The folks at Garmin are highlighting firmware advances to the company’s Descent MK2i Smartwatch at this year’s DEMA Show in Orlando, Florida.
Having realized the need to integrate new “apnea-specific features,” Garmin is showing off updates in its firmware to include an advanced, industry-first “Variometer” (haptic and audible feedback to give the diver a sense of change in depth).
The new Variometer provides what Garmin refers to as “speed variable pulses.” These pulses can be easily set to pinpoint acceleration, freefall time, as well as adjusted neutral buoyancies.
Additional integrations include alerts for depth and time intervals, and ease of target depth reset during surface intervals.
Garmin believes these new features support and promote a safer, more enjoyable and undistracted freediving experience.
The Garmin Descent MK2i is available at a price of US$1499/~€1507 at garmin.com.
— by Jennifer Morgan
