US wireless operator Verizon Wireless yesterday introduced the latest version of their off-board navigation system, VZ Navigator 5.0, powered by Networks In Motion (NIM), a company recently acquired by TCS.

VZ Navigator now offers Facebook integration, allowing users to update their Facebook statuses directly through VZ Navigator, with the option to include and share their locations. Customers can also use Verizon Wireless' Roadside Assistance service to send their location to a dispatcher so assistance may reach them more quickly.

Following on the acquisition of TrafficGauge by NIM in March 2009 (read story here), VZ Navigator now offers an opt-in system that anonymously send real-time location and speed to the VZ Navigator traffic reporting service, allowing quicker notifications and improved accuracy for all users.

In addition, VZ Navigator now has voice recognition ("Say It" mode) on select Windows Mobile and Blackberry Smartphones.

VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 a month for unlimited access or $2.99 for a one-day/24-hour use; interestingly these prices have not changed since the initial launch of the application four years ago.