VZ Navigator

Infobox software
name = VZ Navigator


caption = VZ Navigator giving a turn-based direction
latest_release_version = 4.0.0
developer = Verizon Wireless
operating_system = Binary_Runtime_Environment_for_Wireless
website = [https://vznavigator.vzw.com/index.html vznavigator.vzw.com]

VZ Navigator is a GPS navigation software for Verizon Wireless phones that turns the phone into a GPS navigation device. It is a white label product based on Networks in Motion's AtlasBook mobile navigation platform. It is compatible with many recent Verizon GPS Phones, and available through Get It Now. It uses both GPS and cellular antennas through Assisted GPS. It supports turn by turn directions, local area searches to search for businesses, ATMs, gas stations, etc., favorites, messaging between VZ Navigator users (in order to share addresses and/or times of arrival), maps (including "Where Am I?") and multiple voices. It uses the user's phone connection to download maps and to do searches. Once the map and route are downloaded, the phone can manage its position along the path without reconnecting. This initial update usually takes about 5 to 10 seconds. However, if the user departs from his planned route, the mobile phone will automatically contact the server for a new one.

The mobile phone is insensitive to which way the unit is pointing, guessing by which way the user is moving. If directions are requested while standing still (or moving very slowly) the phone might start off with an inadequate order. If the user takes a path not suggested, the phone will recalculate the route up to three times before requesting a completely new route or quitting the current one. It also has pedestrian support (ignoring one way streets, for example), avoiding HOV lanes or toll roads. The user can specify if the route calculated is the simplest, shortest, or fastest.

GPS position is updated every 1 to 2 seconds on average, and it is possible to obtain the user's land speed and altitude from within the software.

It is possible to find out the user's location in coordinates instead of the physical address (provided it is in the database.) This requires going into the service menu and enabling gpsOne calls and dialing a special number, then checking the phone's GPS logs. This has so far only been verified in LG phones.

The service includes a feature where two wireless devices that have the software installed can TXT message themselves addresses and their ETA, while the receiving unit can integrate the address into the database and utilize it for navigation.

VZ Navigator can sync with an online map browser at VZNavigator.com. Favorites and Recent Searches can be shared between the web interface and the wireless device, making it possible to back up the address and phone book in case of phone changeout or damage. Also, this makes it easier to plan a trip since users can enter the address or search for a destination online and then send the destination to any Verizon Wireless device for quick directions.

The cost is $2.99 per day or $9.99 per month. VZ Navigator will not use airtime, on America's Choice plans, or incur data transfer charges, on Nationwide plans, to download updates to the software, maps updates, routes or re-routes.

On May 8th, 2008, Verizon released version 4 of the VZ Navigator software to include Traffic Avoidance (in certain areas) and other features such as Local Movies and Events, 3D Perspective View, Gas Finder and Weather. [ [http://news.vzw.com/news/2008/05/pr2008-05-07a.html VZ Navigator Version 4: Available Today] ]

See also

* Telenav

External links

* [http://reviews.cnet.com/handheld-software/verizon-wireless-vz-navigator/4505-3638_7-31814632.html CNET Review]
* [https://vznavigator.vzw.com/index.html VZ Navigator - Overview]
* [http://support.vzw.com/swf/vz_nav/verizon_navigator_demo.html Product Demo]
* [http://support.vzw.com/features/data_services/get_it_now.html VZ Get It Now service]

References