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Liquipel 2.0 phone waterproofer splashes down

New nanocoating solution is said to be 100 times more effective than its predecessor introduced last year.

Reuben Lee
An iPhone 5 treated with Liquipel 2.0 gets immersed in a container of water. Reuben Lee/CNET Asia

LAS VEGAS--Waterproofing solutions for smartphones were traditionally expensive and bulky -- until Liquipel came along. When the company showcased its nanocoating process at last year's CES, it caught the attention of many people with its unique invisible shield and relatively low cost.

This year, the company is back again at CES with Liquipel 2.0, which is said to be 100 times more effective than the version from last year. According to the brochure, the new process offers better durability and corrosion resistance, in addition to improved water protection.

Each coating process takes about 30 minutes and costs $59.95. A company representative said that while a phone treated with Liquipel 2.0 can achieve a waterproof rating of IPX7 (1 meter, or about 3.3 feet, underwater for 30 minutes), it's not designed for use in the shower or for swimming.

Liquipel made its way to selected markets in Asia late last year, including Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea. The company confirmed that there are plans expand to Indonesia in the next few months and is in talks with partners in China.

(Source: Crave Asia)