New iGills SE-35 transforms your iPhone into a dive computer

The iGills SE-35 is not just another waterproof case for the iPhone, but instead promises to turn Apple’s mobile device into a fully-featured dive computer. The waterproof scuba diving case protects the iPhone down to depths of 130 feet (40 meters) and allows easy underwater usage via six buttons integrated into the design. Users also retain access to the iPhone's camera for underwater shots and on the software side, the SE-35 is offered with a complementary app which features navigation tools and torch, in addition to an automatic dive log.

The SE-35's polycarbonate housing is said to consist of the same material used to make bulletproof glass and will fit the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The SE-35 also packs a high accuracy depth and temperature sensor, in addition to a glass window for an iPhone's camera lens to peer out from. Each unit sold is submersion tested in a hyperbaric chamber before being shipped and the company promises a rigorous quality control system to ensure your iPhone is kept safe.

The diving case and its companion app support multiple diving modes, including Air, Nitrox and Gauge, in addition to ascent rate indication, nitrogen loading tracking over multiple dives and a depth alarm - all of which offers divers the possibility of replacing multiple pieces of expensive kit with just one small device.

Unfortunately, the SE-35 does not support underwater data or phone use, so there will be no opportunity for making amusing FaceTime calls from the deep blue, though this is presumably due to the inability of the iPhone to receive a data signal underwater rather than any fault of the unit itself. Once safely topside, the app can be configured share interesting photos or videos via iCloud or Facebook, allowing friends to see your dive pics before you reach shore, should you wish.

There's no exact shipping date yet, but the SE-35 is currently up for pre-order at a price of US$329.99 and international shipping options are available. The short promo video below shows the unit in action.