tanarch - stock.adobe.com News CISA extends Mitre CVE contract at last moment The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has ridden to the rescue of the under-threat Mitre CVE Programme, approving a last-minute, 11-month contract extension to preserve the project’s vital security vulnerability work By Alex Scroxton, Security Editor Published: 16 Apr 2025 16:16 In a last-minute intervention, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has extended its contract for the Mitre-operated Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Programme, relied on by security professionals around the world to keep up to date on the latest publicly disclosed security vulnerabilities. The future of the CVE Programme came into doubt earlier this week when a leaked letter from Mitre’s Yosry Barsoum warned that the contract pathway for the non-profit to run the programme was set to lapse within 24 hours. Barsoum said that should a break in service occur, the programme would experience multiple impacts including “deterioration of national vulnerability databases and advisories, tool vendors, incident response operations, and all manner of critical infrastructure”. The revelation caused consternation around the world, with security professionals bracing for massive change in the industry as a result of the removal of what Mitre describes as a “foundational pillar” for the sector. Agreement to extend the contract under which Mitre oversees the vital CVE Programme was reached late on Tuesday 15 April, but news of this only began to trickle out on Wednesday morning. A CISA spokesperson said: “The CVE Program is invaluable to the cyber community and a priority of CISA. Last night, CISA executed the option period on the contract to ensure there will be no lapse in critical CVE services. We appreciate our partners’ and stakeholders’ patience.” CISA additionally confirmed that the contract extension will last for 11 months. Computer Weekly reached out to Mitre for further comment but the organisation had not yet responded at press time. The narrowly averted disruption comes at a difficult time for the cyber security community as it works flat out to ward off a vast array of threats from financially motivated and nation-state threat actors. At the same time, the industry must reckon with the impact of massive cuts being made across the US government by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts are now hitting America’s state cyber security apparatus including at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CISA itself, which sits within the DHS. According to reports, it is likely that CISA may be looking at a reduction in its workforce of between a third and 90%, which would have a significant impact on the agency’s ability to protect US government bodies and critical infrastructure from cyber threats, and internationally, its ability to collaborate with partner agencies such as the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). CISA is also facing a comprehensive review of its activities over the past six years, focusing on instances in which its conduct may have run contrary to the purposes and policies established in Executive Order 14149, signed by president Trump on 20 January and titled Restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship. This review comes alongside a deeper probe into former CISA leader Chris Krebs, who last week saw his federal security clearance, and those of his current employer SentinelOne, revoked by Trump, to the consternation of many. Krebs was fired from CISA at the end of 2020 after he disputed Trump’s narrative that the presidential election had been rigged in favour of Joe Biden. Krebs and CISA had maintained there was absolutely no evidence of any interference. Read more on this story Mitre, the operator of the world-renowned CVE repository, has warned of significant impacts to global cyber security standards, and increased risk from threat actors, as it emerges its US government contract will lapse imminently. A group of vulnerability experts and members of Mitre’s existing CVE Board have launched a new non-profit with the intention of safeguarding the CVE Programme’s future and ensuring its independence. In The Current Issue: What is the impact of US tariffs on datacentre equipment costs? VMware backup: Key decision points if you migrate away from VMware Download Current Issue UK digital identity turns to drama (or farce?) over industry fears and security doubts – Computer Weekly Editors Blog The DEI backlash is over – we are talking a full scale revolt – WITsend View All Blogs

It's no secret that iPhones aren't the most durable, even with a sturdy case. Plus, with all of the high-grade cameras on the iPhone 15, cracking your screen could seriously downgrade your device. Take it from us -- preventative phone care upfront is always cheaper than a new phone or a replacement screen later. A screen protector is a simple upgrade that you'll never think about again -- until the massive exhale you'll breathe when your phone survives a nasty fall without incident. What's the best iPhone 15 screen protector right now? Our pick for the best iPhone 15 screen protector overall is the Spigen EZ Fit Screen Protector thanks to its price for value, durability, and easy installation. The Spigen EZ Fit Protector is such a great pick that it's frequently on ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes' new phones -- as well as mine. If you're looking to add a privacy screen or blue-light filter, we've rounded up some of the best screen protectors to safeguard and upgrade your iPhone.  Sort by All Value Efficiency Performance Design Compatibility The best iPhone 15 screen protectors of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is our pick for the best iPhone screen protector available. Made of tempered glass, it boasts a 9H surface hardness rating to protect your phone from standard bumps and scrapes. Even better, it has an oleophobic coating that helps repel fingerprint stains and makes it easy to keep your screen clean and clear. This protector kit includes two screen protectors, cleaning wipes, and an auto-alignment tray for quick and easy installation.Also: How to keep your iPhone looking like you just bought itZDNET expert Max Buondonno says that Spigen has "amazing protectors," and every time ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes gets a new iPhone, he sets up this Spigen screen protector immediately. "I love that these screen protectors are easy to fit, thanks to the frame system that holds the protector in place and makes applications a snap," Kingsley-Hughes said of the EZ Fit protector. Redditors agree, calling out the extra protection the EZ Fit adds to their iPhone screens as well as how easy it is to install the screen protector with the auto-alignment application kit. Many Redditors said the EZ Fit protector is well worth the money. Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series |Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two Value 9 Efficiency 8 Performance 8 Design 9 Compatibility 10 Pros Easy installation with included auto-alignment tray Quick touch response time No blemish from the glass Affordable Great value Cons Exact alignment is critical Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Best iPhone 15 screen protector overall 4.4 / 5 Score The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is our pick for the best iPhone screen protector available. Made of tempered glass, it boasts a 9H surface hardness rating to protect your phone from standard bumps and scrapes. Even better, it has an oleophobic coating that helps repel fingerprint stains and makes it easy to keep your screen clean and clear. This protector kit includes two screen protectors, cleaning wipes, and an auto-alignment tray for quick and easy installation.Also: How to keep your iPhone looking like you just bought itZDNET expert Max Buondonno says that Spigen has "amazing protectors," and every time ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes gets a new iPhone, he sets up this Spigen screen protector immediately. "I love that these screen protectors are easy to fit, thanks to the frame system that holds the protector in place and makes applications a snap," Kingsley-Hughes said of the EZ Fit protector. Redditors agree, calling out the extra protection the EZ Fit adds to their iPhone screens as well as how easy it is to install the screen protector with the auto-alignment application kit. Many Redditors said the EZ Fit protector is well worth the money. Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series |Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Torras Diamond Shield is certified to meet the Department of Defense's MIL-STD-810G spec for durability. Torras' screen protector uses a shatterproof composite layer to deliver protection for up to an eight-foot drop. It also has anti-glare coating, an edge-to-edge fit that works well even with cases, and comes in a two-pack with an easy installation tray. "I wanted a one-stop screen protector applicator that would automatically remove dirt and dust from the screen and give me a tough, bubble-free screen protector at the end of it. This product did just that, and I've even got a spare -- just in case," ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes remarked. Current users on Amazon wrote they like the appearance, quality, fit, and installation of the Torras protector, though some customers struggled with air bubbles. One customer even said that they sat on a pair of pliers with their phone in their pocket and that the Torras protector blocked any screen damage."Pulled a boneheaded move. Put a pair of pliers in my pocket with my new phone. Sat down and heard a cracking noise. Looked at my phone and thought the screen was a goner. Nope. Just the Torras protector! I replaced it with the second one that came with the package," the customer wrote in their review. Torras Diamond Shield screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two Value 8 Efficiency 8 Performance 8 Design 8 Compatibility 10 Pros Military grade protection Edge-to-edge coverage Easy installation Cons Budget-friendly Torras Diamond Shield Best durable iPhone 15 screen protector 4.2 / 5 Score The Torras Diamond Shield is certified to meet the Department of Defense's MIL-STD-810G spec for durability. Torras' screen protector uses a shatterproof composite layer to deliver protection for up to an eight-foot drop. It also has anti-glare coating, an edge-to-edge fit that works well even with cases, and comes in a two-pack with an easy installation tray. "I wanted a one-stop screen protector applicator that would automatically remove dirt and dust from the screen and give me a tough, bubble-free screen protector at the end of it. This product did just that, and I've even got a spare -- just in case," ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes remarked. Current users on Amazon wrote they like the appearance, quality, fit, and installation of the Torras protector, though some customers struggled with air bubbles. One customer even said that they sat on a pair of pliers with their phone in their pocket and that the Torras protector blocked any screen damage."Pulled a boneheaded move. Put a pair of pliers in my pocket with my new phone. Sat down and heard a cracking noise. Looked at my phone and thought the screen was a goner. Nope. Just the Torras protector! I replaced it with the second one that came with the package," the customer wrote in their review. Torras Diamond Shield screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Two Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you are looking for top protection for your new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 offers one of the most advanced impact technologies available. This screen protector has an adhesive, honeycomb-like structure that absorbs shock and strengthens your screen when dropped or scratched.It's also one of the most full-featured screen protectors. Made with 30% recycled glass, the XTR3 has a blue light filter to mitigate eye fatigue. It also has an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints and anti-reflective technology so you can enjoy your screen's vibrant colors glare-free. The anti-dust adhesive and EZ application tray system makes installing this screen protector a breeze. Zagg iPhone screen protectors are trusted picks by several ZDNET experts including Taylor Clemons, Daniella Ramirez, and me, thanks to their great value and overall protection and Zagg's limited lifetime warranty. Current customers on Best Buy said they like the overall quality, value, and ease of use on the Zagg protector. Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One Value 7 Efficiency 8 Performance 8 Design 7 Compatibility 10 Pros EZ tray application system Blue light filtering Anti-reflective coating Fingerprint resistant Edge-to-edge coverage Cons Pricier Includes only one screen protector Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 Best iPhone 15 blue light screen protector 4 / 5 Score If you are looking for top protection for your new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 offers one of the most advanced impact technologies available. This screen protector has an adhesive, honeycomb-like structure that absorbs shock and strengthens your screen when dropped or scratched.It's also one of the most full-featured screen protectors. Made with 30% recycled glass, the XTR3 has a blue light filter to mitigate eye fatigue. It also has an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints and anti-reflective technology so you can enjoy your screen's vibrant colors glare-free. The anti-dust adhesive and EZ application tray system makes installing this screen protector a breeze. Zagg iPhone screen protectors are trusted picks by several ZDNET experts including Taylor Clemons, Daniella Ramirez, and me, thanks to their great value and overall protection and Zagg's limited lifetime warranty. Current customers on Best Buy said they like the overall quality, value, and ease of use on the Zagg protector. Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3 tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This pack of Ailun screen protectors is our best budget choice. For the price, you get three standard screen protectors, three lens protectors for your rear camera, and an installation frame for easy installation. The Ailun screen protector uses tempered glass and has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints. The protector is laser-cut to fit the iPhone's display seamlessly. ZDNET's Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan has personally used these Ailun protectors and says they're a good buy. "I discovered these when I cheaped out on protectors a few years ago. Turns out they're some of the best I've tried," said Wan. "Notably, the oleophobic coating (used to prevent fingerprint smudges) stays on for longer than other protectors I've tried and these come in a 3-pack + installation template + camera lens protectors at a fraction of the cost of other brands."Amazon customers said they like the overall value, quality, and appearance of these Ailun protectors, though some noted that its adhesion and sturdiness is lacking, or that air bubbles were present after application. Ailun 3-Pack Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Product Dimensions: 5.62 x 2.63 x 0.5 inches | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Three    Value 8 Efficiency 7 Performance 7 Design 6 Compatibility 10 Pros Comes with three screen protectors and camera lens protectors Oleophobic coating Anti-fingerprint Inexpensive Cons Installation can be tricky Adhesion sometimes lacking Ailun 3-Pack Screen Protector Best budget iPhone 15 screen protector 3.8 / 5 Score This pack of Ailun screen protectors is our best budget choice. For the price, you get three standard screen protectors, three lens protectors for your rear camera, and an installation frame for easy installation. The Ailun screen protector uses tempered glass and has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints. The protector is laser-cut to fit the iPhone's display seamlessly. ZDNET's Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan has personally used these Ailun protectors and says they're a good buy. "I discovered these when I cheaped out on protectors a few years ago. Turns out they're some of the best I've tried," said Wan. "Notably, the oleophobic coating (used to prevent fingerprint smudges) stays on for longer than other protectors I've tried and these come in a 3-pack + installation template + camera lens protectors at a fraction of the cost of other brands."Amazon customers said they like the overall value, quality, and appearance of these Ailun protectors, though some noted that its adhesion and sturdiness is lacking, or that air bubbles were present after application. Ailun 3-Pack Screen Protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness: 9H | Product Dimensions: 5.62 x 2.63 x 0.5 inches | Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: Three    Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector ensures two-way privacy so no one can peer over from the side and see your screen (the pricier InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 delivers four-way privacy protection). The screen has scratch resistance with reinforced edges, and it has an oleophobic, anti-smudge coating. It's also accompanied by Zagg's limited lifetime warranty. Like many other options on this list, it comes with a tray for easy application to prevent bubbles. ZDNET's Taylor Clemons uses this Zagg privacy protector for an extra boost of security and says it's been working great. "I love privacy screens because I use my phone for both work and personal communication, and it cuts down on the possibility of someone being able to look over my shoulder and see sensitive information—especially when I'm traveling," Clemons says. Amazon customers liked the performance, privacy, and easy installation of Zagg's screen, though some reported the protector breaks easily or has air bubbles, and only offers light privacy. Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness:Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One Value 7 Efficiency 8 Performance 7 Design 7 Compatibility 10 Pros Reinforced edges Anti-scratch and smudge Cons Some customers thought privacy was lacking Pricier The Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector ensures two-way privacy so no one can peer over from the side and see your screen (the pricier InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy 360 delivers four-way privacy protection). The screen has scratch resistance with reinforced edges, and it has an oleophobic, anti-smudge coating. It's also accompanied by Zagg's limited lifetime warranty. Like many other options on this list, it comes with a tray for easy application to prevent bubbles. ZDNET's Taylor Clemons uses this Zagg privacy protector for an extra boost of security and says it's been working great. "I love privacy screens because I use my phone for both work and personal communication, and it cuts down on the possibility of someone being able to look over my shoulder and see sensitive information—especially when I'm traveling," Clemons says. Amazon customers liked the performance, privacy, and easy installation of Zagg's screen, though some reported the protector breaks easily or has air bubbles, and only offers light privacy. Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy screen protector tech specs: Compatible Devices: iPhone 15 Series | Material: Tempered Glass | Surface Hardness:Finish Type: Glossy | Unit Count: One Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best iPhone 15 screen protector? We chose the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit screen protector for its overall balance of features and price. You get two top-quality screen protectors that safeguard your new iPhone from edge-to-edge with an anti-smudge coating and quick-touch responsiveness. The auto-alignment tray is an added bonus allowing for quick and easy installation.  