Corning to Introduce Gorilla Glass 3 Next Week

Corning said on Thursday that it plans to reveal Gorilla Glass 3 next week during CES 2013 in Las Vegas. Also up for display will be Thunderbolt optical cables for "significantly" extending the device-to-device data transmission range past the limits of copper-based cables. Naturally Corning isn't spilling the details on both products until their official reveal next week.

"These new innovations build on the increasingly important and continually evolving role of highly engineered glass technologies in delivering improved product performance and functionality through touch capabilities, protective cover glass, and device connectivity," said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman, chief executive officer, and president.

Corning is promoting the new Gorilla Glass 3 as "a new glass composition with durability enhancements", tougher than the previous two generations. Engadget adds that the glass has been improved on a molecular level, and features a proprietary tech called Native Damage Resistance (NDR). This supposedly reduces the number of flaws, reduces the appearance of scratches, and helps maintain the overall retained strength of the glass itself.

According to the report, Gorilla Glass 3 will be three times more resistant to scratches, and feature a 40-percent reduction in the number of visible scratches. The new protective glass will also have a 50-percent boost in strength after the glass becomes flawed. Of course, Gorilla Glass 3 won't help your tablet or smartphone from death after a good stomping, skyscraper drop or train flattening. But at least the gadget will have a better chance of retaining its factory-fresh beauty after a day next to pocket change or toddler teething.

In addition to showcasing the two new products, Corning said it will also showcase the benefits of Gorilla Glass in larger format, multi-touch displays for education, entertainment and other applications. We'll drop by their booth next week to see what's being served this year, so stay tuned.

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