Verizon Wireless today announced that the newest version of VZ Navigator will be available in April, able to access traffic incidents, traffic updates and find detours around traffic congestion and accidents. In addition, VZ Navigator will offer 3D perspective view, a movie and events finder, weather reports and forecasts, and gas prices at nearby gas stations.

Powered by Networks In Motion, VZ Navigator uses GPS technology and real-time information feeds. When the new version launches in April, customers in 75 cities will be able to access the new traffic integration feature. Routes will be calculated using both historical and real-time reported traffic information. The historical information will let users see on average whether the traffic is impacted by traffic lights, heavy traffic or school zones. VZ Navigator's historical data covers over 750,000 miles of roads in 48 states across the nation, making travel time estimates more accurate.

The incident and flow information will tell users how traffic is flowing, and will include details about reported accidents, disabled vehicles and congestion. NIM's Traffic Tracking Center continually monitors conditions along the customers' routes, sending proactive alerts to drivers about conditions ahead of them on their chosen routes. Detour options allow for comparison of ETA and conditions, before selecting a new route. Traffic information is powered by NAVTEQ Traffic. Other new features customers can expect to see on VZ Navigator (Version 4) include:

- Local Movies and Events - Customers can search for show times, critics' ratings and other details for movies, concerts, plays, sporting events and other social events based on the physical location of their phones
- 3D Perspective View - Enhances navigation by displaying maps from angles customers would see through car windshields, making it easier to visualize turn-by-turn directions
- Gas Finder - Provides customers with information on the location of gas stations close to their physical location and even provides gas prices at many gas stations in the area
- Weather - Provides current weather conditions and forecasts based on the physical location of their phones without manually imputting an address

VZ Navigator (Version 4) will be available next month for $9.99 for unlimited monthly access or $2.99 for one-day use. Verizon Wireless customers who currently have a subscription to VZ Navigator can get a free upgrade.

1. Posted by gokorngo341	Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:06 am
Verizon just keeps finding ways to make their stuff better and better. Gotta love Verizon.
2. Posted by IOWA	Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:50 pm
Verizon just keeps finding ways to make their stuff better and better. Gotta love Verizon. Your Last ten posts have said nearly the same exact thing.

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