Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i

[brsnow]

I don't think Shearwater has much to worry about. Unlike their smart watch offerings, the new Garmin features appeal to a very small niche.

Personally, the last thing I want to do underwater is look at screen texts (I do too much of that above water).

You should always worry. You want to appeal to more than an aging demographic.

 

[Still Kicking]

You should always worry. You want to appeal to more than an aging demographic.

Lol good point!

 

[Johnoly]

Since they are so cheap to add,,,,,,
Wonder why they didn't put a tiny camera lens on it like that dot on your phone screen ?

 

[Nick_Radov]

You should always worry. You want to appeal to more than an aging demographic.

Right. The traditional dive computer market is being disrupted. The Garmin Descent Mk1, Apple Watch Ultra, and Huawei Watch Ultimate were what the tech industry calls a disruptive innovation. They weren't necessarily cheaper than a regular dive computer, but if you were buying a smart watch anyway then you could get the dive computer part almost for "free". The dive functionality in those first-generation products was limited but good enough for most divers and has improved with each new generation.

There will still be some divers who prefer a dedicated dive computer for various reasons. But that's going to be a dying market niche over the next few years as younger people buy more smart watches. It's just like how smartphones killed the compact camera market (and are now even killing the DSLR market to an extent).

I predict that there will be a lot of consolidation in the dive computer industry over the next decade. Most current manufacturers will drop out, or get acquired for their IP and distribution channels. There will only be room in the market for a few high-end dedicated dive computer manufacturers like Shearwater who target the most active and affluent divers.

 

[brsnow]

I think SW are made in Canada, be curious what tariffs do. Crazy times

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I think SW are made in Canada, be curious what tariffs do. Crazy times

Canada is just the 51st state, they just don't know it.

 

[tursiops]

Personally underwater GPS is what I’m waiting for

So you are waiting for the physics to change? Or do you mean, you are waiting for underwater tracking (which we already have....)?

 

[lexvil]

So you are waiting for the physics to change? Or do you mean, you are waiting for underwater tracking (which we already have....)?

I’m going with changing physics, you may get started whenever you’re ready

 

[Double.Ender]

May or may not have ordered one….. anyone want an mk3i?