Best Screen ProtectorCostCompatibilityUnit CountMaterialSpigen Glas.tR EZ Fit $19iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro MaxTwo9H Tempered GlassTorras Diamond Shield $26iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro MaxTwo9H Tempered GlassZagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3$35iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro MaxOne9H Tempered GlassAilun 3-Pack $7iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro MaxThree plus camera lens covers9H Tempered GlassZagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy $45iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro MaxOne9H Tempered Glass *Lowest non-discounted price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which iPhone 15 screen protector is right for you? While many of these screen protectors are great options, it ultimately comes down to what type of screen protector you want, how many you want, and how much you are willing to spend on one.Choose this screen protector…If you want...Spigen Glas.tR EZ FitThe best overall option by a trusted tech hardware brand. It's easy to install, has two screen protectors, and has an anti-smudge coating.Torras Diamond Shield The most durable screen protector featuring military grade protection and features like shatterproof edges. Zagg InvisibleShield Glass XTR3The most complete protection with blue light filtering and anti-reflective coating.Ailun 3-Pack A budget-friendly screen protector. You get three screen protectors, three glass camera lens protectors, and auto-alignment tools.Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite Privacy A screen protector that prevents people from looking at your phone from the side, thereby safeguarding your sensitive information while also protecting your screen from cracks or scratches. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an iPhone 15 screen protector It's probably helpful to consider the following factors when searching for the perfect screen protector for you:Material: When selecting the best screen protectors, we chose ones that were made of 9H Tempered Glass since this material does better against different drops or scratches than plastic. Consider what your protection needs are to decide the best material for your screen and your lifestyle.Count: We see the value in buying a protector that includes more than one protector. A higher count means you have an extra screen protector for another iPhone, or you have a spare as a backup. If you want more bang for your buck, look for multipack options. Price: Screen protectors can vary dramatically in price depending on their design, features, and count. The ones on this list range from $7 to over $50 to suit a variety of different budgets. Set a budget for yourself to help narrow down your search. Features: Screen protectors can do more than just protect your screen from scratches, bumps, or cracks. That is why we included different options with features, such as anti-smudge technology, blue light filtering, or even privacy screen protection. Decide what features are a must for you to help narrow your search.  Show more How we test iPhone 15 screen protectors ZDNET conducted expert research using our hands-own knowledge with various iPhone 15 models and prior experience with screen protectors for other devices. We spent time considering individual needs and wants for screen protectors, and prioritizing elements like cost, material, durability, extra features, and more. We considered the screen protectors we're currently using, ones we've used before, and options that we haven't personally tested, to provide a curated list of both hands-on tested and expert researched picks. If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for. Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, and following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that's why we build our lists to match different needs and budgets -- and why our picks are expert-tested or expert-vetted. Show more If I use a screen protector do I really need a case? Even if you like living on the edge, we recommend getting both a case and a screen protector for your iPhone 15 -- or any phone model. While the iPhone 15 Pro is made of titanium, which is a lighter and more durable material, your phone can still crack if left bare and without a case. Smartphones are hefty investments these days, and if you want your phone to look brand new, the best option is to add both a screen protector and a case. Show more Do I have to replace my screen protector when it breaks or cracks? Once you have a break or crack on your screen protector, you should ideally replace your screen protector.  Doing so maintains the integrity of your phone's screen, since a damaged protector provides diminished protection to your phone. You wouldn't drive miles on a flat tire, so it's best not to sport a cracked screen protector any longer than necessary. If you're a clumsy person or are prone to broken screens, look for a screen protector that offers a warranty, like Zagg, which will replace your broken screen protector for free, plus the cost of shipping.  Show more What types of screen protectors are there? While most screen protectors can protect from cracks and scratches, you can now use screen protectors to upgrade your device's functionality too. Here are a few common iterations of screen protectors we've seen across multiple brands that you can shop for: Privacy protectorAnti-glare protectorAnti-rainbow protectorBlue light blocking Anti-yellowing protector  Show more How thick are iPhone screen protectors? Many iPhone screen protectors are, on average, 0.33mm thick, which according to Belkin, is about the equivalent of three sheets of paper. In other words, slim and fairly unnoticeable. However, screen protectors can range in thickness, with some thinner than average and others thicker than average. The Shellrus Sapphire for example, is only 0.3mm thick.  Show more Will my screen protector be a perfect fit? All iPhone 15 models have curved edges. This design makes it incredibly difficult to achieve a true "perfect" fit, but tons of screen protectors on the market come pretty close, and several on our list bill themselves as having edge-to-edge protection. Some protectors might leave space between the end of the screen protector and the edge of your phone, often to account for differing iPhone case models, many of which bump up over the top of the screen. Several companies, like Spigen, offer protectors with black-lined edges to minimize this look and cut back on a rainbow glare. Some protectors also feature a notched space for the speaker or front camera. If you feel strongly about screen overhangs or notches, be sure to keep that in mind while you shop.  