The infamous Steinheil Screen Protectors (SGP Corp.) are now available for the HTC Evo 3D! There are 3 flavors released thus far: Ultra Crystal Clear, Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint, and Ultra Oleophobic.
Each set comes with 2 premium cut/device specific protectors, a small microfiber cloth (very handy to keep around), and a small card for smoothing out air bubbles. They are adhesive free and dry install, and will not place your device in any jeopardy whatsoever. Don't mess around with water on your device like those other screen protector guys require. These are easily removed with a simple piece of scotch tape with NO residue left behind.
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SGP's website has alot of features, information, FAQ, and guides about their own products worth reading into (just beware of marketing hyperbole and bias)
If you can stomach them, there is a lot of reviews and install instructionals on YouTube; just search for the product names.
This thread from the Evo 4G forum is a good place to read up on the Anti-Fingerprint material. It includes some good example photos (note: the Evo 4G used the old Anti-Fingerprint material. Remember, the 'Ultra' for the Evo 3D is slightly clearer and less textured).
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-accessories/104154-steinheil-screen-protectors-now-available.html
Search around Android Forums using the convenient yet overlooked Search feature. Also, Google-ing around the internet will turn up alot of results too.
Finally, Inform yourselves. Don't take my word for it.
I hope this long winded, yet informational thread will help someone out.
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Click this nifty show button for my past personal experience with their product and slight review. I am not a reviewer and gain nothing for sharing my opinion, I am just trying to help others out here:
- Click here for their official store:
- They are also now available on Amazon.com:
Each set comes with 2 premium cut/device specific protectors, a small microfiber cloth (very handy to keep around), and a small card for smoothing out air bubbles. They are adhesive free and dry install, and will not place your device in any jeopardy whatsoever. Don't mess around with water on your device like those other screen protector guys require. These are easily removed with a simple piece of scotch tape with NO residue left behind.
__________________________________________________
SGP's website has alot of features, information, FAQ, and guides about their own products worth reading into (just beware of marketing hyperbole and bias)
If you can stomach them, there is a lot of reviews and install instructionals on YouTube; just search for the product names.
This thread from the Evo 4G forum is a good place to read up on the Anti-Fingerprint material. It includes some good example photos (note: the Evo 4G used the old Anti-Fingerprint material. Remember, the 'Ultra' for the Evo 3D is slightly clearer and less textured).
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-accessories/104154-steinheil-screen-protectors-now-available.html
Search around Android Forums using the convenient yet overlooked Search feature. Also, Google-ing around the internet will turn up alot of results too.
Finally, Inform yourselves. Don't take my word for it.
I hope this long winded, yet informational thread will help someone out.
__________________________________________________
Click this nifty show button for my past personal experience with their product and slight review. I am not a reviewer and gain nothing for sharing my opinion, I am just trying to help others out here:
Here is the low-down on their different products.
In my opinion the Ultra Crystal Clear is one of the best screen protectors out there that you are going to find. It really is ultra clear and the finish is almost equal to the feeling of the glass screen itself! They are cut very well and are barely noticeable except around the edges. They are highly recommended by me. The only downside to Ultra Crystal Clear is it shows fingerprints like crazy. You will have to be prepared to wipe fingerprints off your screen often if it is something that bothers you. It offers little to no help versus the bare screen when it comes to fingerprints, yet it does a great job protecting the screen - the protector will naturally pick up scratches over time.
