Navico Launches GoFree Brand

Navico, manufacturer of marine electronics and parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands, has launched its newest brand, GoFree. Designed to deliver content and services to consumers for use with Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Multifunction Displays (MFDs), as well as mobile devices. GoFree products include all existing Insight charts, Insight Genesis personalized mapping service with Social Map community data sharing, BioBase aquatic map Software as a Service (SaaS), the online GoFree Shop which offers content from Jeppesen, NV Charts and more, wireless telematics solutions and the GoFree family of mobile apps for iOS and Android products.

With the introduction of the GoFree brand, comes the launch of the GoFree Shop within the User Interface of Lowrance, Simrad and B&G MFDs. GoFree Shop will provide the ability to download the latest software and purchase maps directly to an MFD via Wi-Fi, while enjoying a day on the water.

GoFree Shop allows boaters to obtain content for compatible Lowrance, Simrad and B&G branded displays by allowing purchase, direct download and immediate use of Insight maps, Insight Genesis (including Social Map) and other third party maps from GoFree partners. GoFree Shop also provides automatic software update notifications, direct download and installation. GoFree Shop allows registered Insight Genesis users to upload sonar logs to the Insight Genesis online service directly from an MFD for personal chart creation and Social Map community data sharing.

Available this January, GoFree Shop for compatible MFDs and navigation systems will require a one-time, free, software update, a GoFree WiFi-1 wireless gateway with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile tethered link. GoFree Shop will be available for Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch, Simrad NSS Evo2, Simrad NSO Evo2and B&G Zeus2 series displays.

In addition to the introduction of GoFree Shop on the MFDs, the new GoFree Shop website will be launched in support of GoFree-branded content, giving customers the choice of downloading charts and software from the comfort of home. The online store allows users to browse, purchase and download content for a compatible Lowrance, Simrad and B&G-branded navigational device via memory card or USB flash drive. To make a purchase, boaters enter existing Insight Store/Insight Genesis account credentials or create a new account.

“There are significant advancements taking place in the world of data, telematics and cloud computing, and we are pleased to be leading this revolution in the marine industry,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico. “The benefits of similar strides are visible in both the automotive and aviation markets, and with GoFree, Lowrance, Simrad and B&G, will be able to deliver the most user-friendly products, with the most robust content, in the most convenient way.”