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LifeProof is a U.S. consumer electronics accessory company headquartered in San Diego, California, and was acquired in 2013 by OtterBox. The company designs, manufactures, and markets cases that protect the functionality and condition of smartphones and tablets from water, snow, dirt, and shock.[1] Their products include cases, flotation jacketing, belt clips, headphones, chargers, connectors, arm bands, bike mounts, and photography equipment.
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| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry |
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| Founder |
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| Headquarters | |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | OtterBox |
| Website | LifeProof.com |
History
editLifeProof was founded in 2009 by Gary Rayner.[2] He is a serial entrepreneur and has an MBA in Business from Queensland University of Technology.[3] After 18 months and a $1 million investment, the company made its public debut at the 2011 LAUNCH Conference where it won awards for the best product and best presentation after a demonstration with a LifeProof-protected iPhone 4 that included dropping it on the ground, smothering it in ketchup, mustard, and dirt, followed by successfully rinsing it off in a fish tank.[4]
In August 2011, rival manufacturer Otterbox filed a patent suit claiming the company infringed on four properties of protective device enclosures. On October 10, 2012, Ironman announced LifeProof as an official sponsor during the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.[5] Announced November 27, 2012, LifeProof became a Participating Sponsor of all 2013 XTERRA Triathlon events, marketing, and media in the United States.[5] On January 7, 2013, LifeProof announced a partnership with Belkin EMEA.[5] Belkin EMEA will be responsible for the sales and distribution of LifeProof products in Europe.[5]
On May 23, 2013, when the company was acquired by Otterbox for an undisclosed amount, the Colorado court officially terminated the patent suit case.[6]
Products
editThe LifeProof Nüüd is a technology that exposes the original screen of the device while protecting the phone from water, dirt, snow, and drop damage. This allows for zero visual interference, glare, loss of contrast, or touch interference.
The Lifeproof Frē is a technology based on LifeProof's original technological developments and provides built-in scratch protection to safely shield device touchscreens from damage. A Lifeproof Frē Power case for the iPhone 6 incorporates a slimline battery to double the battery life of the phone, while protecting the phone from water, dirt, snow, and drop damage.
Technology
editLifeProof combines many technologies to create a case that protects electronic devices from the inside out. The case wmakes the phone resistant to water, dirt, snow, and shock..[7] The case combines a polycarbonate frame, waterproof acoustic ports, a waterproof screen protector that is still fully touch-sensitive, and a built-in optical glass that covers the phone's camera lenses to prevent loss of photographic detail.[7]
To waterproof the earphone jack, LifeProof created a screw-in seal that can be used when the jack is not in use. To use the jack and still maintain the waterproof function, LifeProof provides a short waterproof earphone extension wire that screws into the jack on the case. When used with waterproof earphones, this allows a swimmer to listen to music while fully underwater, provided that the swimmer remains near the surface. For deeper submersion or vigorous surfing, a dive case with a higher rating is useful.[8] Optional "Lifejacket Float" flotation jacketing can be added to some models to prevent the equipment from sinking if dropped into water.
LifeProof claims that it conducts water-resistance tests on every case before shipping.[9] Following the first test, LifeProof will send the case to an independent agent to perform additional tests.[9] If the case passes both tests, the case will be shipped, and if the case does not pass, it will be scrapped.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Lifeproof About Our Company". Retrieved 12 September 2013.
- ^ Carnoy, David. "OtterBox acquires rival LifeProof". Cnet. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
- ^ "Lifeproof - Meet The Team". Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
- ^ Chereskin, Valarie. "Lifeproof Company Backgrounder 2011 PDF". Chereskin Communications.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ a b c d Baker, Michele. "LifeProof Immerses Smartphones and Tablets in Water, Dirt, Snow and Shock at Outdoor Retailer Winter 2013" (PDF). EMS World. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
- ^ Campbell, Mikey. "OtterBox buys rival case maker LifeProof, drops ongoing patent suit". appleinsider.com/.
- ^ a b Pierce, Alan (1 April 2012). "Waterproofing Electronics--Evolution to Revolution". Tech Directions. 71 (9): 8–9. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
- ^ Lam, Brian; George, Alexander (May 23, 2014). "Best Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5S". The Wirecutter. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
- ^ a b c "Specifications". LifeProof. Retrieved 13 November 2013.