(source: Myself. Purchased Crystal Clear and Ultra Crystal Clear for the Evo 4G)
Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint is a solid product as well. Especially at warding off pesky fingerprints and oils. Inevitably Fingerprints and oils will build up, but you will likely still have to wipe down the screen just a few times in a day. The big trade off here is you will lose some screen clarity. This Ultra Fine Anti-fingerprint is slightly better than their classic Anti-fingerprint product that they had available for the Evo 4G, however it is not a huge leap and there is still going to be clarity issues -- especially with this nice qHD screen we have. I have noticed that with qHD that the clarity problem is exacerbated and slightly more pronounced. When it comes to Anti-Fingerprint, you are always going to lose some visual quality, it is the nature of the beast and inherent to the technology they use to make the product so it wards off fingerprints. Additionally, this product has a bit of a texture to it. In the past some people have complained they don't like the dull drag feeling on swipes, and the slight wisp noise the product makes under finger. I don't find it to be too overbearing though, and actually prefer the texture sometimes. Overall I recommend this product as well, but you must know that it is only slightly better than the original Anti-Fingerprint when it comes to visual clarity. Things will still have a bit of a hazy out of focus appearance, but you won't have as many fingerprints to fight with. Tread carefully, but if it is a trade off you can live with then by all means give them a try.
(Source: Myself. Purchased Evo 4G Anti-Fingerprint material as well as a HTC Thunderbolt Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint and trimmed it to fit my Evo 4G)
This pic shows Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint vs. Ultra Oleophobic
You can see the device on the left is slightly more hazy/yellow, slightly harder to read/make out details, and has a texture. The device to the right has a reflective shiny glass appearance and is super clear.
(source:google search results)
The last product is Ultra Oleophobic. First off, the big O word, Oleophobic roughly means oil resistant. Comes from the greek word oleo meaning oil and from the greek word phobos meaning persistent fear or morbid fear -(rough) or to have a strong aversion to something. So the protector has a strong aversion to oils. Although I do not have any personal experience with this product, when it first came out I did extensive internet research to figure out what people ultimately thought of it. Basically Steinheil took their Ultra Crystal product and found a clear oil resistant coating for the protector that helps the surface resist oil better. Take this with a grain of salt; So it features the benefits of Ultra Crystal Clarity yet brings a touch of fingerprint resistance as well, however: the problem that I have read, is that the product seems to loose its oil resisting property after a period of time. Whether that is from fingerprints building up and slicking on top of the coating, or if the actual coating wears down over time I'm not for sure. It is however supposed to clean off easier though and I believe that if you wipe down or wash the protector with a mild cleanser it takes off the built up oils, and you can temporarily regain some oleophobic properties. But to me that sounds like a bit of a hassle. It didn't sound like it lived up to expectation, and that Crystal Clear was an approximately equal option. The hyperbole that comes along with calling your product "Oil-Resistant" is tough to live up to. I have read that it also features problems with "rainbow" effects from the sun and overhead light sources. I suspect the Oleophobic/UV coating is mostly to blame for this.
(Source:Mac Forum listed from the above photo, plus various other links around the net ie. Google searching months and months ago)
Take this with a grain of salt again as it is my personal opinion: All in all, at this point I would say Ultra Crystal Clear is the best bang for your buck. Just be prepared to carry the little micro fiber cloth in your pocket with your phone to wipe the screen down every now and again. Go for the Ultra Fine if you think you can soldier up and handle the inevitable trade off without complaint. And if you are really brave you can try out the Ultra Oleophobic, just don't expect it to solve the inevitable trade off single handedly. It is probably a bit better than Crystal Clear right out of the gates but reportedly will glaze over with finger oils after a period of time and won't quite be the same afterwards. But hey, what is my opinion worth anyways? Purchase what you want and weigh in with your own opinion. The more knowledge we have the better!
Click show again if you are interested in seeing one last SGP Screen Protector not available for the Evo 3D yet:
In my opinion the Ultra Crystal Clear is one of the best screen protectors out there that you are going to find. It really is ultra clear and the finish is almost equal to the feeling of the glass screen itself! They are cut very well and are barely noticeable except around the edges. They are highly recommended by me. The only downside to Ultra Crystal Clear is it shows fingerprints like crazy. You will have to be prepared to wipe fingerprints off your screen often if it is something that bothers you. It offers little to no help versus the bare screen when it comes to fingerprints, yet it does a great job protecting the screen - the protector will naturally pick up scratches over time.
