Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless, the operator of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network, has announced the launch of VZ Navigator 5.0. This is the newest version of its award-winning map, navigation and local search service that enables customers to find useful information and discover new places and destinations. It sells for $9.99 a month for unlimited access or $2.99 for a one-day/24-hour use on certain devices.

 

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., a leader in high availability and secure mobile communication technology, powers the Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator, a GPS-enabled service that changes a wireless smartphone or handset into an all-in-one powerful navigation and communication device, helping users find their way around town.  

 

The VZ Navigator offers impressive enhancements such as improved functionality in finding points of interest and ability to run multiple VZ Navigator functions simultaneously within a navigation session. Users can also opt for Verizon Wireless’ Roadside Assistance service that will allow them to send their real-time locations to a dispatcher for quicker notifications. Apart from this, the service is also integrated with Facebook (News - Alert) that allows users to update their Facebook statuses directly via VZ Navigator, thereby helping them keep up with their friends and family.

 

VZ Navigator 5.0 is also laced with a lot of other lucrative features such as Improved Customer Experience, wherein customers don’t need to wait for the entire route to download before starting their trip because data will now be streamed, causing display screens to populate more quickly. Point of interest has also been enhanced. Users can now get graphic notifications for tunnels, u-turns, traffic circles and toll plazas. There is also “say it mode “for Select BlackBerry (News - Alert) smartphones and Windows Mobile handsets to allow customers to verbally search for and update destinations.

 

Also, the VZ Navigator 5.0 is available for select devices including the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone, LG enV TOUCH, HTC (News - Alert) Touch Pro2 and Samsung Omnia. In the weeks to come the service will be available on additional devices.

 

In related news Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (News - Alert),  has completed installation of a permanent in-building “super system” at Sun Life Stadium, along with other network upgrades to ensure championship 3G wireless services throughout South Florida during the game and throughout the year.’