Yep ..... software updates have added a LOT of the features we currently have....Casting rings, HS GPS to fix the donut, updates to add jigging mode and help fix 2D problems, support of 360 .. and on and on.
Gotta assume there are going to be more of these things in the future.

I bought a 1197 on sale when the 1198 was being introduced .... and while it is still a great unit, it stopped getting updates and won't support some of new accessories. The most current update for it also has problems that really hurt the imaging quality.....Those things will never be resolved. I also have an 1198 ... It will probably stop getting updates soon, but continued to get fixes and updates after they stopped for the 1197.