ROMSEY, U.K. -- Leading brands in recreational marine electronics Lowrance and Simrad, announced today the new universal media-device dock for the SonicHub® marine audio server, the Lowrance and Simrad UNI-Dock. The UNI-Dock for SonicHub provides boaters with the ability to enjoy on-the-water entertainment from their mobile media device of choice with the knowledge that it is safe and secure from the effects of the marine environment.

An easy-to-install, plug-and-play SonicHub add-on module, UNI-Dock supports a wide array of smart phones, media players and USB Flash drives on the market including today’s top-selling Apple* devices. The SonicHub marine audio server provides a direct link through the Lowrance HDS and Simrad NS series multifunction displays, to boaters’ music collections on compatible smart phones, mobile media devices and USB drives, without the need for a stereo head unit.

Designed to charge and protect valuable mobile devices within its watertight enclosure, UNI-Dock’s enhanced stainless-steel locking mechanism is easier-to-use and stronger than previous docking solutions to ensure smartphones, media players and USB Flash drives are safe from harsh marine conditions for longer periods of time. The unit features three connection cables — Micro USB, Apple 30 Pin and Apple Lightning — to accommodate the consumer electronics industry’s top selling devices.

“Mobile devices are constantly evolving, and the UNI-Dock for our popular SonicHub marine audio server gives boaters unparalleled device support and mobile entertainment integration flexibility,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Simrad Yachting and Lowrance. “Facilitating high quality on-the-water mobile entertainment, regardless of boaters’ platform preferences, the new UNI-Dock is a cost-effective solution that enhances SonicHub’s industry leading sound quality and performance in the harsh marine environment.”

The Lowrance and Simrad UNI-Dock models come with a 6-foot USB cable to connect to SonicHub marine audio server. When bulkhead mounted, the unit is water resistant to the international IPx5 standard. UNI-Dock for SonicHub is protected by the Advantage Service program.

UNI-Dock for SonicHub has a retail price of €119.99 and can be purchased from authorised Lowrance and Simrad dealers.For more information on the UNI-Dock, SonicHub or the complete line of Lowrance and Simrad Yachting marine electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com and www.simrad-yachting.com.

*A software update is required for SonicHub to ensure best performance with the iPhone 5.