Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 5 got an extra boost of attention as rumors reported that the revolutionary phone's casing could be made of liquid metal technology.
This would give Apple some firepower in the smartphone war against rival Samsung, who's next generation smartphone, the Galaxy S3, is expected to launch within weeks. Both of the devices are considered top of the line with rich features and exquisite design.
Apple's line of iPhones are known to revolutionize design through its creative fusion of technology and materials. It may be no surprise that Apple plans on using liquid metal instead of glass casings for the iPhone 5. According to "Korea IT News," the new liquid metal material will give the iPhone 5 a "smooth like liquid" finish.
"The next iPhone needs to truly stand out from the crowd, A change in materials is a likely way to differentiate its form factor," said Canalys analyst Chris Jones in an interview with Wired.
The mixture of alloy of titanium, nickel, copper, zirconium, and other metals offer both strength and flexibility. Liquid metal is three times stronger than titanium and possess greater hardness than stainless steel. It is non corrosive and has excellent wear resistance.
Characteristics of liquid metal would appear ideal for smartphone users and deigners as Apple could create various unique castings. Early reports indicate that a potential iPhone design would adopt a complex teardrop shaped body. If Apple utilizes liquid metal, then those fancy-shaped body designs could become a reality.
Strength and durability has long been desired for mobile devices which tend to slip and drop, shattering the screen or scratching the body. The iPhone 5 would eliminate this problem if the durable liquid metal is paired with a shatterproof glass screen. Earlier reports confirmed that Apple patented a crack-resistant glass solution that is chemically treated to possess greater compression on the glass surfaces. It's quite possible that protective covers may no longer be a needed accessory.
Though the iPhone 5 appears to be ahead of the curb, the liquid metal technology is not exclusive to Apple. Samsung may have already integrated the readily available material into its upcoming Galaxy S3 device. Doing so would give the iPhone 5 a bona fide competitor in the S3.
Speculations are that the Galaxy S3 would be thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S2. With the Galaxy S2 being already 8.5 mm thick, it will take something special to make the S3 even thinner than its predecessor. The body casing would also need to be strong enough to hold the S3's rumored 4.8 inch HD display screen that runs 1080p AMOLED resolution and 3D.
Even if liquid metal is not utilized in the two upcoming smartphones, it is very likely the material will been seen on future models.
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