No more greasy iPhone screens?

Some of the camera enhancements for the new iPhone alone may be enough to entice people to buy it, such as autofocus, tap to focus, a built-in macro lens, and the capability for video, all of which will allow for more versatile ways of sending people you know images of your day. In addition to this, and also being a tenth of an ounce lighter than the previous model, the new iPhone's screen contains a much-desired fingerprint-resistant coating.

When the previous models came out, people wondered if fingerprints would be a problem, which turned out to be the case in some lighting situations. This blog on the topic is just one review that touches on unsightly fingerprints being a bother on the iPhone.

According to the tech specs page for the iPhone 3G S, the new display contains a "Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating," which should greatly reduce the build up of finger oils. Unlike hydrophobic coatings that resist high surface tension fluids (i.e. water), oleophobic coatings have a resistance to low surface tension fluids (i.e. oil). This prevents skin oils from sticking to the display so they stay on your finger instead. This should help keep the iPhone display clear and prevent you from constantly wiping it off or angling it to prevent glare off the constantly changing fingerprint art you're creating.

Is this one step closer to the end of third-party films and coverings? More than likely not, but it will be welcomed for people who despise the thought of adding extra bulk to their iPhones.

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