@import url(/media/style.css); var setSpeedCookie = "1"; My AOL Mail Make AOL My Homepage ... Local SEARCH Audio/Video Cameras Car Tech ... Send Us Feedback Features Columns Editor's Picks Interviews ... CES 2008 Hot Topics Resources Blogroll From AOL Underwater Text-Messager Makes SCUBA Diving Safer Posted Jan 6th 2008 4:36PM by Terrence O'Brien Filed under: Cell Phones Computers CES 2008 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. | |
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