(source: Myself. Purchased Crystal Clear and Ultra Crystal Clear for the Evo 4G)
Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint is a solid product as well. Especially at warding off pesky fingerprints and oils. Inevitably Fingerprints and oils will build up, but you will likely still have to wipe down the screen just a few times in a day. The big trade off here is you will lose some screen clarity. This Ultra Fine Anti-fingerprint is slightly better than their classic Anti-fingerprint product that they had available for the Evo 4G, however it is not a huge leap and there is still going to be clarity issues -- especially with this nice qHD screen we have. I have noticed that with qHD that the clarity problem is exacerbated and slightly more pronounced. When it comes to Anti-Fingerprint, you are always going to lose some visual quality, it is the nature of the beast and inherent to the technology they use to make the product so it wards off fingerprints. Additionally, this product has a bit of a texture to it. In the past some people have complained they don't like the dull drag feeling on swipes, and the slight wisp noise the product makes under finger. I don't find it to be too overbearing though, and actually prefer the texture sometimes. Overall I recommend this product as well, but you must know that it is only slightly better than the original Anti-Fingerprint when it comes to visual clarity. Things will still have a bit of a hazy out of focus appearance, but you won't have as many fingerprints to fight with. Tread carefully, but if it is a trade off you can live with then by all means give them a try.
(Source: Myself. Purchased Evo 4G Anti-Fingerprint material as well as a HTC Thunderbolt Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint and trimmed it to fit my Evo 4G)
This pic shows Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint vs. Ultra Oleophobic
You can see the device on the left is slightly more hazy/yellow, slightly harder to read/make out details, and has a texture. The device to the right has a reflective shiny glass appearance and is super clear.
(source:google search results)
The last product is Ultra Oleophobic. First off, the big O word, Oleophobic roughly means oil resistant. Comes from the greek word oleo meaning oil and from the greek word phobos meaning persistent fear or morbid fear -(rough) or to have a strong aversion to something. So the protector has a strong aversion to oils. Although I do not have any personal experience with this product, when it first came out I did extensive internet research to figure out what people ultimately thought of it. Basically Steinheil took their Ultra Crystal product and found a clear oil resistant coating for the protector that helps the surface resist oil better. Take this with a grain of salt; So it features the benefits of Ultra Crystal Clarity yet brings a touch of fingerprint resistance as well, however: the problem that I have read, is that the product seems to loose its oil resisting property after a period of time. Whether that is from fingerprints building up and slicking on top of the coating, or if the actual coating wears down over time I'm not for sure. It is however supposed to clean off easier though and I believe that if you wipe down or wash the protector with a mild cleanser it takes off the built up oils, and you can temporarily regain some oleophobic properties. But to me that sounds like a bit of a hassle. It didn't sound like it lived up to expectation, and that Crystal Clear was an approximately equal option. The hyperbole that comes along with calling your product "Oil-Resistant" is tough to live up to. I have read that it also features problems with "rainbow" effects from the sun and overhead light sources. I suspect the Oleophobic/UV coating is mostly to blame for this.
(Source:Mac Forum listed from the above photo, plus various other links around the net ie. Google searching months and months ago)
Take this with a grain of salt again as it is my personal opinion: All in all, at this point I would say Ultra Crystal Clear is the best bang for your buck. Just be prepared to carry the little micro fiber cloth in your pocket with your phone to wipe the screen down every now and again. Go for the Ultra Fine if you think you can soldier up and handle the inevitable trade off without complaint. And if you are really brave you can try out the Ultra Oleophobic, just don't expect it to solve the inevitable trade off single handedly. It is probably a bit better than Crystal Clear right out of the gates but reportedly will glaze over with finger oils after a period of time and won't quite be the same afterwards. But hey, what is my opinion worth anyways? Purchase what you want and weigh in with your own opinion. The more knowledge we have the better!
