Thank you all so much for your support. The article A Premium Dive Computer from Taiwan — Deepblu COSMIQ that I wrote back in July 2016 has been warmly received, maintaining a steady readership even without any special promotion (and somehow getting more views than my other articles — a little embarrassing, honestly...). Many friends have also reached out privately to ask about my experience with Deepblu. Based on several months of use, I'd still give it a strong recommendation — especially that incredibly generous warranty-by-mail service. No need to waste time dropping it off at a dealer in person, no need to deal with repair staff attitudes; any issue with the device just gets replaced with a new one. Truly generous to a fault!
Back to the main topic — this article is actually about a major update that Deepblu rolled out a few months ago. Since it was a major update with quite a few new features, let's break it down into sections.
Deepblu COSMIQ Platform Services
You might quietly notice that an EXPLORE section has appeared on the Deepblu website. Ever the curious one, I had to click in and take a proper look. It turns out the multi-screen display feature has finally been realized — meaning your diving logs can now be enjoyed not just on your phone, but on a full-size computer screen as well.
The homepage uses a waterfall-style layout to showcase fascinating dive logs uploaded by divers from all over the world. If you've had a special dive experience or taken great underwater photos, remember to set your log to public and watch it float up to the homepage for fellow divers around the globe to admire. Functionally, you can use tabs to switch between your friends' log records and some curated dive highlights compiled by Deepblu — a pretty handy feature for dive enthusiasts looking for inspiration.
This update also introduces a social community element — essentially the ability to create your own groups and join groups of interest to interact with friends. After using it for a while, though, I feel the server performance and UI responsiveness could use some improvement, as loading times can occasionally drag on. The feature also seems to overlap with existing platforms like Facebook in terms of positioning. Unless a genuinely innovative application emerges from it, convincing users to migrate to a new interface and service will be an uphill battle. Keep at it!
Within the platform updates, there's one small feature tucked away quite discreetly — yet it left me genuinely impressed. It's the ability to import dive logs from third-party dive computers. This signals that Deepblu probably isn't limiting itself to being a single-brand hardware-software integrator, but is aiming to become a comprehensive dive information platform. Seen in that light, the addition of the social features mentioned above makes perfect sense.
There is an UPLOAD 3RD PARTY FILE function
If you use another brand of dive computer that can export log data to your computer, you can use the Subsurface software to convert it (download the software). After downloading, select the import function and make sure your dive computer is connected to your computer.
Once all data has been imported, run the export function and choose to export as an XML file format.
Then simply head back to the Deepblu platform and upload the file directly. Unfortunately, since I don't have another dive computer to test this with (my second one met its end after I absent-mindedly left it on the car roof and it flew off when I drove away), I can't personally verify whether the data format imports correctly or what the subsequent process looks like. That said, this feature does allow everyone to take dive log data accumulated on existing dive computers, upload it, and edit it — turning your logs into a wonderful way to relive your diving history.
On a personal wishlist note: I'd love to see Deepblu develop a feature that automatically compiles uploaded log data — including dive site information, timestamps, photos, and videos — into an annual recap or a commemorative video for a specific dive trip. That would be absolutely fantastic!
Hardware
Deepblu's unique OTA (over-the-air) update capability means we get to grow alongside the COSMIQ. Since last July, the COSMIQ has gone through around 8 updates of various sizes, with the firmware now reaching v1.4 (if you haven't updated yet, make sure to do so before your next dive!). New features include the latest power management system, a low-battery management function to complete one final dive, freshwater mode, high-altitude diving settings, and safety factor adjustments. For the price, you're essentially buying into unlimited future expansions — who knows what other amazing features the COSMIQ might roll out someday, like underwater fish identification or automatic detection of underwater gold (now I'm daydreaming...).
This hardware update also introduces three eye-catching color options for consumers to choose from. The hardware specs are identical across colors — it's purely about satisfying the refined (and perhaps a little flamboyant) tastes of divers everywhere, letting you match the watch face and strap color with your wetsuit. I wonder if someday they'll combine 3D printing or inkjet technology to offer a custom watch face service.
I happened to be heading to a Rescue Diver course and borrowed a unit in understated grey from a friend to check out the actual appearance. The casing has been changed from black to white, and with the screen bezel and strap complementing each other, the overall feel and quality have improved significantly. As for everyone's concern about whether the light color shows dirt or scratches easily — well, with normal use, some marks are inevitable. After all, we're rolling around in waves and clambering over rocks at the water's edge. Just look at my own black unit after six months of use and you'll understand. So I'd recommend using the screen protector that comes with the watch to guard against scratches. I've also heard from a number of perfectionists who wish the manufacturer would release a protective case to cover the entire watch body — whether that happens depends on whether Deepblu hears that feedback. That said, since the COSMIQ is positioned as an entry-level dive computer at a very accessible price point, the need for such accessories or concerns is arguably much reduced.
Drawbacks
After all those positives, it's only fair to mention some drawbacks. I think the biggest issue with using Deepblu right now is that full localization has yet to be achieved. While Taiwanese users generally have decent English ability, an international brand genuinely trying to break into local markets really does need to put in the effort to complete localization in local languages. A few of my Japanese friends, for instance, are genuinely put off by the multi-screen and social features that Deepblu proudly touts — precisely because of the language barrier.
As a dive computer brand, the COSMIQ is spot-on in both positioning and pricing — using strong value-for-money to rapidly break into the market and already generating quite a buzz. But if Deepblu wants to expand into the social space, it will need to deepen its derivative features to increase user stickiness on the app and website, so that traffic can actually generate added value. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what groundbreaking moves Deepblu makes as the 2017 Taiwan dive season kicks off — and please, for the love of all things underwater, develop that gold-detection feature (kicks into orbit~).
A quick shoutout on behalf of a friend:
Since I'm not in the business of selling watches, if you'd like to inquire or take a look at one, please contact Coach Kuo (zeta0301@gmail.com)!
