Verizon VZ Navigator 5.0 launched

Verizon Wireless has announced the launch of VZ Navigator 5.0 map, navigation and local search service, which helps users find their way around town. VZ Navigator is a GPS-enabled service that transforms a wireless smartphone or handset into an all-in-one powerful navigation and communication device, enabling customers to find useful information and discover new places and destinations.

VZ Navigator 5.0 is now integrated with Facebook, allowing users to keep up with their friends, family and social networks by updating their Facebook statuses directly through VZ Navigator, with the option to include and share their locations. Customers can also use Verizon Wireless' Roadside Assistance service to send their location to a dispatcher so assistance may reach them more quickly.

Other new features now available with VZ Navigator 5.0 include:
+ Improved Customer Experience – No need to wait for the entire route to download before starting their voyage because data will now be streamed, causing display screens to populate more quickly
+ Enhanced Points of Interest – Access to premium places of interest with detailed descriptions, clearly branded by Map Icons
+ Traffic Crowd Sourcing – Opt-in to anonymously send real-time location and speed to the VZ Navigator traffic reporting service, allowing quicker notifications and improved accuracy for all VZ Navigator users
+ Alerts for Other Road Attributes – Graphic notifications for tunnels, U-turns, traffic circles and toll plazas
+ "Say it Mode" – Select BlackBerry smartphones and Windows Mobile handsets allow customers to verbally search for and update destinations

VZ Navigator 5.0 works with BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone, LG enV TOUCH, HTC Touch Pro2 and Samsung Omnia. The service will be available on additional devices in the coming weeks. VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 a month for unlimited access or $2.99 for a one-day/24-hour use on certain devices. For additional information and a full set of terms and conditions for VZ Navigator, visit www.verizonwireless.com/vznavigator.