The update also brings native CZone control, expanded Mercury and Yamaha engine data, and six-way split-screen views to Simrad’s current NEON-based displays.
Simrad has released NEON OS 2.5, an update for its current NEON-based multifunction displays – NSX, NSX ULTRAWIDE, NSS 4 and NSO 4 – adding live sonar support, several third-party system integrations, and interface changes.
For anglers, the update adds support for Lowrance ActiveTarget and ActiveTarget 2 live sonar, including the new ActiveTarget 2 XL transducer, with combined viewing modes. CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan sonar performance has also been improved, with adjustable scroll speeds, and Simrad has added third-party integration with EchoPilot forward-looking sonar, available in an integrated split-screen view for navigating shallow or unfamiliar water.
NEON 2.5 also expands Mercury and Yamaha engine data support, including Mercury’s Smart Tow function, and adds native control of Power-Pole shallow-water anchors and trolling motors directly from the chartplotter. A new native CZone app brings control and monitoring of compatible onboard systems, including lighting, power management, tanks and climate, directly onto the display.
NSS 4 and NSO 4 owners also gain six-way split-screen layouts, so chart, sonar, radar, engine and camera feeds can run at once. Auto-routing has been improved with better channel and fairway following and bridge-clearance consideration, and route and waypoint editing has been reworked for use on the water.
The traditional NEON home screen has also been replaced with a simplified activity bar and app menu, intended to reduce the steps needed to reach commonly used apps, commands and shared screens. A new quick-access menu adds customisable shortcuts, alongside light and dark themes for day and night use, and an updated alert system and status bar give clearer feedback on radar, autopilot, GPS and connectivity status.
Simrad has also added coloured AIS targets, seabed area overlays, marine protected area support and compatibility with its OP55 remote controller. The update is available for compatible NSX, NSX ULTRAWIDE, NSS 4 and NSO 4 displays, either over wifi or by downloading the software from Simrad and installing it by card or USB. Simrad notes that individual features depend on the display, screen size and connected hardware. NSO 4 reached New Zealand earlier this year and is distributed locally through Advance Trident.
