Apple, Samsung Vie for Waterproofing Technolog

Apple and Samsung are looking to enhance their handsets with waterproofing technology, as durability and safety become increasing concerns with consumers and phone makers.
HzO’s “WaterBlock” technology, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, protects devices on a molecular level, without any bulky casing. Instead, it coats phones with an organic, invisible nano-scale film barrier, which keeps devices operational working after intense water exposure.
Water damage occurs regularly but is not covered under most Samsung and Apple warranties, so waterproofing likely will be a key selling point with consumers in the future.
In addition, the increasing role the ever-present devices play in ensuring safety could make waterproofing invaluable. For example, Apple phones have proven their durability in emergency situations in the past, lending assurance the devices can help in disasters. This feature is likely to appeal to consumers who rely on their devices as potential lifesavers in hurricanes, floods, and other dangerous situations.
Apple and Samsung recognize this opportunity to enhance their products with a unique feature that will grant users with a greater sense of security. The company at the forefront of waterproofing technology will have an advantage, as they will be able to tout the feature’s exclusivity.
Successfully implementing waterproofing technology into mobile devices is likely to appeal to app developers as well, since they will be able to feature apps specifically designed with enhanced durability in mind.
Although HzO’s waterproofing product is not recommended for sustained submersion, technological advances may also lead to a boom in water-sports related features.
For now, the technology means that the next generation of Apple and Samsung smartphones will likely survive an accidental dip in the toilet or rainy commute. If waterproofing advances, it could lead to a phone with an iPod app for swimming workouts, a scuba watch monitoring nitrogen levels for divers — or maybe even a shark alert.