Show more What materials are screen protectors made from? Screen protectors aren't just limited to tempered glass options, though they remain popular for the added drop and crack protection plastic-based protectors can't offer. Common materials screen protectors include:Tempered glassThermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)CeramicNano liquidSapphire  Show more Is ceramic or tempered glass better for a screen protector? Let's start by acknowledging that any screen protector is better than nothing at all. That said, not all screen protectors provide the same level of damage control and protection. Ceramic and plastic-based screen protectors are typically good choices for safeguarding against everyday scratches, imperfections, and minor-impact related screen blemishes. If you're not accident-prone, a simple protector like this might work great for you. For more robust protection, look for a screen protector made from either tempered glass or sapphire. Tempered glass protectors are usually rated a 9H for their surface hardness, and they are much better options for preventing the scratches, cracks, and breaks that result from impacts and rougher use. Sapphire screen protectors have a surface hardness that bests typical tempered glass options, which makes sapphire a great material to protect against deep cuts, scratches, and more. Sapphire has a more brittle composition, though, which makes it less fit for impact and drop-related screen protection.  Show more What is an oleophobic coating? Many iPhone screen protectors are advertised to offer oleophobic coatings, more colloquially known as "anti-smudge" or "anti-fingerprint" technology. Per Merriam-Webster, oleophobic simply refers to a lack of strong affinity to oils. In terms of your phone screen, this just means that some screen protectors can aid in fighting off the smudges, prints, and marks caused by oil on the surface of your fingertips. Show more Which type of screen protector is best? The best type of screen protector is one made with tempered glass since this material carries a 9H hardness rating and is much sturdier and more robust than plastic or ceramic. Tempered glass screens also better prevent excessive fingerprints and oil smudges. However, the best screen protector for you is one that works for your lifestyle, so be sure to consider if you're looking for features like added privacy or blue light blocking.  Show more Where can I buy iPhone screen protectors? iPhone screen protectors are available at most major retailers today, including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more. You also have the options of purchasing screen protectors online directly from the manufacturers or from the same retailers. Amazon additionally has several of the picks on this list for purchase.  Show more What screen protector does Apple recommend? While we think Apple would probably agree with our team here at ZDNET that any type of screen protector is better than none at all, the tech giant does seem to favor one particular screen protector. On Apple's website, you'll only find several model iterations of the Belkin UltraGlass 2 screen protector available for purchase for Apple's iPhone lineup. And although it doesn't mean it's the only screen protector that works, it is the only option Apple is choosing to carry for customers -- do with that information what you will.  Show more Do the new iPhone 16 models need a screen protector? In September, Apple launched their new lineup of the iPhone, the 16 series. Apple says the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature the latest-generation Ceramic Shield screen with "an advanced formulation that is 50 percent tougher than the first generation and 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone." Although Apple says the new iPhone will be ultra durable, it's always a good idea to equip your phone with a case and a screen protector. It's never going to hurt your device.  Show more Do phone carriers offer screen protectors? Yes, online and in-store carriers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and more will often sell screen protectors for the same model phones they carry. Some carriers, like AT&T offer a lifetime warranty on their protectors. That means they'll replace it for free if it wears down, cracks, or scratches. Additionally, you can often have these screen protectors put on for you at a carrier store, which is helpful if you don't trust yourself to nail a seamless application. It's also convenient, too.  Show more Are there alternative iPhone 15 screen protectors to consider? There are tons of other iPhone 15 screen protectors on the market from a multitude of brands. Here are a few more picks we considered that didn't make our top cut.  Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Apple has released iOS 18.4.1, an emergency update fixing two flaws being used it real-life attacks. Here's what you need to know.

In a nutshell: The European Commission is supplying staffers bound for the US on official business with burner phones and basic laptops. The security measure, which is common practice for staff members visiting regions like Russia or China where electronic surveillance is anticipated, is meant to thwart espionage attempts. An EU official told the Financial Times, "The transatlantic alliance is over." According to The Register, officials from the European Union are set to visit Washington DC next week to participate in spring meetings held by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. Should nothing change between now and then, they will likely be the first to operate under the new policy. Additionally, staffers are encouraged to power off their phones at the border and store them in special sleeves that protect against surveillance tactics if left unattended. If it were me, I would simply leave any personal phones, tablets, or computers at home in this situation. The White House and the US National Security Council did not comment when asked about the situation. The European Commission confirmed that its security recommendations had been updated, but didn't reveal the specifics of the latest policy. Luuk van Middelaar, director of the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, said the new security measures are not surprising. "Washington is not Beijing or Moscow, but it is an adversary that is prone to use extra-legal methods to further its interests and power," van Middelaar told the publication. According to van Middelaar, it is not anything new or party-related. "Democractic administrations use the same tactics," he said, referring to a 2013 incident in which the US – under the Obama administration – was accused of spying on the phone of German chancellor Angela Merkel. // Related Stories As India Today highlights, border staff in the US have the right to search mobile devices of visitors coming into the country and can even seize them. Some have even reportedly been denied entry into the US after checks of their social media profiles turned up critical posts of the Trump administration. Tension between the US and the European Union has been high ever since Trump retook office back in January. Image credit: Curated Lifestyle, Alexandre Lallemand

