Method of making coated article using rapid heating for reducing emissivity and/or sheet resistance, and corresponding product

This invention relates to a method of making a coated article for use in insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, or the like. The coated article typically includes a low-E coated article, including a low-E (low emissivity) coating supported by a glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, rapid heating (not sufficient for tempering or heat bending) of the coated article is utilized in order to reduce the emissivity and/or sheet resistance of the coated article without significantly damaging the infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of the coating, thereby activating the coated article. The glass of the coated article does not become too hot during such rapid heating.