New Diving Innovations

A Sacramento, California-based company is releasing a new underwater mask that lets you take pictures while you explore.

Costing around the $100, the mask mask lets you record both video and still images thanks to the upto 5-megapixel camera that's just above the goggle lenses.

To take a photo or a video, the user lines up the crosshair marks on the mask with the object, and then presses the capture button. LED lights inside the viewing area indicate the mode the camera is in when activated. Users can download the digital images and video they’ve captured to a computer through a USB cable. Software is included to edit photos and videos. Users can print or email the files to share with friends.

The camera comes with 16 MB SD RAM internal memory. A Micro SD Card slot allows the memory to be upgraded to hold more images and video. The camera and mask combination is available in both a 3.1 and a 5.0 MP version.
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Underwater Text-Messager

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.

Though the UDI was announced back in October, it seems to have been virtually ignored by most outlets. It looks like it's finally shipping at the price of $1,500.

Navy SEALs Could Turn Superhuman with Pentagon's PowerSwim
America's underwater special forces ops might not like it at first, but this dolphin-like device will let them reach targets fast—and without having to catch their breath.

Humans are terrible swimmers, converting roughly 3 percent of their kicks, strokes and general underwater exertions into forward motion. We can boost our efficiency to 10 percent by adding fins, but dolphins, by comparison, can turn 80 percent of their energy into thrust. Not to be outdone, the Pentagon’s research wing, DARPA, is developing a contraption that lets Navy SEALs and other combat divers swim faster, and with less effort.

When used properly, the device allows swimmers to cover a given distance up to 150 percent faster than with fins, while using the same amount of energy. Much of that boost in metabolic efficiency is due to the muscle groups used.

As DARPA program manager Barbara McQuiston explained, the swimmer is essentially relaxing into a slightly bent position, instead of forcing or pushing the foils through the water. This takes the emphasis off the small muscle groups used to kick, and allows larger muscle groups, such as the glutes and quads, to take over. During tests, it typically took around 2 hours for Navy SEALs to fight the urge (and years of training) to move forcefully and learn the PowerSwim’s unique motion.