All outies take note, you could soon be using the very same Lumon keyboard as your innie, thanks to the MDR Dasher Keyboard. If that sentence made no sense to you then you’ve likely not seen Severance, the Apple TV+ show, and probably won’t want one of these keyboards. Recommended Videos For Severance fans, it’s great news as the fast-becoming-legendary Lumon Terminal keyboard is coming into the real world. Related Named the MDR Dasher Keyboard, this retro beauty is the handiwork of Atomic Keyboard, who announced this in March but now have the option to sign-up for yours. Apple also already teased just such a creation as part of a marketing stunt to drum up more Severance love. For this it placed what appeared to be a real “Lumon Terminal Pro” as a product on its store website. While that was a bit of fun, this new offering is real. This MDR (Macrodata Refinement) Keyboard, at time of publishing, is in the works and you can sign up to be notified when it’s available. The company behind this makes a point of saying this will be a limited edition and you need to sign up to be in with a chance of getting one. The keyboard features a 73-key setup with 70% as the layout and – comically- no Escape key, no Control and no Options keys. Yup, just like the Lumon employees in the show. The case is made from aluminum, which the website says is for durability, but presumably that should also means it’s lightweight and tough. It’s makers say: “The specialized function keys represent the compartmentalized and controlled nature of the severed floor. “Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate the vintage-inspired design, unique keycap profiles, and the tactile, satisfying typing experience suggested by the show.” There is also a trackball module for mouse controls and connectivity for USB-C. It will be compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux machines. At time of publishing the keyboard is listed at $399 but this is crossed out and instead it says: “Final price TBD”. Please try and enjoy every keystroke equally. Editors’ Recommendations

The lawsuit claims the tech giant abused its dominance and overcharged companies for search advertising services.

Kimberly Belflower’s smart, stimulating play follows a group of modern high-schoolers reading the Arthur Miller drama and interpreting it in light of their own lives.

nailed it RoboBee sticks the landing New robotic landing gear draws on the crane fly's unique appendages for landing on uneven surfaces. Jennifer Ouellette – Apr 16, 2025 2:00 pm | 3 Credit: Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory Credit: Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more The RoboBee lands on a leaf. Credit: Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory Several years ago, Harvard University roboticist Robert Wood made headlines when his lab constructed RoboBee, a tiny robot capable of partially untethered flight. Over the years, RoboBee has learned to fly, dive, and hover. The latest improvement: RoboBee has learned how to stick the landing, thanks to biomechanical improvements to its landing gear modeled on the crane fly, which has a similar wingspan and body size to the RoboBee platform. The details of this achievement appear in a new paper published in the journal Science Robotics. As previously reported, the ultimate goal of the RoboBee initiative is to build a swarm of tiny interconnected robots capable of sustained untethered flight—a significant technological challenge, given the insect-sized scale, which changes the various forces at play. In 2019, Wood's group announced its achievement of the lightest insect-scale robot so far to have achieved sustained, untethered flight—an improved version called the RoboBee X-Wing. In 2021, Wood's group turned its attention to the biomechanics of the mantis shrimp's knock-out punch and built a tiny robot to mimic that movement But RoboBee was not forgotten, with the team focusing this time around on achieving more robust landings. “Previously, if we were to go in for a landing, we’d turn off the vehicle a little bit above the ground and just drop it, and pray that it will land upright and safely,” said co-author Christian Chan, one of Wood's graduate students. The trick is to minimize velocity when approaching a surface and then quickly dissipating impact energy. Even something as small and light as RoboBee can generate significant impact energy. The crane fly has long, jointed appendages that enable them to dampen their landings, so the insect served as a useful model for RoboBee's new landing gear. The RoboBee is only slightly larger than a penny. Credit: Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory The first step was to perform experiments to determine the effects of oscillation on the newly designed robotic legs and leg joints. This involved manually disturbing the leg and then releasing it, capturing the resulting oscillations on high-speed video. This showed that the leg and joint essentially acted as an "underdamped spring-mass-damper model," with a bit of "viscoelastic creep" for good measure. Next, the team performed a series of free-fall experiments with small fiberglass crash-test dummy vehicles with mass and inertia similar to RoboBee's, capturing each free fall on high-speed video. This was followed by tests of different takeoff and landing approaches. The final step was running experiments on consecutive takeoff and landing sequences using RoboBee, with the little robot taking off from one leaf, hovering, then moving laterally before hovering briefly and landing on another leaf nearby. The basic setup was the same as prior experiments, with the exception of placing a plant branch in the motion capture arena. RoboBee was able to safely land on the second leaf (or similar uneven surfaces) over repeated trials with varying parameters. Going forward, Wood's team will seek to further improve the mechanical damping upon landing, drawing lessons from stingless bees and mosquitoes, as well as scaling up to larger vehicles. This would require an investigation into more complex leg geometries, per the authors. And RoboBee still needs to be tethered to off-board control systems. The team hopes one day to incorporate onboard electronics with built-in sensors. “The longer-term goal is full autonomy, but in the interim we have been working through challenges for electrical and mechanical components using tethered devices,” said Wood. “The safety tethers were, unsurprisingly, getting in the way of our experiments, and so safe landing is one critical step to remove those tethers.” This would make RoboBee more viable for a range of practical applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster surveillance, or swarms of RoboBees engaged in artificial pollination. Science Robotics, 2025. DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adq3059  (About DOIs). Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 3 Comments

