Many recent phones are fitted with a pretty good camera, and some are waterproof, but not quite enough to go snorkeling or diving. If you could, your phone could also double as a dive computer, and that’s exactly what HotDive provides: a waterproof enclosure for your smartphone allowing you to dive up to 80 meters deep, and convert your phone in a dive computer, underwater camera, and fill light at a fraction of the cost of specialized diving equipment.
HotDive enclosure includes an independent auto-pump air extraction system creating a vacuum for your smartphone to make sure all photos are clear of fog, as well as a fill light to take clear photos even during night dives. The fill light is made of CREE LED lights delivering 800 lumens, and providing with 130° illuminance and 5800-6500K sunlight-like color temperature.
The HotDive Pro version includes hardware to create a built-in dive computer, namely a solution based on Nordic Semi ultra-low power consumption (ULP) wireless chip, a Swiss TE MS5083 depth sensor to monitor real-time depth, calculate ascent speed, and issue warnings, as well as a compass. The Nordic chip sends data over Bluetooth to your smartphone and you can see the data on your display through the transparent case.
HotDive does not rely on your smartphone’s battery for power, and instead, include a 3,500 mAh battery mostly to power the fill light. It does not cover the front-facing camera from your phone so you can also take selfie while diving.
The HotDive app will be available for Android and iOS, and the case works with any Bluetooth enabled smartphones phones smaller that fit into a 168 x 84mm area. Smartphones with pop-up camera may not work properly.
The product has recently launched on Kickstarter and surpassed its 65,000 HKD funding target. Rewards start at $179 US for HotDive, and the Pro version goes for $240 US with the depth sensor and compass. Shipping adds $15 to the US, and $20 to the rest of the world. Delivery are scheduled for January 2021 right after the crowdfunding campaign ends. The company says buying a separate dive computer (watch live), underwater camera, and fill light would easily cost over $1,000, and also compared it to existing underwater camera solutions as shown in the table below.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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