Click show again if you are interested in seeing one last SGP Screen Protector not available for the Evo 3D yet:
There is one last unavailable SGP version I would like to touch on. It is their Ultra Optics material and it is by far the best screen protector I have found for Anti Fingerprinting. It features Anti-Fingerprint technology but also tries really hard to be super clear in the process. It is even clearer than the Ultra Fine Anti-Fingerprint, although still just a tad hazy and out of focus. There is always going to be a slight visual trade off, there is just no way around it I have accepted it - you should too. The best part is I only have to wipe fingerprints off twice or three times a day I would roughly estimate (There gets to be a smudgy blob in places). Some have complained that it has a unique texture to it that is very slightly like an old lenticular card that shows a animated action sequence as you turn the card or change viewing angle. It is there, with a slight zip noise, but I actually enjoy the texture and don't mind the slight noise at all. Example:
(source:google search results; you may remember these from when you were a kid)
It also doesn't do great in super bright environments. There gets to be a strange visual effect that can be attributed to the in-layed micro lens array. It happens when light is reflected off the screen protector; see example:
(source: ilounge product review)
It is not the cameras fault, this is how the screen protector reacts to reflected light. You can see there is off rainbowy colored orbs all around the source of light. It is a tad annoying, but all you have to do is change angle so you aren't reflecting.
All things considered, it is the best screen protector we never had. There is a few little trade offs, but I can handle them in everyday life. I have it on my Evo 3D because I ordered the Ultra Optics screen protector for the iPad 2, special, so that I could manually trim it down to fit any smaller device. The process is not for the faint of heart. It is very frustrating and I have wasted and messed up 5/6 of the material for the Evo 4G and Evo 3D. The custom cut piece I have on now looks pretty hideous in the corners and has one bubble that won't smooth away. But this literally is the best material out there that I know of so the trade offs are worth it in my eyes. I'm SEVERELY SEVERELY disappointed that they have not made this material screen protector available for the Evo 3D. I have an email out with SGP to find out why they haven't produced this product for us. My guess is they will blame it on the 3D, but In my own experience it does not seem to detract from the 3D experience, exception for the aforementioned visual hindrances.
They without question make Ultra Optics for any Apple products (as well as a huge line of exclusive cases for Apple products) and have only recently reached out to make Ultra Optics for a few Samsung devices and one Sony device. They are only making Ultra Optics for their cash cows. But I believe if we can prove there is enough interest that they would possibly produce Ultra Optics for the Evo 3D.
(Source: Myself. Purchased an iPad2 Ultra Optics screen protector and custom cut pieces for the Evo 4G and Evo 3D)
(source:google search results; you may remember these from when you were a kid)
It also doesn't do great in super bright environments. There gets to be a strange visual effect that can be attributed to the in-layed micro lens array. It happens when light is reflected off the screen protector; see example:
(source: ilounge product review)
It is not the cameras fault, this is how the screen protector reacts to reflected light. You can see there is off rainbowy colored orbs all around the source of light. It is a tad annoying, but all you have to do is change angle so you aren't reflecting.
All things considered, it is the best screen protector we never had. There is a few little trade offs, but I can handle them in everyday life. I have it on my Evo 3D because I ordered the Ultra Optics screen protector for the iPad 2, special, so that I could manually trim it down to fit any smaller device. The process is not for the faint of heart. It is very frustrating and I have wasted and messed up 5/6 of the material for the Evo 4G and Evo 3D. The custom cut piece I have on now looks pretty hideous in the corners and has one bubble that won't smooth away. But this literally is the best material out there that I know of so the trade offs are worth it in my eyes. I'm SEVERELY SEVERELY disappointed that they have not made this material screen protector available for the Evo 3D. I have an email out with SGP to find out why they haven't produced this product for us. My guess is they will blame it on the 3D, but In my own experience it does not seem to detract from the 3D experience, exception for the aforementioned visual hindrances.
They without question make Ultra Optics for any Apple products (as well as a huge line of exclusive cases for Apple products) and have only recently reached out to make Ultra Optics for a few Samsung devices and one Sony device. They are only making Ultra Optics for their cash cows. But I believe if we can prove there is enough interest that they would possibly produce Ultra Optics for the Evo 3D.
(Source: Myself. Purchased an iPad2 Ultra Optics screen protector and custom cut pieces for the Evo 4G and Evo 3D)
damn my luck
