Samsung plops out waterproof smartphone

In preparation for a wet autumn, or perhaps to cater for those escaping the Blighty weather for sandy shores, Samsung has unveiled a waterproof smartphone with touchscreen capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread with an 800MHz processor. It packs a 3.6in reinforced touchscreen display made from tempered anti-scratch glass. There's also a 2GB MicroSD card included which can be expanded up to 32GB as well as a 3Mp camera with LED flash.

The talking point here though, is the protection from the elements. The Xcover is waterproof up to a depth of one metre - for 30 minutes at least - while its IP67-compliant airtight form factor means it'll also be protected from dust and grit.

The Samsung Galaxy Xcover will be available later this year. Prices have yet to be announced. ®