FAQ

Filming angles, uses and modes

What can I use it for?

iBubble will be useful to:

  • bring back memories from your underwater adventures
  • share your passion with people on land
  • create stunning movies
  • analyze your dives and improve your technique
  • scout a diving location before your group goes in the water
Which filming modes will be available?
  • Follow me: the camera remains near the diver and records what he sees. Marine life, corals, shipwrecks…
  • 360° selfie: the drone completes a full circle around the diver, keeping the person at the center of the shot.
  • Zoom in / Zoom out: smooth transitions between wide­-angle views and macro vision.
  • Manual mode: the diver takes a hold of iBubble, to record close-­up images for instance.
  • [If we reach $100,000] Follow “it”: the drone follows a framed object (fish, turtle…) for up to 25m (80ft), then returns to the diver.
Where will iBubble be positioned when filming the diver?

The location of the drone will depend on the location of the diver and the filming mode selected. iBubble’s first version will analyze the best angle, keeping the bracelet at the center of the shot. But its wide angle will also capture the surroundings.

What will iBubble do?

iBubble will follow divers underwater, filming quality images autonomously. Several filming modes will be available, including moves impossible for a diver to perform (such as rapid vertical climbs). Divers will easily switch between modes thanks to a convenient control bracelet. iBubble will also feature a manual mode for close-­ups. Back to the surface, the divers will produce movies with minimal editing, share them with friends or use them to improve their technique.

Technical specs

Will I be able to turn iBubble on and off at will?

iBubble will start swimming as soon as it touches water and will go on throughout the outing (or when the battery runs out). The diver will start and stop recording via the connected bracelet. Our aim is to free you from having to worry about your filming equipment, and let you enjoy your dive.

Will the images be filtered?

iBubble will provide an automatic filter system adapted to the conditions of the dive (depth, headlights on…).

How will you ensure filming quality?
  1. iBubble’s IMU (inertial measurement unit) is very precise and will allow for great stability
  2. The 8 engines also help stabilize the drone
How does one carry iBubble on land?

We’re really proud of our design, which takes in consideration feedback from our community of divers. With convenient handles and weighing only 5kg (less than 11lbs), the drone is a breeze to transport on land.

How does the signal work underwater?

iBubble “speaks” to the diver via a control bracelet, using Ultra Short Baseline (USBL). This is the same low­-frequency positioning system used by submarines. We use about 40khz, which presents no danger to divers or fishes.

What if iBubble loses power or if there is an electrical failure in the water?

A CO2 cartridge will set off, automatically sending the drone to the surface.

What happens if iBubble runs out of battery?

We are aiming for a 1­-hour battery life. When the battery will be nearly empty, iBubble will alert the diver with a set of LED lights. The diver will call iBubble back and hook it on his back. This will be particularly useful for drift dives. Another option will be for iBubble to resurface and send its GPS coordinates to the boat, while flashing a bright beacon. This could be useful for longer dives.

How will the batteries work?
  • iBubble is equipped with a battery pack of 2 LiPo (lithium) batteries lasting up to 1h in standard conditions (10 to 30°C / 50 to 86°F, 15 min lights usage, 1 m/s – 3.2 ft/s max. current)
  • Battery packs can easily be swapped
  • the batteries are encased in a waterproof box
How will iBubble react to underwater currents?

This is one of the areas we’re focusing on at the moment (along with environmental impact and obstacle avoidance). iBubble is equipped with 8 engines and an inertial unit in order to counteract turbulences. It should be able to go to 3.2 ft/s max and 1.9 knots.

Will iBubble film in low light conditions?

Thanks to integrated LED lights, iBubble will capture quality video, with brightened colors.

You say that iBubble will be quiet, can you explain further?

iBubble doesn’t rely on a ballast system, so there’s no actual bubbles! In addition to that, the engines are positioned inside the drone, where we’re trying to contain the noise. Our goal is for iBubble to be as discreet as possible. iBubble adapts to the marine environment, not the other way around.

Tell me about the engines
  • iBubble is equipped with 8 propellers:
    • 4 engines sit in the nozzles, at a 45° angle from the central axle. They propulse the drone forward and backward.
    • 4 other engines enable upward and downward movements, as well as rotations. They also stabilize the drone.
  • Each engine is made of three 2.5” blades which can rotate in both directions with a 1.3” pitch.
Which cameras are compatible with iBubble ?

For our first version, we are working with GoPro Hero versions 3 and 4.

What are iBubble’s projected technical specs?

iBubble in numbers:

  • Dimensions: 50cm x 35cm x 25cm (19.5” x 14” x 10”)
  • Weight: < 5kg (< 11 lbs)
  • Battery life: 1h
  • Light: 2 x 1000 lumen integrated LED lights
  • Number of engines: 8
  • Speed: 1m/s or 60m/min (3.2 ft/s or 197ft/min)
  • Range: 25m max. (80 ft)
  • Depth: 60m max. (197 ft)

About iBubble: origins, cost, timeline…

What are iBubble’s projected technical specs?

iBubble in numbers:

  • Dimensions: 50cm x 35cm x 25cm (19.5” x 14” x 10”)
  • Weight: < 5kg (< 11 lbs)
  • Battery life: 1h
  • Light: 2 x 1000 lumen integrated LED lights
  • Number of engines: 8
  • Speed: 1m/s or 60m/min (3.2 ft/s or 197ft/min)
  • Range: 25m max. (80 ft)
  • Depth: 60m max. (197 ft)
What’s the extend of Guillaume Nery and Julie Gautier’s involvement in the project?

Guillaume Néry is a professional filmmaker as well as a world­-class athlete. His partner, Julie Gautier, directed Gravity and other stunning underwater films. We’ve submitted our idea to them early on. They were taken by it and immediately started contributing to the project. Today, Guillaume Nery is acting as iBubble’s ambassador but also helps define technical characteristics, along with Julie Gautier.

Is there already a functioning product?

Between July and December 2015, we’ve developed two technical prototypes to validate the positioning technology. It works well. A design prototype was also produced to validate iBubble’s final look. This prototype will be developed to integrate the technology, thanks to the funds raised in April.

When will iBubble be in customers’ hands?

iBubble units will be shipped to customers in June 2017 at the latest.

How much will iBubble cost?

Pre-­sales for iBubble will start online in April. Deliveries are planned in the first part of 2017. We’ll announce the price on the first day of our pre­-sales. We think we have accomplished our goal of taking underwater filming to a new level with an affordable product.

How did you come up with this idea?

iBubble is the brainchild of Kevin Delfour and Xavier Spengler, keen divers, photographers and technology enthusiasts. They were looking for a way to film quality underwater videos without having to deal with heavy and cumbersome equipment. The idea of an autonomous wireless underwater camera imposed itself. Delfour and Spengler turned to Startup Maker, the startup studio behind Hexo+ (1.3M$ on Kickstarter in 2014). The studio provided a complete business development and marketing support team. Today, Nicolas Gambini and Benjamin Valtin are respectively CEO and Marketing&Sales Manager of Notilo+, the company created to support iBubble.

After the dive

How should I take care of my iBubble?

Rinse it thoroughly with clear water after each dive and keep it in its case.

I’m done recording. What now?

You will connect your phone, tablet or computer to your iBubble via Wifi or Bluetooth to upload, edit and share your video!

Environment and safety

What will be iBubble’s impact on the marine ecosystem be?

Like most divers, we love our underwater world. Therefore, preserving it is high on our priority list. We’re crafting a drone that will be surprisingly quiet. This way, it won’t disturb and scare away marine life. The communication between iBubble and the diver works on a frequency marine mammals can’t hear. The camera uses a sonar (also harmless) to avoid obstacles, be they fishes, corals or shipwrecks.

And what about corals?

Used in normal conditions, our drone will be able to avoid obstacles, i.e. corals, fish, shipwrecks, etc.

What if a shark bites iBubble?

The drone’s colors are picked so that they don’t attract predators (i.e. by avoiding strong contrast).

What if 3 divers in the same group have an iBubble?

Each drone responds to its own bracelet. One diver won’t be able to control another diver’s iBubble.

Warranty

Will iBubble come with a warranty?

Yes, there will be a 1 year warranty for some parts. It won’t include the propellers, the dome, the handles, the beacons and improper use of the drone (such as depth).

Who would I send my iBubble to for repairs?

Certified iBubble resellers will be listed on our website. Look for the one nearest you.