UK-based P2i has developed a waterproof nano-coating that protects smartphones such as the Alcatel One Touch, and Motorola's RAZR and XOOM. We think the company should develop the technology for consumers who want to apply it to the devices they already own. (Source: P2i)
I'm inclined to think that it's highly likely from what I've read, plus for two additional reasons: one is concerned communications engineers talking off record to me about this problem back in the very early days of cell phone design (mid- and late 1990s). The second is the fact that the CTIA managed to get federal legislation passed to make it illegal to complain about/sue cell phone companies based on health reasons.
Elizabeth, sounds like you really lucked out there. That's more value than what I got out of MS after a customer service mess, which wasn't inconsiderable: around $400 worth, or more.
Ann sorry, I don't have any link. I had seen it in one of the telecom exhibition. I have their brochure and business card, I will check and update you about the company website and product name.
There's a lot of evidence of links between cell phone and other wireless radiation and cancer. There are also lots of studies that conclude the opposite. The subject is highly politicized, and there are way too many studies with radically different research designs to make them easy to compare, or to make this a quick, easy-to-grasp subject. The bottom line is we don't know but there's a possibility, and one that could affect millions of people.
Chuck, that's my understanding of the definitions, also. That's why I queried the use of the term "immersion." How complete the "immersion" is, and how long it takes place, are key. I agree, this coating appears to make the item water resistant.
I had to go to the Internet (uh-oh) to find out the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. The prevailing logic seems to be that a waterproof product prevents water from coming in at all, even when submerged (think of a diving watch). Water resistant (here's wher the definition seems to get fuzzy) describes the ability to repel water, up to a point. Given those descriptions, I would assume this material makes the phone water-resistant.
Jenn, that would be retrofitting, which we were discussing earlier in the comments. So far, we haven't seen any plans for that, but it sure sounds like a great idea. OTOH, as someone pointed out, those refrigerator-sized machines may be on the pricey side for an operation like Kinko's. And that's an entirely different business model from selling the coating to a company like Motorola. I was expressing more of a wish than a prediction.
Good points on water proof versus water resistant. Dropping your phone in the sink creates a different technical problem that running through a brief rainstorm.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego are designing a robotic arm that takes inspiration from the loose, flexible, yet very strong structure of the armored plates on a seahorse's tail.
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science & Technology have designed a new nanoscale material that can transmit light faster than the 186,000 miles per second it usually takes to travel through air.
It has often been said that as California goes, so goes the nation. This spring, the state's wind power is setting energy generation records and solar energy generation is expected to rise sharply during the second half of 2013.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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