New York — With the escalating technological improvements, and ever since Google rolled out its free Google Maps Navigation application for Android 2.0 devices last October, the days for standalone GPS devices and paid GPS applications on smartphones now becomes history. Verizon, North America’s largest mobile carrier, recently announced a new version of VZ Navigator 5.0, taking the mobile GPS navigation to a whole new level and integrated the service with Facebook.
For those who were earlier depended on charging for GPS services have to reconsider and get creative to keep consumers interested — based on technology from TeleCommunication Systems, VZ Navigator 5.0 upgrade of the navigation utility brings an updated interface, faster route planning through the use of streaming data, and the ability to run multiple VZ Navigator functions simultaneously within a navigation session.
Also a new feature allows users to integrate Facebook status directly through the app, with the option to include and share their locations. This is an option of course, you do not have to share your location when you post to your FB status.
Verizon’s VZ Navigator service is a highly-capable piece of mapping software. It is an interesting addition for Verizon, but it is not the sort of thing that will compel more users to shell out for the application.
On the other end of the string, users can enjoy the Verizon Wireless’ Roadside Assistance service, which lets you “send your locations to a dispatcher so assistance can reach them more quickly”.
It transforms any GPS-equipped phone into a complete replacement for standalone devices from Garmin or TomTom. Verizon states that the subscription model offers advantages over other GPS navigation systems because Verizon’s map data, which is provided by NAVTEQ, is updated continuously.
Other features include: updated user interface, enhanced points of interest, improved customer experience, traffic crowd sourcing, and “Say it Mode” (you can verbally search for destinations on select Windows Mobile and BlackBerry smartphones).
VZ Navigator 5.0 is available on select smartphones and handsets, including the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone, LG enV TOUCH, HTC Touch Pro2 and Samsung Omnia. More device support will be added in the coming weeks.
Perhaps its only drawback like many cellphone navigation solutions, is that you have to shell out a hefty $10 per month to use or rent the software for $2.99 a day instead of buying it.
At the same time, Google Maps offers very much the same capabilities for free on the Motorola Droid. For the non-Droid crowd out there, Verizon is hoping that VZ Navigator 5.0 offers enough new stuff to convince people to sign up.
If you currently use VZ Navigator you should be receiving message to upgrade to the new version. Download it from the Get It Now/Media Center and VZ Start or can add the feature through My Verizon.