design highlights while making sure to protect it from all sides.
Google’s cases on this list provide better button feedback. Here, the phone’s buttons felt a little too difficult to push in, though it’s possible that they might loosen up over time. But we’re a fan of this case’s added grip factor and the mesh design.
Image 1 of 4
This case looks low profile without the Pixel 2 inside
Image 2 of 4
But the phone looks fossilized in amber once popped in
Image 3 of 4
The buttons are a little too tough to press, but still functional
Image 4 of 4
A smaller, slightly less protective barrier than Tech21’s case
Presidio Clear Case from Speck
This clear case from Speck is durable, yet simplistic in design – an impressive feat given how robust of a protector it is. If you’re after a rugged case that has hints of a slimline look and feel, this is one to look out for.
Once the Pixel 2 is slid into the Presidio Clear, it’s protected from dropping from up to eight feet. Sure, it’s less than the 10 feet guaranteed by Tech21’s option, but Speck’s case shows off the design of the phone a bit better.
Some complain that this case makes holding the phone a more slippery affair, however, we haven’t noticed this yet in our testing. This sort of thing certainly depends on how oily the case becomes, either through body oils or from touching it after eating.
Incipio Reprieve Sport 2.0 case
The low-profile build of a slimline case combined with a textured rim and bumper-packed corners describes the look and feel of the Incipio Reprieve Sport 2.0.
It’s not the cheapest case around, but unlike slimmer options, this one will offer protection from every angle without masking the Pixel 2’s look.
We always appreciate when a rugged case yields responsive buttons and easy access to ports, and to that end, this one is worth checking out in your favorite color.
Bellroy Leather case
Google has partnered up with Bellroy as one of its premium ‘Made for Google’ providers, and the fruits are stunning.
The Bellroy Leather case comes in a variety of color options for both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, and doesn’t really cost as much you might think.
The leather on its back is supple and smooth, transitioning into matte plastic running around the trim of your device. Bellroy’s case doesn’t provide button extenders, but pushing them in doesn’t require any additional effort.
This case gives off a really high-end look and those looking to suit the Pixel 2 up as nice as you dress yourself, you’ll be pleased with Bellroy’s latest.
Kerf wood case
There’s something that your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL is missing. It’s wood, yep wood. Kerf makes its own phone cases by hand, complete with a flattering design, and backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Not just any regular wooden case would impress us, but this one – even at the low-end $69 walnut option – is a top option if you want to protect your Pixel 2.
The buttons are responsive, the suede inside cradles the form factor perfectly and heck, it just smells good. When have you ever bought a case that you enjoy smelling?
Let the speculation begin: Nokia has posted news of some kind of launch event happening on Tuesday, May 29 at 7.40PM in Moscow – that’s this coming Tuesday, at 9.40AM in San Francisco, 12.40PM in New York, 5.40PM in the UK and 2.40AM (Wed May 30) in Sydney, so adjust your diaries accordingly.
What are we going to see? All we have to go off so far is the hashtag #chargedup and a promise from Juho Sarvikas, one of the execs at Nokia parent company HMD Global, that “some new stuff” is on the way.
A brand new phone perhaps? Unlikely. An existing phone available in more regions? Well, perhaps. A portable charging pack to juice up your Nokia phone on the go? Well, it would fit in with the hashtag at least. At the moment there’s no clear indication about what to expect as there would be at a September Apple event, for example.
What might be on the way
We might get to see the Nokia 9 at the event, but most of the rumors so far have pointed to that flagship phone arriving later in the year. The company only just brought out the Nokia 8 Sirocco so it seems a bit early to be expecting another top-end handset.
The more premium phones in Nokia’s line-up have all been given refreshes in recent months, so perhaps it’s time for the budget devices to get the same treatment. The special event might be an unveiling for updates to the likes of the Nokia 2, perhaps, with bumps for the internal components and the design.
What we do know is that HMD Global has raised another $100 million in its efforts to make Nokia a major force in the smartphone world again. Perhaps that’s given it some confidence to take the wrappers off a new product – we’ll find out this coming Tuesday.