A system that creates electricity from rain could one day be added to rooftopskulkann/iStockphoto/Getty Images Water droplets falling through a tube have generated enough electricity to power 12 LED lights. Such an approach could one day be used in roof-based systems to harvest lots of clean power from rain. “Rain falls on Earth every day. All the energy is wasted due to the lack of a system to harvest rain energy,” says Siowling Soh at the National University of Singapore. Advertisement Normally, when we generate electricity from water, we use the movement of lots of it to drive a turbine in a river, the sea or even in drinking water pipes. But water flowing over an electrically conductive surface can generate its own electrical charge through a process called charge separation. This is driven by positively charged protons of the water molecules staying in the liquid and negatively charged electrons being donated to the surface, much as you can generate static electricity by rubbing a balloon on your hair. The phenomenon is usually an inefficient way of generating electricity because the electric charge is created only on the surface the water touches, and if you use micro or nanoscale channels to increase the surface area, you end up requiring more energy to pump the water into them than you get back out. Now, Soh and his colleagues have created a simple set-up that relies on gravity to move water down a vertical tube that is 32 centimetres tall with an inner diameter of 2 millimetres. Unmissable news about our planet delivered straight to your inbox every month. Sign up to newsletter Water flows out of the bottom of a container via a horizontal, stainless steel needle, then falls towards the tube below. As the rain-like water droplets collide at the top of the tube, they capture pockets of air, creating what is called a plug flow as they fall. This disjointed flow seems to help the electrical charges of the water molecules separate as they travel down the tube. Wires at the top and bottom of the tube then harvest the generated electricity. In an experiment, one tube produced 440 microwatts. When the researchers used four tubes at once, they could power 12 LEDs for 20 seconds. “We can, for the first time, harvest the energy of rain, or other natural sources such as rivers or waterfalls, via charge separation at the solid-liquid interface,” says Soh. The amount of electricity generated might not seem particularly impressive, but Soh says the set-up converted more than 10 per cent of the energy of the water falling through the tubes into electricity, which is five orders of magnitude more electricity than obtained from water flowing through the tubes in a continuous stream. “Rain falls from a few kilometres up in the sky to earth, so there is a lot of room in three-dimensional space to harvest rain energy,” he says. This suggests that the system could be used to generate electricity from rain, perhaps on rooftops. “If it could be developed in a way that could be useful on a house-by-house basis, that could be a really useful thing,” says Shannon Ames at the Low Impact Hydropower Institute in Boston. Journal reference:ACS Central Science DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c02110 Topics:electricity

Colossal Biosciences not only wants to bring back the woolly mammoth—it wants to patent it, too. MIT Technology Review has learned the Texas startup is seeking a patent that would give it exclusive legal rights to create and sell gene-edited elephants containing ancient mammoth DNA. Colossal, which calls itself “the de-extinction company,” hopes to use gene editing to turn elephants into a herd of mammoth look-alikes that could be released in large nature preserves in Siberia. There they’d trample the ground in a way that Colossal says would maintain the permafrost, keeping global-warming gases trapped and offering the chance to earn carbon credits. Ben Lamm, the CEO of Colossal, said in an email that holding patents on the animals would “give us control over how these technologies are implemented, particularly for managing initial releases where oversight is critical.” Colossal intends to file patents on additional “transgenic” animals, such as the genetically modified wolves it announced last week, Lamm said. In that case, Colossal used gene editing to insert about 15 DNA changes from the extinct dire wolf into gray wolves. The company touted this work as the first success for de-extinction technology, a claim that drew wide criticism. Colossal has raised more than $400 million and is investing in a range of gene-editing and reproductive technologies, although its business plans remain speculative. Lamm has suggested that each “mammoth” could generate $2 million in "carbon capture services" and that the company could collect a share of tourist dollars if it brings back other iconic species such as the dodo, which lived on a single island in the Indian Ocean. Lamm said patents, which usually last 20 years, could provide “a clear legal framework during the critical transition period when de-extinct species are first reintroduced.” In the US, patents on genetically engineered organisms have been allowed since 1980, when the Supreme Court signed off on one for an oil-eating bacterium. The justices famously said patent rights could cover “anything under the sun made by man.” That opened the door to patents on animals, including the cancer-prone OncoMouse, glow-in-the-dark aquarium fish, and, more recently, pigs modified to grow organs for transplants. Colossal’s woolly mammoth patent application, with its descriptions of modified cells and animals, represents “the current standard in biotech cases,” says Cassie Edgar, a partner at the law firm McKee, Voorhees & Sease in Des Moines, Iowa. Yet Colossal’s legal venture breaks ground in other ways. It appears to be a novel attempt to secure rights to the use of extinct DNA and could establish an unprecedented legal monopoly over wild animals, since one of Colossal’s aims is to return revived species to their original habitats. “This could set precedent for intellectual-property rights over engineered versions of extinct species—raising questions not just about science, but about who owns de-extinction,” Edgar says. The basic de-extinction method works like this: Researchers obtain DNA from old bones or museum specimens and then use gene-editing technology to add ancestral gene variants to a closely related existing species.  So far, no modified pachyderms have been born—elephant engineering remains too difficult. But last week, Colossal set off an eruption of headlines when it claimed it had used gene editing to re-create dire wolves, a species that went extinct some 13,000 years ago. One of the furry white canids, named Remus, appeared on the cover of Time magazine, with the word “extinct” crossed out. Many experts dismissed Colossal’s claim to the world’s first successful de-extinction. They noted that in reality, the animals are gray wolves with an unusual coat color; their genomes contain only a few bits of dire wolf DNA, but the two species differ by several million DNA letters. The company is taking steps to secure intellectual-property rights to nearly every aspect of its creations, even the names it gives its animals. MIT Technology Review found that Colossal had filed for trademarks covering some extra-hairy mice it revealed earlier this year, which were offered as evidence of progress toward a mammoth. One trademark reserves the name “Mammouse” for use in the sale of “stuffed and plush toys.” Also trademarked is “Woolly Mouse,” covering its use as a motif for shirts, jackets, and athletic apparel. Lamm says Colossal doesn’t currently have plans to open a gift shop. But he does want to protect the “brand identity” of the animals. “It seems like people connect with these animals on an emotional level, which is actually quite encouraging,” he says. “We need to ensure that we can protect our brand.” The existence of a patent application on mammoth-like elephants could tap into lingering public doubts over whether legal monopolies should really apply to living things, especially elephants, the world’s largest land animals. “There are people that are unhappy about that, but that is certainly a pattern we've seen for a while in the US,” says Alta Charo, a specialist in legal issues raised by biotechnology who is Colossal’s ethics advisor. Revive & Restore, a de-extinction organization in Sausalito, California, that is working toward reviving the passenger pigeon, says it doesn’t think the birds should be controlled by intellectual-property claims. “Revive & Restore will not be patenting de-extinct passenger pigeons,” says Elizabeth Bennett, a spokesperson for the organization. The organization envisions that if it succeeds in reintroducing the birds, they will be “protected under existing wildlife laws,” Bennett says. Even some genetic engineers involved in the mammoth project, initiated more than decade ago at Harvard University, have mixed opinions on patenting de-extinct animals. Cory Smith, now a biotech executive, was a student when he helped prepare an earlier patent application on engineered elephants, which the school filed in 2021. “I am not sure it should have an owner,” says Smith. “I have always been on the side that maybe the animals shouldn’t be patented.” During its press blitz last week, Colossal was careful not to reveal the exact genetic changes it had made to its wolves, telling advisors it needed to keep them secret for “intellectual-property reasons.” This prevented outside scientists from fully assessing the experiment. But it also would have also allowed Colossal to present the information to the patent office, since information already in the public domain can’t be patented. In response to emailed questions, Lamm initially sought to avoid saying whether or not Colossal had filed for a patent covering the transgenic wolves, similar to the one on the “mammoth.” It’s a sensitive question, since such a patent would mean the canids are articles of commerce, not wild creatures returned to their “rightful place in the ecosystem,” as the company said last week. “We take a thoughtful approach to intellectual property that balances scientific advancement with sustainable business practices,” Lamm said in his initial response. “What’s important to understand is that any IP protection would be limited to specific technical methods and innovations we’ve developed—not the genetic heritage of extinct species themselves. We see ourselves as stewards of this science rather than owners of these magnificent creatures.” The pending mammoth patent paints a very different picture. First filed in 2023, it is titled “Woolly mammoth specific gene variants and compositions comprising same” and contains a list of 29 claims that seek to control both a long list of mammoth gene variants and animals whose bodies contain that genetic code. That is, this patent application doesn't cover any specific method or technology, but is instead aimed at securing rights to novel animals with genetic changes that alter their hair, body size, immune system, tolerance to cold, and even cognitive capacity.  “Any animal with woolly mammoth genes falls under the claims,” says Jacob Sherkow, a law professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Patent offices will probably chop away at the application before it’s approved and might even reject it. During the examination of a patent, inventors are typically required to narrow the commercial rights they’re seeking to those elements that are truly “new and useful” and also must steer clear of statutory prohibitions about what can be patented, which differ widely by country. “I imagine very few of these patent claims are going to get issued as they stand,” says Sherkow. “But they’ll be a stalking horse—er, mammoth?—on what aspects of revived species are patentable.” Ultimately, the reason Colossal is trying to patent elephants with ancient DNA in them could simply be that it gives investors a little more confidence in its novel and untested business plans in de-extinction.  “Early-stage companies sometimes bet on long-tail events,” says Andy Tang, a partner at Draper Associates, one of the venture capital firms that put money into Colossal. Tang, who says he isn’t speaking for the company, believes that “in the scenario woolly mammoth[s] become important for partners, then it would be better to create some barrier to entry.”  He adds, “I think it is just cheaper to invest in patents early.  Much cheaper to patent the core tech early in order to avoid being reactive.”