Tulsa, Okla., Aug. 19, 2011 - Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine and outdoor electronics and GPS navigational systems since 1957, announced today the release of its Version 1.5 software update -- a performance-enhancing upgrade for its Endura handheld GPS devices. The new software provides the Lowrance Endura Sierra, Safari and Out&Back models improved speed and responsiveness, sharper contrast and redesigned graphics for better sunlight readability, and performance functions that enhance the overall user experience. With more new features and tools than any previous Lowrance Endura update, the Version 1.5 software upgrade is available as a free download from www.lowrance.com.
The Endura 1.5 software upgrade improves speed, responsiveness and stability while increasing battery life. Reducing boot time up to 30 percent, the update provides smoother and faster map panning with any size data sets. Updated devices feature a new GPX parsing engine that improves Geocaching functionality, while reducing file load time by 200 percent. Geocachers now have up to 40 MB of data storage for information on over 4,000 caches. The software also features a more intuitive and instant-response, hybrid-touch interface that streamlines primary function access.
"The new Endura software gives our handheld GPS users a number of new features and performance enhancements that improve situational awareness," said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. "With Version 1.5 software, we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide unmatched expandability and support for Endura GPS owners in all of their outdoor adventures."
The Endura 1.5 software update includes several new tools that specifically aid in geocaching and hunting. A new Area Calculator helps determine the square feet, acres, meters or hectares within any circular recorded or loaded trail to establish wild game food plots, measure acreage of a hunting lease, or determine a water body's surface area. For creating new geocaches or marking hunting stands, Waypoint Averaging vastly improves waypoint location precision by averaging multiple readings. The update also offers the option to disable the "Destination Reached" message when navigating to a waypoint allowing users to further refine and tighten their position to the exact location, rather than being notified while they are several feet away. New geocaching features also provide controls on how users view locations on the map with options to select all, found and not found caches, or none at all.
Version 1.5 software provides a new look, graphic icons and functionality that increase usability and performance for all navigation types. Glass-themed skins with newly designed touch-screen buttons, large fonts for certain data points and enhanced page views provide the best on-the-go, outdoor and sunlight performance. New contrast colors on Compass, Satellite, Navigation and Map pages improve readability and provide consistent data display. A redesigned map screen Zoom Level Indicator bar and Target Cursor increase zoom-level awareness and position control. The software also has a new Waypoint Projection function allowing users to determine a new waypoint or heading based on the projected offset of an existing waypoint. Additional performance innovations include a new screen capture option to take a snapshot image of any map, navigation or menu screen, a trail-limit alert to notify users when they are approaching the maximum number of recorded trail points; a 'Mark' quick key function to drop a waypoint at the current location regardless of what page is displayed; Polish and Finnish language support; and a 'Delete All' option for easier data editing.
The Lowrance Endura Version 1.5 upgrade is compatible with all Endura handheld GPS devices and is available as a free download from www.lowrance.com/endura. For more information on the Endura update, the Lowrance Endura handheld GPS series, or the entire Lowrance line of marine and outdoor electronics, or to locate an authorized Lowrance dealer, please visit www.lowrance.com.
