The iGills SE-35 is not just another waterproof case for the iPhone, but instead promises to turn Apple’s mobile device into a fully-featured dive computer. The waterproof scuba diving case protects the iPhone down to depths of 130 feet (40 meters) and allows easy underwater usage via six buttons integrated into the design. Users also retain access to the iPhone's camera for underwater shots and on the software side, the SE-35 is offered with a complementary app which features navigation tools and torch, in addition to an automatic dive log.
The SE-35's polycarbonate housing is said to consist of the same material used to make bulletproof glass and will fit the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The SE-35 also packs a high accuracy depth and temperature sensor, in addition to a glass window for an iPhone's camera lens to peer out from. Each unit sold is submersion tested in a hyperbaric chamber before being shipped and the company promises a rigorous quality control system to ensure your iPhone is kept safe.
The diving case and its companion app support multiple diving modes, including Air, Nitrox and Gauge, in addition to ascent rate indication, nitrogen loading tracking over multiple dives and a depth alarm - all of which offers divers the possibility of replacing multiple pieces of expensive kit with just one small device.
Unfortunately, the SE-35 does not support underwater data or phone use, so there will be no opportunity for making amusing FaceTime calls from the deep blue, though this is presumably due to the inability of the iPhone to receive a data signal underwater rather than any fault of the unit itself. Once safely topside, the app can be configured share interesting photos or videos via iCloud or Facebook, allowing friends to see your dive pics before you reach shore, should you wish.
There's no exact shipping date yet, but the SE-35 is currently up for pre-order at a price of US$329.99 and international shipping options are available. The short promo video below shows the unit in action.
Source: iGills
Dive equipment needs to be super reliable to the extreme. It needs to be rugged and capable to handle some abuse. You need to count on it under all conditions. Proven equipment like that is widely available for a lot less money then this case + iPhone.
I would go as far as to declare any diver insane who trusts his life to an iPhone in a plastic case.
iPhones are extremely reliable under most circumstances. These cases must have been put through extreme testing before the company considered them ready for release. I doubt there will be a single issue with this product.
The iPhone is a fabulous addition to the diving world and should be embraced as an innovative, easy to read and use part of diving. It also has the ability to automatically give you diving logs with accurate GPS data taking the work out of after dive paperwork. The upsides to this innovation are almost endless. It is like going from a fax machine to eMail. I hope they develop a new model for the iPhone 5 and also add wireless air monitoring too. Then you'd have the ultimate dive computer that wouldn't be stuck in your dive bag uselessly waiting for the next dive. They should also consider making a case for the Samsung Galaxy as well.
All the features that it promises to deliver, it delivers with style and grace. The computer display is one of the easiest to interpret I have ever seen. Navigation between functions is smooth and efficient, the camera works exceptionally well in shallow water and at depth with automatic colour adjustment. The compass is accurate and easy to read with the added benefit of depth and time in the same viewing panel, footage taken displays depth and time too! I could go on but I really do suggest that you try a product before you comment so harshly on a review. You only reveal your ignorance and belligerence otherwise.