Verizon is beefing up its VZ Navigator service to compel users to pay for location-based services in the age of the free Google Maps Navigation. Called Navigator X, the new version may be officially launched later in the day, though we don’t have that 100% confirmed.
UPDATE: The new VZ Navigator X has been officially announced!
Feature wise, expect such things as:
- “Virtual City Driving” – which means 3D buildings and graphics
- Smart Start – thanks to which you’ll be receiving directions from the start, even inside a parking garage
- Local search with Bing
- Local information – including gas prices, weather, movies and more.
- Smart Routes – pick how you want to go – car, truck, bicycle and walking. And choose what you want see while on a route (Points Of Interest).
- Smart Traffic – traffic updates every minute with data from 1.8 billion traffic probes. On the go detours are provided as well.
- Multiple views
- Overhead signs
- Multi-tasking support with voice directions
- Share your whereabouts with friends on Facebook
- Favorite destinations
- Integration with vznavigator.com for planning trips in advance.
All this could be yours for $9.99 a month. If that’s too much for you, Verizon will also offer VZ Navigator Maps, a free app with maps, directions and local traffic conditions…
[Via: Engadget]