Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets

Home > Press > International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets

Abstract:
- 42 per cent have experienced accidental water damage
- 54 per cent take their phone into the toilet
- 70 per cent take their phone into the rain
- Although more women than men take their phone into the bath,
more men than women dropped it in the water.

International survey supports need for built-in water protection on smartphones and tablets

Las Vegas, NV | Posted on May 21st, 2013

A recent international survey commissioned in April 2013 by P2i confirms that consumers expect high levels of everyday water protection on phones as standard.

The research follows a study conducted one year ago, and reveals more people are taking their phones into hazardous environments, without always being aware of the potential for water damage.
Commenting on the survey results, Dr. Stephen Coulson, CTO, P2i said: "It's not surprising that 42 per cent of people surveyed had accidently water damaged their phone, particularly given that 62 per cent had never thought about water protection, or simply relied on being extra careful.

It was interesting to see that although people are water conscious in the sense that they avoid taking their phones to the beach (2 percentage point decrease) or using it by the pool (only a 6 percentage point increase), they do expect to be able to take their phone in the rain (70 per cent) or use it in a steamy kitchen (86 per cent) without damaging it or having to pay for aftermarket protection."

In just one year there was a 19 percentage point increase in the number of people taking their phone into pubs and cafés, while bathrooms also proved popular (61 per cent) with usage up 12 percentage points. A further 54 per cent admitted to taking their phone into the toilet, and a brave 12 per cent had used their phone in the shower.

Dr. Coulson said, "The survey sends an urgent message to manufacturers that people expect their phones to be able to withstand the hazards of everyday environments, as standard. We are already working closely with leading brands, including Motorola and Alcatel One Touch, providing a splash-proof coating which dramatically increases the reliability of smartphones, giving greater levels of water protection."

In January 2013, P2i previewed its next generation DunkableTM technology. This game-changing coating provides extra protection against full submergence in accidental conditions. As a hydrophobic barrier, the new, denser coating, allows smartphones to reach an IPx7 water rating, which is equivalent to surviving a call under one meter of water for half an hour.

"As consumers continue to adopt smartphones and tablets into their everyday life, the need for higher levels of water protection will continue to increase. P2i is in a strong position having protected tens of millions of devices with the splash-proof coating, and looks forward to a great year ahead as the commercialization of DunkableTM continues", said Dr. Coulson.

The research for P2i was carried out between: 24 / 04 / 2013 and 03 / 05 / 2013, from a sample of 3786 mobile phone users 18+ across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the US.

All research conducted by Opinion Matters adheres to MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK. Within these parameters there are guidelines that ensure all research is carried out in a professional and ethical manner. Furthermore, as members of ESOMAR and AIMRI, Opinion Matters abide by the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market and Social Research.

Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The company is also certified under Quality Assurance Scheme IS0 9001.

####

About P2i
P2i is the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. It was established in 2004 to commercialize liquid repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Now on a commercial scale, P2i’s patented process has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a wide range of markets including Electronics, Lifestyle, Filtration & Energy, Life Sciences and Military & Institutional and. See www.p2i.com for more information.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Natasha Verniquet
+44 (0)1235 838 715

If you have a comment, please Contact us.

Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Bookmark: