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Going Waterproof with the KYOCERA Hydro ELITE at Verizon

New smartphone splashes into device lineup.

When it comes to waterproof smartphones, style and protection are no longer mutually exclusive.

The new waterproof Hydro ELITE by Kyocera is a sleek, global-ready 4G LTE Android smartphone with a 4.3-inch HD display. The device offers protection from blowing rain and immersion in up to 3.28 ft. (1 meter) of water for as long as 30 minutes.

Why opt for a waterproof phone? Analysts say that nearly 100 million smartphones in the United States have been destroyed by liquids to date. The list of everyday hazards waiting to wreak havoc on mobile devices is endless - rainstorms, sinks, puddles, sprinklers and even the dreaded toilet.

The Hydro ELITE, however, isn't just designed to keep water out. It's also optimized to get sound in with Kyocera's award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology. This ceramic actuator replaces the phone's speaker and transmits sounds as vibrations, making the phone audible even in the noisiest environments.

Those new to Android or who just crave simplicity can choose to use Kyocera's new optional and easy-to-use "Starter Mode" user interface, with features like a tap-based menu, large fonts, and large intuitive graphics.

Hydro ELITE also features wireless charging, Touch-and-Send NFC sharing, plus Eco Mode with MaxiMZR power-management software to maximize the phone's large 2100 mAh battery. It has an 8-megapixel HD camera plus a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video chats with friends. It supports up to 32 GB of expandable memory for music, photos or videos.

The exclusive Hydro ELITE by Kyocera is available online starting Aug 29 for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

Built to survive the rigors of everyday life, Hydro ELITE is launching with a little help from extreme-survivalist Bear Grylls - star of television's hit new series "Get Out Alive" and the father of three active boys. Watch Grylls showcase the device's unique protective features and Smart Sonic Receiver technology on Kyocera's YouTube channel.