New York, Nov 22 (IANS): Glassmaker Corning Incorporated has unveiled the super tough Gorilla Glass 4, the latest version of its hardened glass covers that save smartphone and tablet screens from damage.

The new material is about twice as tough as Gorilla Glass 3, claims Corning.

"With Gorilla Glass 4, we have focused on significantly improving protection against sharp contact damage, which is the primary reason that mobile devices break. Dropping and breaking a phone is a common problem, and one that our customers have asked us to help address," said Corning in a statement.

In tests by the company, Gorilla Glass 4 survived up to 80 percent of drops from a height of one metre, compared to Soda-lime glass, which broke nearly always.

This new development should help Corning dominate the hardened-display glass market.

Gorilla Glass is currently used by Apple iPhones, the Samsung Galaxy series, Sony Xperia phones and almost every leading phone and tablet.