Corning announces Gorilla Glass with DX/DX+

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Corning's latest Gorilla Glass variant has been announced, see the press release and video below. DX/DX+ are toughened glass versions with improved (lowered) reflectivity, as the somewhat long-winded and music-tastic video embedded here shows. Now, don't get too excited, since you're only gaining a few percent more light, but in fairness, ghosting under unusual light conditions will be reduced and that's got to be a good thing.

From the press release:

Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced a new category for its scratch resistant and durable glass composite products, Corning® Gorilla® Glass with DX and Corning® Gorilla® Glass with DX+. The application of this technology to mobile device cameras enables professional-grade image capture through a unique combination of advanced optical performance, superior scratch resistance, and durability.

For mobile device cameras to provide professional-grade image quality under all lighting conditions it is critical to maximize the amount of ambient light captured and minimize all reflection within the camera systems.

“Antireflective coatings have long been used on conventional cameras to improve light capture,” said Jaymin Amin, vice president and general manager, Corning Gorilla Glass. “However, these coatings have a propensity to scratch easily, negatively impacting image quality. Corning’s Gorilla Glass composites not only provide mobile device camera lens covers with enhanced scratch resistance and durability compared to traditional coatings, but also the improved optical performance required for these devices.”

Answering consumer demand for high-quality image and video capabilities, smartphone manufacturers have integrated advanced functionalities such as telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and infrared sensors. To achieve this level of sophistication, the size and number of cameras on smartphones continue to grow, while the prominence of the lens surface area has increased notably – significantly driving the likelihood of scratches and damage through everyday use.

“We’ve engineered the ideal solution for camera lens covers,” said Amin. “By capturing 98% of light for the camera lens, our glass composites augment the full capability of the camera design and help create high-quality images and videos. Our Gorilla Glass DX products offer the industry’s best combination of optical performance and protection for the ultimate consumer experience.”

Here's the launch video, you may wish to skip the first minute of music and generalisation!

Apparently Samsung has signed up to be the first manufacturer to use the DX and DX+ camera glass, probably for its S22 range early next year.

It's also worth noting that really top end phones like the iPhone 12 Pro range already come with genuine sapphire lens covers, so the DX glass will perhaps be of more benefit on mid-range handsets. But it's always good to see tougher and better materials at every price point, so...

Anyway, when you see 'DX' or 'DX+' in a spec sheet in 2022, at least you'll now now what it refers to!

Source / Credit: YouTube