VZ Navigator VX: Does Google Nav Have Competition? [UPDATE: It’s Official]
[UPDATE: It’s Official – see press release below]
Verizon’s Turn-By-Turn Driving software for its phones – VZ Navigator – has some tough competition. Several years ago, it seemed like Garmin ran the GPS show. And with the announcement of Google Navigate on Android Phones, which is a FREE service, why would anyone pay for VZ Navigator? I’m sure Verizon could list a billion reasons, but let us share one rather interesting reason with you that is hot off the presses: VZ Navigator VX.
Their “Virtual City Driving” actually looks really cool:
Same goes for their freeway views:
And of COURSE they are demoing the new app on a precious Droid Incredible.
Personally, I’m content with my free Google Navigation and I’ve really grown to like it. As long as I get from point A to point B efficiently, I don’t REALLY care if I’m doing it seeing 2D maps or 3D cartoons. I must admit those freeway signs and other features are tempting in terms of convenience factor, but I won’t likely stray from Google Maps. Plus the crazy kids at Google are always have cool stuff in the works and I’m sure their drafting up Google Nav improvements as we speak (or I type, and you read).
So Verizon Android owners… will you VX it?
[polldaddy poll=4460352]
Full Press release:
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless today announced VZ Navigator VX – the latest version of the company’s award-winning navigation service – is now available on select DROID™ smartphones, including DROID X by Motorola, DROID Incredible by HTC and the Samsung Fascinate™. Powered by TeleCommunication Systems, VZ Navigator VX is unlike any other navigation service offered today, providing customers with 3D navigation views using enhanced 3D city models and true-to-life images of highway and exit signs.
An evolution of ordinary direction services, the 3D capabilities of VZ Navigator VX are available in six cities at launch, including: Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Mo., New York, and Washington D.C., with more cities being added in 2011. The 3D city and road views add dimension to the turn-by-turn directions VZ Navigator VX offers. Other enhancements in the newest version include “real” signs and road views, satellite maps and day/night modes among other features.
“Verizon Wireless continues to add more to VZ Navigator, and VZ Navigator VX now gives our customers some of the most advanced mapping and navigation services available today,” said Kristi Crum, director, Consumer Solutions for Verizon Wireless. “Whether they are in a familiar place and need to get around more efficiently or exploring new territory in a car or on foot, customers can turn to VZ Navigator to get them where they want to go.”
VZ Navigator VX builds on existing location-based technology, including an easy-to-use interface, improved functionality for finding points of interest, the ability to run multiple VZ Navigator functions simultaneously within a navigation session and integration with Facebook®.
Customers can download VZ Navigator VX from the Android Market™. It is available for $9.99 a month for unlimited access, $4.99 for a weekly usage or $2.99 for a one-day/24-hour use. VZ Navigator VX is available initially on DROID X by Motorola, the Samsung Fascinate and the DROID Incredible by HTC with additional devices rolling out in 2011. Unlike traditional navigation devices that require annual upgrades to remain accurate, the monthly charge includes continuous updates to maps and points of interest. Download charges vary and airtime or megabyte charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications.
TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS), is a leader in location-based technology whose mobile services empower consumers to make quick, smart decisions when they’re on the go. For more information about TCS products and services, visit www.telecomsys.com.
[Thanks CharlieT]