Cell Phones, Computers, CES 2008
Underwater Text-Messager Makes SCUBA Diving Safer
If there are any of you out there who are avid scuba divers, then we're sure you're well acquainted with the dangers and difficulties that go along with such a hobby. Most difficult of all when exploring what lies beneath the waves is maintaining a line of communication. So UTC (Underwater Technology Center) has developed the Underwater Digital Device or UDI.
The UDI is a wrist-wearable diving computer that not only keeps logs of your dive, but also allows you to communicate with other divers and your boat. The UDI uses 2-way text-messaging, over a distance of up to 500 meters (or about 1,640 feet). There is no keyboard, so divers send any of 14 preset messages ("Watch out for that shark!") Over the same range, the devices can also be used as homing beacons so divers can find their boat.
There is also an SOS beacon which functions at up to 1000 meters (almost 3,300 feet) letting other divers and the boat know you're in trouble. The SOS beacon can also be activated remotely, so if your buddy looks like he's in trouble, you can activate his SOS beacon for him. And with an estimated eight-hour battery life (assuming one message being sent every four minutes), this thing won't die right in your moment of need.
We caught a glipse and got some hands-on with two of these underwater wrist gizmos this morning at the Cherry Picks demo-fest this morning and thought they could be useful and fun for us if we ever actually go scuba diving.
Though the UDI was announced back in October, it seems to have been virtually ignored by most outlets, so we're writing about it now, since it looks like it's finally shipping at the price of $1,500.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jennifer Hartsfield said 7:36PM on 1-06-2008
"Watch our for that Shark"! LOL, it would really suck to send that one and while they are trying to read their text they get bit!
It sounds like a good idea, especially the homing beacon and the emergency beacon. I hope it catches on, that would drive the price down some and more people could afford it.
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Nigel H said 12:44PM on 1-07-2008
"Watch out for that shark!", everybody grabs for their cameras and the wretched thing is half a kilometer away.
I can't see it really. When do you want to communicate over distances? What would you want to communicate? "I'm out of air and I'm wasting the last few moments of my life texting you rather than swimming upwards like mad."
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Shark Diver said 1:46PM on 1-07-2008
Another piece of plastic dive garbage for divers to add to a growing list of items they think they need to carry to be safer underwater.
If divers stick to basics, buddy system, hand signals they can actually enjoy the time they have underwater. Frankly who wants to get a text message underwater?
We get enough on the surface!
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Jennifer said 7:27PM on 1-07-2008
I like the idea. Aside from, will it hurt animals or any life at all? I wonder because of the "waves" the devices probably send...
Also, Yes, it takes time to text, but it may prove to be very useful. If you need air, of course you would race to the surface, not text! come one people just because you have it, doesn't mean you will actually use it! It is for just in case you need it! Be glad someone actually cares enough to even make the damned thing. Jerks.
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