Verizon Wireless Launches VZ Navigator VX Enabling DROID to Do Directions Like Never Before - In 3D

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.  

Verizon Wireless reminds customers that when behind the wheel, safe driving should always be the first priority.  For additional information and a full set of terms and conditions for VZ Navigator, visit www.verizonwireless.com/vznavigator.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

Subject to specific terms of use. Features, functionality and capabilities may vary on different devices and may require additional fees (such as text messaging, airtime or Roadside Assistance) and may require contracts with third parties (such as Facebook). Available only in the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area. Always use caution when displaying your location or other information to third parties. Do not attempt to enter or change information while driving. Traffic features are limited to major roadways in certain areas only. Accuracy and completeness of information is not guaranteed. The daily pricing option is available on select models. Downloading the VZ Navigator application will require approximately 2 MB of data. Megabyte charges will not be incurred for domestic use of the application after download to the device. Unlimited data allowance BlackBerry and smartphone subscribers will not incur download charges. Network details, coverage limitations and maps are available at www.verizonwireless.com.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless