Surfing for waves on the iPhone

David Swan
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 11:46

Your IT - Mobility

Network video company Axis Communications and Australian surf website SURFit.com have launched an application that enables users to check the surf conditions from their iPhone and puts them in control of the camera. In what is apparently a world first for lifestyle applications, the SURFit iPhone app allows users to remotely control and interact with the surf cameras by panning and zooming to check their favourite break or beach spot on 3G and WiFi. The Apple interface allows users to tap, swipe or pinch the screen to make the camera remotely pan, tilt or zoom to the area they want to check, providing a detailed view of the breaking wave.

The cameras, set up along Sydney's most popular beaches, are a range of AXIS Network Cameras which are enabled for advanced remote monitoring, for example the AXIS P5534 Network Camera at Bondi  that complies with the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) HDTV standards in resolution, color representation and frame rate to deliver HDTV 1080i or 720P resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio in full frame rate 30/25. With 18x optical zoom, 12x digital zoom and auto focus, it can instantly provide the desired wave break in perfect focus. The cameras are also specially built with humidity and glare control to supply the viewer with a clear picture.

'You're in control and it's fun!' said an excited Julian Warne, SURFit founder. 'The cams give you the best coverage of over 100 surf breaks and you can zoom in and find the spot that's best for you.  Whether you're on the bus, stuck in traffic, anywhere at any time, you can use SURFit to check where the surf's best. The SURFit iPhone app is packed with smart features like instant-on with no downloading; multiple users can share the cams; you can zoom straight to your favourite spots; or plan your whole surfing week with our exclusive 8 Day Surf Forecast. SURFit puts the whole ocean and beach lifestyle in the palm of your hand.'

The SURFit application, which has been purpose built and customised for the iPhone, is the first app in the world to stream live video optimised for both 3G and WiFi. It is also the first app to offer users dual subscription and recharge options: for lite users it's just $2.49 for a monthly subscription that includes unlimited views and 20 control credits; or for more hardcore surfers, control credits can be recharged at the same price.