Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched an updated version of its Watch Ultimate smartwatch-style dive computer, which now features underwater diver-diver messaging.
The new Watch Ultimate 2 uses Huawei’s own sonar messaging system, which is capable of sending messages and emojis across a distance of up to 30 metres.
Messages are transmitted directly between devices, without the need for an additional tank-mounted transceiver. The watch also has an SOS mode, which will relay the signal through another computer up to a distance of 60 metres underwater.
Diving-wise, the watch is rated to 150m and features modes for freediving, recreational and technical diving, and uses the tried-and-tested Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm with gradient factors.
The 1.5-inch AMOLED colour screen is housed in a zirconium-based liquid metal case with a dual-colour nanocrystal ceramic bezel and sapphire glass.
The high-resolution 466×466 pixels, 310 display has a peak brightness of 3500 nits – putting it among the brightest displays that it is possible to make – and dive data is clearly presented and colour-coded, so that if a diver should, for example, run close to their NDL, the relevant digits will turn yellow, then red should a limit be violated.
Post-dive, logged data can be synced with the Huawei Health app for sharing and analysis.
Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 above the surface
Out of the water, the Watch Ultimate 2 has a range of smart features, including phone-free eSIM cellular communications, meaning you can make and receive calls independently without needing to have a paired phone nearby.
‘Expedition Mode’ provides a suite of tracking features for hiking and climbing in remote locations, including fall detection and high-altitude adaptation monitoring.
Back on more level ground, ‘Golf Course Mode’ contains a collection of golf course maps and information, and a shareable digital scorecard and ball-tracking feature via the Huawei Health app.
Other features include Huawei’s own E-Wallet payment and health trackers; GPS navigation through Huawei’s ‘Sunflower’ tracking system; and access to a suite of apps, including fitness apps, music and games.
Battery life is up to 18 hours in dive mode and up to 4.5 days in normal use when paired with an Android smart device, or 3.5 days when paired with an Apple product.
Two models are available, Black with a 48.5mm diameter crown and 12.9 mm deep case, and a slightly smaller Blue version measuring 47.8 mm in diameter.
The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is available at the Huawei Store for £799.99 (Black model) or £899.99 (Blue). A complimentary pair of Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 will be added to purchases made before 4 November.
