Just when you thought your Suunto Ambit GPS watch couldn't get any better - it does. Suunto Ambit has announced two new software upgrades that offer users a whole new world of features and functions.

The two updates, one available this month and one in November, particularly expand the watch's GPS and navigation functionalities.

This month's version 1.8 update includes on-screen route navigation, online routes to download and location displays.  It also adds GPS time-keeping, chrono, constant backlight and five new languages.

With this upgrade, users will be able to download routes online or input their own waypoints from the comfort of their computer. Out hiking, running or biking users can see their route in real time, including their start point, position and more importantly, the route ahead.

These two upgrades come hot on the heels of July's software 1.5 release which added route creation, navigation based on waypoints, a logbook, Find Back, as well as enhanced Views and GPS software to the Ambit GPS watch.

The motivation for the upgrades comes from Ambit user feedback - a classic Suunto approach. For more than 75 years the Finnish company has been pioneering sports equipment and encouraging its users to push their own boundaries and explore what is possible. It's a philosophy the company is proud to live by.

The hugely popular Suunto Ambit has features necessary for every backcountry skier, hiker, trail runner and mountain climber- a watch that combines a GPS navigation system, altimeter, 3D compass with advanced heart rate monitoring into a robust instrument for mountain and everyday use.

"The software upgrades on the Suunto Ambit are awesome," says five-time Coast to Coast champion and Suunto NZ ambassador, Richard Ussher. "They've enhanced the usability with some of the new functions. It's super easy to use and you can now access all your information on the watch. It's brilliant."

Existing Suunto Ambit users can simply upgrade their existing software by connecting the watch to their computer, clicking on Moveslink and following the instructions.

Suunto Ambit is available in black and silver and comes with or without a heart rate belt in all key outdoor stores in New Zealand.