Sierra Wireless has released Version 3.1 of Sierra Wireless Watcher connection manager for use with Sierra Wireless HSPA devices. Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 features a modem-network dashboard reporting important information such as modem status, connection status, network signal strength, and roaming information, and a quick launch button tray to provide users with quicker access to the most popular features. Clear 2G/3G and connection technology icons in the updated status window allow users to quickly determine their available coverage, which helps to set network speed expectations and reduce technical support calls.

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 also optimizes the PC for mobile broadband network use by increasing the number of concurrent HTTP connections, producing up to 50 percent faster web page download time. Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 users can opt to have the latest features and updates to firmware, drivers, and Watcher installed automatically.

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 includes integrated GPS application support. Clicking the GPS icon in the quick launch button tray triggers the GPS monitor, which reports the number of satellites acquired and provides location information. The map button within the GPS monitor exports the current location to one of several third-party mapping tools, providing easy access to navigation assistance and other location-based services. Users can also set GPS parameters to assist in the search, such as the fix rate, the location accuracy and the preferred units of measurement.