gle
Contributor
Aside from simply making cosmetic changes, some limited edition designs represent new technology that is gradually worked into the main industry. And there is plenty of innovation to be had in diving. For example, there are a couple things I expect to see in the next 5-15 years.
First, an optical-see-through heads up display. These are similar to the HUD systems on modern fighter jets and in those new Cadillacs and Corvettes. BTW, this was originally a limited edition option. Oceanic makes a HUD mask, but not see through. I expect optical-see-through masks within the next 5 years. I would imagine within 5 years of that someone will add an underwater camera which will eventually be used for optical recognition and marine ID. By this time the HUD should have decent resolution and be usable for more than just text displays. Eventually someone will add wireless networking and the fish ID will be uplinked to a central database tracking the sightings of various species. Well, now we are talking 10-15 years out. Oh, and all of these technologies are currently being designed for use on land. I know this because I have worked on them. I have actually seen each of these things work in pieces in our lab. So 15 is not an unreasonable time frame to see them starting to find their way into the water.
Second, I expect an auto-compensating BCD. You dial in a depth, it takes you there and keeps you there. Throw in some basic ballast controls to ensure the diver is always in the position they set, and you have a great toy. This would mostly be used by people that do not dive enough, or simply have to have the best toys. Given the development of the HUB, this could easily be Mares next move. Speaking of the HUB, I thought it was a very interesting idea for rec divers. It puts everything in one place, and makes it easy to carry around. The biggest problem with the HUB was marketing and price. If they made it modular and upgradable, it probably would have sold better. Then the diver could have bought it as a BCD first, and add on pieces later. Also, a model with back inflate would have been nice.
If Mares tries either of these things, it would be really cool. Of course, they could have another completely different idea that is even cooler. Even if it is just cosmetic, or a change in construction materials, any step towards innovation is a good one.
Finally, what is wrong with "style over substance." It has made many companies a lot of money, and I do not feel substance was compromised in most of those cases. Mostly it was "style over price." Which people are willing to pay for; see Apple, Nike, Starbucks, and Lowes. Of course, there will always be the Wal-Mart/Home Depot crowd (see DIR).
Note: Other than having visited Italy, once, I have no relation to Mares whatsoever. I have never worked for them, and I do not advocate their products. I have only used their products a couple of times. They were nice, nothing special, but nice.
First, an optical-see-through heads up display. These are similar to the HUD systems on modern fighter jets and in those new Cadillacs and Corvettes. BTW, this was originally a limited edition option. Oceanic makes a HUD mask, but not see through. I expect optical-see-through masks within the next 5 years. I would imagine within 5 years of that someone will add an underwater camera which will eventually be used for optical recognition and marine ID. By this time the HUD should have decent resolution and be usable for more than just text displays. Eventually someone will add wireless networking and the fish ID will be uplinked to a central database tracking the sightings of various species. Well, now we are talking 10-15 years out. Oh, and all of these technologies are currently being designed for use on land. I know this because I have worked on them. I have actually seen each of these things work in pieces in our lab. So 15 is not an unreasonable time frame to see them starting to find their way into the water.
Second, I expect an auto-compensating BCD. You dial in a depth, it takes you there and keeps you there. Throw in some basic ballast controls to ensure the diver is always in the position they set, and you have a great toy. This would mostly be used by people that do not dive enough, or simply have to have the best toys. Given the development of the HUB, this could easily be Mares next move. Speaking of the HUB, I thought it was a very interesting idea for rec divers. It puts everything in one place, and makes it easy to carry around. The biggest problem with the HUB was marketing and price. If they made it modular and upgradable, it probably would have sold better. Then the diver could have bought it as a BCD first, and add on pieces later. Also, a model with back inflate would have been nice.
If Mares tries either of these things, it would be really cool. Of course, they could have another completely different idea that is even cooler. Even if it is just cosmetic, or a change in construction materials, any step towards innovation is a good one.
Finally, what is wrong with "style over substance." It has made many companies a lot of money, and I do not feel substance was compromised in most of those cases. Mostly it was "style over price." Which people are willing to pay for; see Apple, Nike, Starbucks, and Lowes. Of course, there will always be the Wal-Mart/Home Depot crowd (see DIR).
Note: Other than having visited Italy, once, I have no relation to Mares whatsoever. I have never worked for them, and I do not advocate their products. I have only used their products a couple of times. They were nice, nothing special, but nice.
