Navigational software service MapQuest partnered with Telmap Inc. to make available its newest version of its voice-guided, GPS-enabled wireless application MapQuest Navigator 5.0.

Those who sign up for the new service at http://navigator.mapquest.com between now and Dec. 31 can download it directly to their handset for $4.99 per month.

"We believe that making more local content available for the consumer through mobile navigation will increase the use of these services in day-to-day life activities," said David Singer, vice president and general manager of Telmap, Denver, CO.

"In partnership with MapQuest, our goal is to enhance consumer satisfaction with an application that offers much more than navigation," he said
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Navigator 5.0 offers live traffic views, gas price and station locator, and City's Best ratings from AOL's CityGuide.

Consumers place high value on location-based services, particularly personal navigation. According to a recent J.D. Power and Associates survey, 40 percent of smartphone users want their phone to have GPS.

The Live Traffic feature is powered by INRIX, provider of traffic-flow information within the United States. Navigator 5.0 lets users see the latest traffic flow along their route, get traffic alerts and reroute information according to live traffic conditions in more than 106 markets.

AOL CityGuide provides Navigator 5.0 users with local listings and ratings of restaurants and nightlife information for approximately 40 of the top cities nationwide.
Navigator 5.0 will also allow users to find the lowest fuel prices nearest to their location and search by station brand, distance or fuel type.

Street names and navigation instructions are voice-announced along the route in advance of turns. In addition, cross-streets are labeled on the display. The voice interface specifies the destination as "on the left" or "on the right" upon arrival.

The new application includes full-color 3D moving maps, allowing users to gain an above-view and forward-looking perspective as they travel.