Garmin® Helm™ Mobile App Provides Chartplotter Monitoring and Control Capability
Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced Garmin Helm, a free mobile application that allows boaters to view and control their multi-function chartplotters from the convenience of their mobile device. With full access to all multi-function menus, screens and features, Garmin Helm provides the ability to monitor and control the navigational systems while away from the helm.
“Garmin Helm puts your Garmin chartplotter’s functionality at the convenience of your fingertips,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of worldwide sales. “Mobile electronics are increasing in presence within the marine space and Garmin Helm provides mariners full functionality and visibility of their chartplotters from their mobile devices.”
Garmin Helm boasts the user-friendliness and simplicity that users have come to expect from Garmin marine devices and applications. With Garmin Helm, the user can choose which chartplotter to interact with from a list of screenshot thumbnails. If multiple SmartMode™ chartplotters are installed, the thumbnails will be grouped in the same order as they are installed on the boat. Then, after selecting the desired screen, the user gains control of the chartplotter by interacting with the mobile device’s screen. This ability allows the user to easily change which multi-function display to view and control, providing the same integral information that’s available at the helm.
Garmin Helm can support up to five mobile devices at one time. Since the most important part of boating is keeping everyone on-board safe, Garmin Helm provides the safety features to keep the experience as enjoyable as possible. If mobile access to the helm needs to be restricted, permissions for mobile access can be limited to ‘View Only’ on the chartplotter or completely disabled to prevent any undesired interaction.
Garmin Helm is a free application and is now available from the App Store℠ for iPad® and iPhone®. Garmin Helm will interface with the Garmin GPSMAP® 8000 Glass Helm series and the GPSMAP 8500 Black Box series. In order for the iPhone or iPad to establish a connection with any GPSMAP Glass Helm series devices on the boat, the Garmin Marine WiFi Adapter (sold separately) is needed. Garmin Helm will be supported by additional GPSMAP chartplotters in the future. For the latest compatibility information, please visit www.garmin.co.uk
Garmin’s marine business segment is a leading provider of navigation and communication equipment to retail and OEM customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes the industry’s most sophisticated array of chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.
About Garmin Ltd.
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise