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Ambient Weather Network vs Sea Machines

Ambient Weather Network logo

Ambient Weather Network

Software

Connect your weather station to the cloud

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sea Machines logo

Sea Machines

Software

Autonomous vessel control systems

From
$50000/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Ambient Weather Network has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Ambient Weather Network the App Store listing states the Ambient Weather Network app requires iOS 14.1 or later, and the underlying station apps (awnet, AmbientTool) are tied to specific discontinued hardware models.; Sea Machines requires hardware fitted to the vessel; the autonomy systems are retrofits or new build installations rather than a software purchase
  • They diverge on capability: Ambient Weather Network covers Cloud connectivity, Sea Machines covers Autonomous control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ambient Weather Network and Sea Machines actually diverge.

Attributes where Ambient Weather Network and Sea Machines differ
AttributeAmbient Weather NetworkSea Machines
Starting priceFree$50000/one-time
Pricing modelfreeone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidEmbedded, Web, Mobile
Founded20032015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Ambient Weather Network

  • Cloud connectivity
  • Real-time data
  • Historical storage
  • Alerts
  • Public sharing
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • IFTTT

Only in Sea Machines

  • Autonomous control
  • Remote operation
  • Collision avoidance
  • Pattern following
  • Vessel systems
  • Communication networks
  • Shore-based control
  • Embedded support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Ambient Weather Network

  • Professional Worknot Sea Machines
  • Content Creationnot Sea Machines

Sea Machines

  • Intelligent voyage and transit autonomy for workboatsnot Ambient Weather Network
  • Pattern autonomy for survey and repetitive route worknot Ambient Weather Network
  • Collision avoidance using the AI-ris computer vision sensornot Ambient Weather Network
  • Remote command and control of vessels, including in GPS denied environmentsnot Ambient Weather Network
  • Fleet management and telemetry through Fleetviewer and the SMLINK APIsnot Ambient Weather Network

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Ambient Weather Network

  • The App Store listing states the Ambient Weather Network app requires iOS 14.1 or later, and the underlying station apps (awnet, AmbientTool) are tied to specific discontinued hardware models.

Sea Machines

  • Requires hardware fitted to the vessel; the autonomy systems are retrofits or new build installations rather than a software purchase
  • Targeted at vessels from 10 to 300 ft, so it does not address the largest commercial tonnage
  • Pricing is not published and is arranged directly with the vendor
  • The SM300-NG is the class-approved unit, so the cheaper SM300-SP does not carry the same approval

Pricing, plan by plan

Ambient Weather Network

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Data upload
    • Dashboard
    • API access

Sea Machines

$50000/one-time
  • SM300$75000/one-time
    • Autonomous control
    • Collision avoidance
    • Remote operation

Which should you pick?

Choose Ambient Weather Network if

  • You need cloud connectivity.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want real-time data.
Ambient Weather Network review

Choose Sea Machines if

  • You need autonomous control.
  • You work on Embedded, Web, Mobile.
  • You also want remote operation.
Sea Machines review

Questions people ask

Is Ambient Weather Network or Sea Machines better?
Neither clearly leads. Ambient Weather Network starts at Free and Sea Machines at $50000/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ambient Weather Network or Sea Machines?
Ambient Weather Network has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Ambient Weather Network and $50000/one-time for Sea Machines.
Does Ambient Weather Network or Sea Machines run on more platforms?
Ambient Weather Network runs on Web, Ios, Android. Sea Machines runs on Embedded, Web, Mobile.
Can I use Ambient Weather Network for free?
Yes. Ambient Weather Network has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sea Machines starts at $50000/one-time.
What is Ambient Weather Network best used for?
Ambient Weather Network is most often used for professional work, content creation. Of those, professional work and content creation are not what Sea Machines is typically brought in for.
What can Ambient Weather Network do that Sea Machines cannot?
Ambient Weather Network covers Cloud connectivity, Real-time data, Historical storage, Alerts. Sea Machines covers Autonomous control, Remote operation, Collision avoidance, Pattern following. Both handle Web support.
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