Sony's new Xperia Z smartphone is displayed in water at the Sony booth at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Photo / AP
For those prone to dropping their phone in puddles or even down the loo, one manufacturer has found a cutting-edge solution.
Sony has produced a waterproof mobile that can be submerged in 3ft of water for up to half an hour.
The Xperia Z smartphone can be used to
make calls - or even watch films - in the bath without risk of damage, while those who can't bear to be parted from their phone for long can even take it into the shower.
And if it gets dirty, its water-resistance means it can simply be washed under a tap.
The Japanese technology giant hopes this unique feature will hold enough appeal for the phone to emerge as a challenger to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series. Sony posted record losses last year after lagging far behind Samsung and Apple.
