We can't say a smartphone-connected sonar fish detector ranks high on our must-have list, but man is it a cool idea. Friday Lab's taking the plunge with its Deeper Smart Fishfinder -- a spherical waterproof device that beams back individual fish depth and location info, along with temperature and floor depth to your Android 2.2+ or iOS 4.0+ smartphone or tablet within 150 feet via Bluetooth. You simply use a standard rod and line to lower Deeper from a bridge, boat or shore, and the device automatically powers on when it makes contact with water -- a six-hour battery should suffice for all but the most dedicated of fishermen, unless they have a USB power source nearby for charging.
Naturally, the sphere is water- and shock-resistant, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius (14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). The Deeper app also provides air temperature and moon phase readouts, and social media functionality that lets you post fishing updates to Facebook or Twitter -- so all of your less fortunate friends can see how much fun you're having catching fish and stuff. The first 60 Deeper backers can snag one set for $129 (plus $20 shipping) on Indiegogo, while latecomers can hop on board for $20 more. You can also place your pre-order through the company's site, also for $149. There's just shy of four weeks left for Friday Lab to meet its $49,000 goal, so hit up our source link after the break to show your support. And if you're not quite ready to commit, there's a video awaiting you there as well.
More Information
Kickstarter Page to Donate
FAQ
Q) Does Deeper work with all phones and tablets?
A) No. Deeper works only with smartphones and tablets supporting iOS 4.0+, 5.0+ and Android 2.2+ operating systems.
Q) Is Deeper the only sonar that works with a smartphone or a tablet?
A) As far as we know, yes. We are the innovative company that creates devices like no one else in the market.
Q) When can I download an app from Apple App Store or Google Play?
A) At this moment the app is being tested. It will be available for download in August 2012 or maybe sooner.
Q) Will the app cost money?
A) No. The first version of the app will be free.
Q) Will the mobile app for Deeper have add-ins?
A) Yes. We work hard for the app to have as many functions as possible. In the future, there will be many more functions.
Q) Is Deeper resistant to water and shocks?
A) Yes. While designing the device we had in mind that it has to be resistant to water in the depth of up to 1 meter, and small shocks.
Q) How does Deeper work?
A) You attach the device to a fishing-line and using the fishing-rod throw it to the location where you plan to catch fish. After landing on the water, device immediately turns on and sends information about that particular spot: depth, fish, water temperature. It could be done from the coast, a boat, a small bridge, a harbour and maybe even from a large boat or a bridge.
Q) Who can use this device?
A) We recommend it to everyone who enjoys nature and fishing. Your age does not matter, however, we recommend being at least 13.
Q) Will Deeper be available for purchase in shops that sell fishing gear?
A) Yes. We are searching for partners all around the world who can sell our product, but the price will be significantly higher and we expect that our device will be available in shops in October, 2012.
Q) How to become a partner/distributor?
A) We look for partners and distributors in all parts of the world. If you are interested in our product, please contact us at sales@buydeeper.com
Q) I am a blogger, a journalist. I need more information.
A) If you are going to write about our product but the information is not enough, contact us at press@buydeeper.com or find the section Press on our website. We really appreciate your support!
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Obviously not something that's awesome for boat fishing IMHO, but good for bank/dock fishing for sure! The retail value seems to be around 200 USD + Shipping. But, you can buy into the kickstarter and get it for about 149.
Those of you who don't know what Kickstarter is, it's basically a fund raising site where you can donate X amount of money to a project. Depending on how much you donate, you get prizes from the company doing the project. In the case of donating 149 USD, you get the product for that much as opposed to retail price as the prize. Money is not deducted until the kickstarter reaches it goal. So for example, if the kickstarter needs 20,000 USD and it only raises 10,000 USD, then everyone who donated money will not have their funds deducted (I believe).
Cheers!