Kyocera Presents Hydro XTRM and Hydro Edge Waterproof Android Smartphones

Rainstorms, toilets, sprinklers, pools, spilled drinks, bathtubs, lakes, sweat, sinks. Liquid and electronics don't like each other and there's an endless list of everyday hazards waiting to wreak havoc on mobile phones. Estimates say close to 100 million cell phones have been destroyed by liquids in the U.S. alone. But there is a solution. Kyocera today expanded its Hydro Series of waterproof smartphones with the introduction of the Hydro XTRM and Hydro Edge, two new Android smartphones built for a world that's 70 percent covered by water.

Just in time for summer, the new Hydro Series smartphones carry IP57 dust-proofing and waterproofing certifications, meaning they're designed to survive dust, sprayed water - like a rainstorm or sprinklers - or total submersion in up to 3.28 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The phones also include Kyocera's award-winning, proprietary Smart Sonic Receiver. This technology replaces the phone's speaker with a ceramic actuator, which turns sounds into vibrations that travel through the body directly to the eardrum, making the phone audible even in loud environments.

Kyocera Hydro XTRM

Hydro XTRM is a durable 4G LTE Android smartphone that not only is waterproof, but also meets 810G Military Standard for protection from shock (e.g., being dropped). U.S. Cellular launches Hydro XTRM online today and in retail stores on May 24 for just $29.99 after an instant rebate. Hydro Edge is an affordable, waterproof 3G Android smartphone that will launch this summer at Sprint and Boost Mobile. The carriers will announce pricing and exact timing as the launches approach.

"With 30 waterproof phones introduced globally since 2008, Kyocera has unparalleled expertise in designing devices to survive the elements," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "This new generation of Hydro phones is built from the ground up to keep the liquid out, yet doesn't compromise sleek styling, affordability or performance."

With its growing portfolio of devices designed to survive the elements and the everyday, Kyocera continues its relationship with Bear Grylls - Everest mountaineer, former British Special Forces, star of television's "Man vs. Wild," and the father of three active boys. Grylls will be featured prominently in materials supporting the new Hydro Series devices as they reach the market.

Hydro XTRM

Along with its 810G and IP57 waterproof and durability certifications and Smart Sonic Receiver technology, other notable features on the Hydro XTRM include:

• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• Bright 4-inch impact-resistant IPS touchscreen display
• 5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera with camcorder; 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera

Hydro Edge

Boost Mobile, a prepaid brand of Sprint, launched the first-generation Kyocera Hydro in August 2012 and it has been a top-seller ever since. Building on that success, the Hydro Edge will launch this summer at both Boost Mobile and Sprint, giving consumers the flexibility of purchasing the phone with prepaid or post-paid service plans. Hydro Edge is waterproof and dust-proof with IP57 certification and includes Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver technology. Other features include:

• 1 GHz dual-core processor
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• Bright 4-inch impact-resistant touchscreen display
• 5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera