Waterproof

Though many smartphones today can survive a dunk in the drink, taking photos or videos while submerged can be a challenge. A dedicated case might help, but you may still struggle to match the rugged capabilities of the Ricoh's new WG-80 compact.

Developing pliable power sources to go with wearable electronics is an important field of research, and scientists have put forward an impressive solution they say could be the first ever battery that is both flexible and washable.

Norda's new 001 G+ Spike trail running shoe keeps feet dry and warm through snow, slush and icy puddles with a graphene membrane. Combine that with Dyneema up top and spikes down low, and you have a high-tech running shoe that thrives in winter.

Ducks have specialized feathers that keep them from getting too wet. Now, engineers at Virginia Tech have investigated the physics behind how they work and developed synthetic feathers that could help ships glide through the water more easily.

Waterproof coatings do make products such as outerwear much more useful, but they also drive up the price. A new coating, though, is claimed to be 90 percent cheaper to produce, while still being highly effective and more eco-friendly.

Superhydrophobic materials, which are excellent at repelling water, can be extremely useful for a whole range of reasons. Now engineers have found a quirky new use for them – making “unsinkable” metals that stay floating even when punctured.

Scientists are getting good results from an eco-friendly waterproof coating made of wax and starch.

More and more people are utilizing their smartphones for underwater photography, but there's a problem with using a watertight housing made just for your device – it's useless when you change phones. The Xpoovv, however, works with a wide range of smartphone makes and models.

​After a successful crowdfunding campaign, the iNrigo waterproof camera backpack is here - and when we say waterproof, we mean it. This pressure-equalized bad boy can be totally submerged with a ton of gear on board, and it's even got a Bluetooth humidity monitor to warn you if water's getting in.

This super-rugged series of backpacks and bags offers a waterproof rating down to 50 meters (164 ft), and floats so well you can use it as a makeshift life raft. And it's got other tricks up its sleeve, like an inflatable shockproof liner for your delicate electronics.

​Although there are already waterproof camera backpacks on the market, the Inrigo offers a little something extra. If too much moisture does find its way in – say if you don't close the pack correctly, or put your gear away wet – it will notify you on your smartphone.

​There are already watertight cases that let you take underwater photos with your iPhone, but they all have one thing in common: they don't allow for finger access to the touchscreen. The new amphipac does, however, plus it has a dome lens for getting those half-above/half-below-the-surface shots.