Japanese firms Kyocera and KDDI released the world's first soap-proof smartphone, Kyocera Digno Rafre, so that when the handset becomes dirty, the user can literally wash it with soap. Of course, that goes without saying that the phone is water resistant as well, reported Digital Trends.
Tech innovations abound in smartphones and companies are incessantly finding ways to offer unique designs, features and functionalities to their smartphones. For Japanese firms KDDI and Kyocera, they have come up with the handset which they claim as the world's first washable smartphone.
It will be a cleanable, super-clean Kyocera Digno Rafre for the Japanese market this week. It is unfortunate for now, since the washable phone is not set for the U.S. market yet, reported the Wall Street Journal. Japanese consumers have three color options - navy, pink and white, for $460.
Smartphones can be disgustingly the breeding ground for germs, but consumers should be aware that the type of soap which works with Digno Rafre is foam soap only, not bar soap. For the majority whose smartphones are not soap washable, there is nothing to pout about. The cellphone does not cause anyone getting sick though it can collect bacteria.
Speaking to ABC News in June, infectious disease specialist Dr. William Schaffner at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville stated, "To put it in perspective, smartphones are not a major source of hand contamination and a source of infection."
However, the physician noted that "every little thing helps." Hence, for Kyocera Digno Rafre to be washable can already work wonders as there were reports that some mobile devices have been found to have the nasty fecal contamination.
The 10.1mm-thick Kyocera Digno Rifre sports a 5-inch 720p display, has a 13MP camera and is run by Android 5.1. There is no specific duration of its 3,000mAh battery, but one thing is assured, the consumer can use the phone even if it is wet, since its special touch screen allows it. Digno Rafre also has the smart sonic receivers from its OEM, so there is nothing to worry about damaging the phone speakers.
Kyocera Digno Rafre is IP58 certified, meaning, it is protected from long-term immersion up to a specific pressure, as well as from limited dust ingress. GSM Arena reported Kyocera Digno Rafre can resist hot water up to 43 degrees. Hence, the phone can have a warm bath during winter.
