Anyone who owns a high-end Smartphone will have heard the name “Gorilla Glass”. Manufactured by Corning Incorporated, a ceramic and glasswork company based in America, it’s gained fame for providing beautiful screens for devices like the top-end HTC One X. But if you’ve been paying attention to viral YouTube videos, you’ll know that style is not the only redeeming feature of Corning’s flagship product.
The HTC One X hammer
A lot of people were sceptical about videos like this when first seen – after all, phone cases are manufactured using long-lasting phone models; it could easily have been a metal mock-up, or a CGI fake - but a number of copycat videos (utilizing different branded phones) have since sprung up, confirming the original. Corning has somehow managed the incredible feat of creating a gorgeous, aesthetic masterpiece, which goes beyond long-lasting and almost brushes the name “indestructible”.
But how have they managed such a thing? According to Corning’s website, it’s achieved via a process called “ion exchange” - which essentially involves the extreme compression of a surface of thin glass, by immersing the glass into a bath of potassium nitrate. This allows for massively increased toughness over ordinary glass, while also permitting the formation of complex glass shapes. When seen in other contexts, glass toughened in this way retains its shape in a frame, even when completely shattered, similar to bullet-proof glass.
Of course, there are disadvantages to this method of manufacturing. The glass cannot be altered once toughened, necessitating complex shaping (such as drilling) before the glass is dipped into the chemical bath. Additionally, the edge of the glass is weaker than the centre; and any part of the glass can be damaged by concentrated impact (such as hammering it against a nail, ironically enough). Above all, it can pose a security risk if used in, say, an office building, because of the tendency of toughened glass to shatter neatly and completely at a certain level of damage, rather than shatter into fragments, like ordinary glass.
With all that said, these disadvantages have almost no bearing on the Gorilla Glass utilized in today’s top-end Smartphones. The glass does not require complex shaping; the edge of the glass is reinforced by the phone’s casing; and, of course, there’s no security risk to be had when the glass is neatly shattered (unless you take to hiding minute valuables behind your SIM card). It’s a risk-free proposition with a plethora of advantages, and at a price that’s becoming increasingly affordable.
Of course, there are disadvantages to this method of manufacturing. The glass cannot be altered once toughened, necessitating complex shaping (such as drilling) before the glass is dipped into the chemical bath. Additionally, the edge of the glass is weaker than the centre; and any part of the glass can be damaged by concentrated impact (such as hammering it against a nail, ironically enough). Above all, it can pose a security risk if used in, say, an office building, because of the tendency of toughened glass to shatter neatly and completely at a certain level of damage, rather than shatter into fragments, like ordinary glass.
With all that said, these disadvantages have almost no bearing on the Gorilla Glass utilized in today’s top-end Smartphones. The glass does not require complex shaping; the edge of the glass is reinforced by the phone’s casing; and, of course, there’s no security risk to be had when the glass is neatly shattered (unless you take to hiding minute valuables behind your SIM card). It’s a risk-free proposition with a plethora of advantages, and at a price that’s becoming increasingly affordable.
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First up are our S-Line silicone gel cases. Made from the highest-quality silicon, they are designed to mould to the contours of the HTC One X, providing a durable and skin-tight layer of protection. In addition, the curved S design provides a sturdy grip, ensuring that you don’t drop your device while texting. And as if that were not enough, our laser-cut, precision-engineered method of engineering means that you have access to the One X’s smart-button interaction at all times – you never have to compromise on the protection of your device, just for the sake of increased usability!
Next up, our superb faux-leather wallet cases! Though designed specifically for the stylish protection and transportation of your One X, the additional two slots on the left-hand side of the wallet allow you to transport other miscellaneous items, too. Whether it’s your credit card, your driver’s license, or simply a ten pound note or two, for a shopping trip or a night on the town, you can now ensure you don’t lose your phone OR your money when push comes to shove!
Finally, our utilitarian faux-leather flip case selection. These austere cases snap open and closed over the screen of your One X, ensuring unparalleled protection when shut, and easy access to the touchscreen and button inputs when opened. The surface of our flip cases combines rugged durability with an attractive range of colouring options, leaving both fashion and function at your fingertips!
Though that’s the extent of our case selection at the moment, don’t despair if you can’t find a case that appeals to your unique taste – we’re constantly on the look-out for high quality peripherals for the HTC One X, and our market periodically expands accordingly! Check back in at Mobile Madhouse in a few weeks time, and the transcendental case of your dreams might just be our flagship product!
