HOYO wants to get you wet while you fondle your phone

Well that’s my New Years Resolution busted. I promised myself that I wouldn’t post another random Kickstarter project, but heck, I’ve lasted 21 days. 🙂

First though, a bit of a back-story. Mobile World Congress kicks off next month and, in my opinion, it’s more difficult than ever for a phone to make a really big impact.

Smartphones are now at a point where they’re really, really good. We’ve got excellent cameras, fast processors, brilliant connectivity and bags of storage. Battery life still needs a massive improvement, but apart from that it’s becoming harder to find that “edge” which will make your device stand out from the crowd.

This year I’m expecting to see a lot more devices which work with smartphones making the headlines. We’ve already seen smartwatches, but it’s difficult to see just how popular they’ll become. Now, for me, is the time for accessory manufacturers to really shine so – in Barcelona a month from now – I’m expecting to see a lot of really interesting connected gadgets and accessories that’ll make your smartphone do more.

It kinda leads me to this, the HOYO. They’re after £25,000 to get the project off the ground and the guy behind it – George Sheety – is based here in London. It’s a product designed for people who really can’t leave their smartphone alone – not even when they’re soaping themselves up in the shower.

It’s a waterproof pouch which, unlike normal waterproof cases, is easy to slide your phone into. There’s a few different designs, including a version which will sit inside your shower curtain or one that’ll sit next to your shower with a handy screw-cap to make the pouch waterproof quickly.

It’ll let you keep an eye on your connected baby-monitor, watch videos, listen to online radio, browse the net or… err.. perhaps engage in a video call, if that’s your thing.

There’s a promotional video for the HOYO below, in which you’ll see some people making phone calls and singing along to YouTube videos whilst sponging themselves off. Whatever floats your boat I guess.

* Warning. Slightly irritating people in the shower.

What next? A phone holder for your toilet?

You can support the HOYO project here and you’ll get rewarded too..

Early supporters contributing £12 or more can choose to receive either one HOYO shower curtain kit or one HOYO wall kit and early supporters contributing £15 or more will receive a HOYO set that can be used either on a shower curtain or on the wall.

After the early bird specials are taken, supporters can give £15 or more to choose either one HOYO shower curtain kit or one HOYO wall kit. Supporters giving £18 or more receive one HOYO set that can be used either on a shower curtain or on the wall while supporters giving £30 or more receive the home set, which are two HOYO sets for use both in the shower and on the wall. Shipping in the United States and the United Kingdom is free.

Get more information within the press release below or on the Kickstarter site. I’ll leave it up to you guys to decide what you’d like to do with your smartphone while you’re showering yourself down.

Show Press Release (407 More Words)

LONDON— Smartphones have become the control center for communication, entertainment, and specialized tasks; and the new HOYO waterproof pocket allows users to take their phones with them virtually anywhere. Supporters of the Kickstarter campaign ending March 16, 2014, will be the first to receive their HOYOs.

Far beyond a simple phone connection, a smartphone today is used as a clock, music player, news source, and gadget control for devices ranging from baby monitors to security cameras. Having users’ smartphones within arm’s reach – in the wet bathroom, the messy kitchen, or the muddy garden – keeps them connected to their lives. “HOYO is the perfect accessory in any bathroom,” said co-founder George Sheety. “It’s right up there with a towel rack and soap dispenser.”

Made of 100 percent waterproof and dustproof plastic, HOYO protects electronics in humid and dirty environments while preserving touch-screen sensitivity. HOYO comes in a variety of primary and secondary colors. When they reach more than £61,000 in sales, the makers of HOYO will release new gold and chrome colors to better match bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

HOYO’s design makes it simple to use and easy to install. Whether a user chooses to install it in the shower curtain or utilize the HOYO’s lid, suction cup, and strap to affix it to any smooth surface, HOYO provides two easy solutions for bringing a smartphone into wet or messy places. “The HOYO is ideal for use in the shower, the kitchen, and the garden,” said Sheety. “We are excited to hear from our Kickstarter backers how they use their HOYOs.”

HOYO’s Kickstarter campaign aims to raise £25,000 by March 16. Early supporters will be rewarded with special limited quantity offers. Early supporters contributing £12 or more can choose to receive either one HOYO shower curtain kit or one HOYO wall kit and early supporters contributing £15 or more will receive a HOYO set that can be used either on a shower curtain or on the wall.

After the early bird specials are taken, supporters can give £15 or more to choose either one HOYO shower curtain kit or one HOYO wall kit. Supporters giving £18 or more receive one HOYO set that can be used either on a shower curtain or on the wall while supporters giving £30 or more receive the home set, which are two HOYO sets for use both in the shower and on the wall. Shipping in the United States and the United Kingdom is free.