Moshi IonGlass Privacy protects from scratches and side-snoopers
Is there anything more annoying than someone trying to snatch a glance of your phone over your shoulder? Even though I do not look at anything that I would be embarrassed to show my pastor, I would have said “Hey take a look at this!,” if I wanted you to look. We are regularly informed of the need to protect our passwords, social media information, and computer login information. In medical practices and many businesses, we also need to protect our monitors/screens from roaming eyes. In those instances, we use screen privacy filters, polarized sheets of plastic that allow you to view the screen head on but decrease the ability of others to see your screen at an angle. The best analogy I have found to how these filters work was the one provided by Patrick Allen, “How Computer Privacy Screens Work,” at lifehacker.com. Essentially, think of the screen filter like a set of horizontal window blinds that you cannot see through unless you look at the correct angle.
The IonGlass privacy device arrived in a 4 1/4 inches wide by 7 1/4 inches tall by 9/16 inches wide retail package. The upper 6 inches of the cover was colored cream/off-white and the lower 1 1/4 inches was colored flat white. Along the middle of the cover, Moshi provided an attractive 4 inches tall by 2 1/16 inches wide image of an iPhone XS Max (with notch) with an overlying screen protector/privacy filter. Beneath the picturesque image, I found four helpful icons with descriptions: an image of an eye with an X with “For privacy and security,” the IonGlass name with a molecular diagram with “Atomically-Strengthened,” a phone with a horizontal arrow denoting “Edge-to-edge coverage and a closeup drawing of the “micro-bevel.” The IonGlass privacy title, in dark tan, contrasted beautifully with the flat white background of the lower section of the cover. Just to the left of the title, you can find a silver etched “moshi” upon a 15/16 inches square cream background (same color as above). Turning the packaging over, I was pleased to find additional information. I liked that the information was provided in bulleted format instead of paragraph form. Additionally, the company provided this information in French and Spanish. “Prevent side-snoopers from viewing what’s on your phone,” “Atomically-strengthened: stronger than tempered glass,” “Precision-molded to fit your device’s curved touchscreen,” “Up to 40% thinner than generic glass screen protectors,” and “Oleophobic coating for easily wiping away fingerprints.” The left/right and bottom panels were devoid of writing/imagery and the top panel displayed a little information about the companies attempts at helping the environment. The attractive packaging, coupled with enticing features drew my attention to try this product.
Within the packaging, you will find a thin plastic shell with a cardboard card/privacy screen protector, a two-panel instruction manual and attachment accessories. Start the installation process by cleaning your screen with the included microfiber cloth. Second, use the included screen shaped dust sticker to remove any debris on your screen. Then peel the IonGlass Privacy from the backplate, align it with your device and lower the screen protector onto your screen. The instructions recommended pressing the middle of the screen to install the glass and then to push out the remaining air bubbles. I personally found it easier to align the upper notch and then to install the IonGlass from the top down. The IonGlass affixes through electrostatic forces and is designed for single use. I would recommend that you apply this to your screen without a case, as the privacy glass was designed to meet all edges of the iPhone XS Max. When I tried to install the protector, while my phone was inside of a Catalyst Impact Case for iPhone XS Max, the lower corner would not affix to the screen. To solve this problem, I removed the lower 1/2 of the case and let the screen protector rest for 30 minutes and then re-installed the case. I had no issues with the case or screen protector after that point.
The decision on whether or not to install a screen protector is really one of preference. I have tried multiple liquid screen protectors, glass screen protectors and plastic screen protectors and have typically preferred the thinner plastic options to the thicker glass surfaces. Some people do not like the texture/feel of the artificial surfaces and prefer an unadorned surface. I enjoyed the IonGlass Privacy and felt that the surface was smooth, reactive and overall quite easy to install and use. With the phone in a vertical position, the filter worked in the left-to-right direction only. When the phone was rotated into a landscape position, the filter worked in an up-to-down direction only and did not people from looking over my shoulder. I typically check my emails and messages in a vertical position, so the glass worked well for these activities. However, I caution you that this will not stop people from sneaking a glance at your screen while positioned in landscape mode. I did not experience any lag, any increased friction or reduction in pressure touch applications. The glass is beautiful and may be the most attractive glass I have tested thus far. I did not experience a break in the IonGlass, but this may be an eventuality. In the instance that you break your glass, moshi has a “Glass Pass Program,” which offers unlimited replacements for $10 for regular size and $15 for plus-sized screens. Basically, purchase one glass, retain your proof of purchase and contact customer support to obtain another glass. I would much rather sacrifice a superficial layer of glass than pay to have a new screen installed on my iPhone XS Max. Even though the glass is a bit on the pricey end, the ability to replace the product makes the price
If you navigate to the moshi website, you can purchase the IonGlass or for about $10 more you can purchase the IonGlass Privacy.
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