VZ Navigator
VZ Navigator is a GPS navigation software by Verizon Wireless. It is compatible with many recent Verizon 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 is forced to 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.
Recently, a service was added to sync VZ Navigator with an online map browser. 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 the addresses can be easily imported into the webpage.
The cost is $2.99 per day or $9.99 per month. VZ Navigator was recently made "airtime free", meaning it will not use calling minutes during server access.