Corning Unveils Tougher & Break-Resistant Gorilla Glass 4

Corning Inc. (GLW) recently unveiled the next version of its Gorilla Glass (GG) — Gorilla Glass 4.

The new and improved version of GG will further demonstrate Corning’s leadership in specialty glass. The company stated that Gorilla Glass 4 is incredibly strong and unbreakable and has the ability to withstand a fall from 1 meter (or 3.3ft) height on a rough and hard surface in maximum cases.

The new glass is same as Gorilla Glass 3 in terms of thickness (0.4 millimeters), optical properties and scratch resistance. However, Gorilla Glass 4 is two times more resistant than the earlier version to breaking in case the device falls. Corning expects to commercialize the new Glass before the end of this year.

Additionally, Corning stated that though Sapphire substrates are incredibly scratch resistant, Gorilla Glass is relatively lighter, offers better light transmission but uses far less energy.

Corning’s Gorilla Glass is a key component of many tablets and smartphones. The glass is used in LCD TVs, multi-touch displays for education and many other applications. Robust U.S. demand for big-screen televisions and the introduction of various consumer electronics products are increasing the demand for Gorilla Glass, introduced in 2013.

Many products like Google's (GOOGL) Nexus smartphones and Nexus tablets feature Corning's Gorilla Glass. Also, Galaxy smartphones from Samsung Electronics Co. and devices from Apple Inc. (AAPL), which use Corning’s glass, are witnessing strong demand.

Thus, based on growth opportunities in the consumer electronics market and the success of Gorilla Glass 3, Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4 is likely to witness strong demand.

Corning is primarily a developer of advanced glass substrates for multiple markets. The company’s third-quarter earnings exceeded expectations despite the fact that revenues missed the same. Corning is seeing strong demand across all its major product lines and markets, but there is also a negative impact on prices, which could be the result of increased competition.

Currently, Corning has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock worth considering is 8x8 Inc. (EGHT), sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).