Computer scientists at Paul G. Allen University in Washington just released AquaApp, the world’s first underwater messaging mobile app. This is a real technical feat thanks to the technology used.
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AquaApp is an instant messaging application only available for Android smartphones. But it has a unique feature: works underwater, an element known to badly propagate the radio waves of our smartphones (their range is limited to a few centimeters at most). The app designers overcame these limitations by using our devices’ microphone and speakers to send and receive messages. In fact, in an aquatic environment, the sound propagates very well.
As the academics point out when presenting their software, underwater digital acoustic communication devices existed long before AquaApp. However, the technologies used reserved their use for professionals and scientists. Here, no need for additional hardware or accessories to communicate underwater.
With AquaApp, underwater mobile messaging is accessible to the general public
Proposing a reliable messaging application that can be used in various underwater environments is a challenge. Scientists say they have tested AquaApp in six different underwater environments, at depths ranging from 2 to 15 meters, in the presence of boats, ships and people fishing or kayaking. Their communication system adapts in real time to the different frequency responses of all types of mobile devices and to various sound environments. According to them, under certain conditions, AquaApp can have a range of up to 30 meters (100 m in ideal conditions).
At first glance, AquaApp will interest scuba diving enthusiasts. The programmers have integrated 240 vignettes representing the signs used by diving enthusiasts. If you want to test AquaApp while diving or in the pool, remember to put your device in a waterproof protective case. The app is free. Furthermore, AquaApp is open source, with its code available on Github. The app works on all recent versions, including Android 12 and Android 13.
AquaApp is open source and its code is available on Github.
Source: University of Washington
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