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Curved glass is class for Apple

The iPhone 5 and future versions of the iPad and iPod Touch could feature curved glass screen covers, like the ones seen on the HTC Sensation and Sensation XE. The company has allegedly bought new equipment in preparation to release devices with curved screens next year.

The chat around the water cooler  is that curved glass displays could be ‘the next big thing’ when it comes to handheld devices, according to DigiTimes’ report.

“Apple reportedly has bought glass polishing equipment for its suppliers in preparation for the production of devices fitted with curved cover glass.

“Lens Technology, Fuji Crystal, G-Tech are said to be major cover glass suppliers of Apple. While Lens and Fuji focus on iPhones, G-Tech supplies mainly for iPad,” the report says.

In May, the same publication claimed that Apple had bought between 200 and 300 glass cutting machines to produce curved displays. Apple reportedly made the purchase, and not its cover glass suppliers, because glass makers were said to be “reluctant” to invest in such equipment.

Curved glass covers do look pretty nice, we’ll admit. The Sensation’s curved screen flare up at the sides slightly to help avoid damages and scratches when the phone is lying face down on flat surfaces. The curved screen also allows for, in our opinion, a nicer typing experience too.

However in a recent screen test, we found that the shape of the glass also meant that viewing angles on the Sensation suffered, if only at extreme angles.

What do you think? Will Apple take a leaf out of the Sensation’s book? Or will it stick to its Retina Display guns and crank out another hi-res flat LCD?

Source: DigiTimes via AppleInsider

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