Canada-based Sierra Wireless has released version 3.1 of Sierra Wireless Watcher connection manager for use with its HSPA devices.

Sierra Wireless Watcher software is used by network operators and PC original equipment manufacturers to provide end users with better interface for their Sierra Wireless mobile broadband devices.

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 is claimed to feature a modem-network dashboard reporting information such as modem status, connection status, network signal strength, and roaming information. It can optimize the PC for mobile broadband network use by increasing the number of concurrent HTTP connections.

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 users can opt to have the latest features and updates to firmware, drivers, and Watcher installed automatically. This feature is designed to check for updates when the PC is idle and network traffic is low.

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 also includes an integrated GPS application support. It also supports Windows Vista (32/64-bit support), XP (32/64-bit support), and Windows 7 Beta (32/64-bit support).

Trent Punnett, senior vice president of marketing and corporate development for Sierra Wireless, said: We are committed to continuously improving our software products and features to bring value and benefit to our customers, with a strong focus on end user performance and ease of use. Our Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 connection manager, with its improved usability and performance, serves as a practical example of this commitment and focus.