Waze is a free GPS app owned by Google that provides you with up-to-date navigation and traffic information for any trip. Although it’s most dynamic when connected to your cellular service, the app has offline capabilities, allowing you to access routes without reception.
The company acquired Waze in 2013, when Larry Page was CEO of Google. Google paid around $1.3 billion for the navigation app, but Waze’s former CEO criticized Google’s handling of the product.
Several rounds of layoffs at Google have impacted Waze, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, following its merger with Google Maps into a Google Geo division. Google Geo also includes Google Earth and Google Street View.
Is Waze better than Google Maps?
Waze maps the fastest route and provides real-time information on traffic conditions, speed cameras and other Wazers on the road. Michelle Mark/Business Insider
Like Google or Apple Maps, the easiest way to use Waze is to get turn-by-turn directions. For example, you can choose the quickest route, avoid tolls, or share your journey and ETA, which can be especially useful when meeting a group.
Waze stands out from other GPS tools because of its unusual social focus for a GPS tool. Not only does the app let you see other Wazers on the road with you, but it also offers two different chat options.
Waze and Google Maps share many similarities, but Waze is known for being car-focused with real-time updates on conditions and the fastest routes. Google Maps, on the other hand, is a more traditional navigation app, but it offers options for walking, driving, cycling, and public transportation. It also has features like Google Street View, which offers 360-degree visuals of locations.
New Waze features
Today, Waze offers even more social updates to help drivers stay safe on the road. Using insights from local Waze drivers, these new updates will help drivers get insights on navigating roads, finding parking, and more.
These updates are expected to roll out in 2024 globally on Android and iOS.
Navigate difficult roundabouts
Knowing how to navigate a roundabout can be confusing, especially if you’re a new driver in an unfamiliar area.
With the new Waze update, thanks to their community members, drivers can clearly see when to enter, which lane to choose and where to exit, so they never miss your turn.
Emergency Vehicle Alerts
Now drivers can be alerted in advance when emergency vehicles like ambulances approach or stop on your route.
Waze drivers will be notified and can adjust their driving accordingly, keeping you and first responders safe.
Michelle Mark/Business Insider
Speed limit alerts
No one likes getting a costly speeding ticket. With Waze’s speed limit alerts, drivers can slow down and safely adapt to changing road conditions.
Waze will notify you when a speed limit is about to decrease along your route, giving you plenty of time to slow down and adjust to the new speed.
Local hazard alerts
Driving in a new city or town can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to driving.
While the Waze app already offers alerts about hazards such as potholes, railroad crossings or bad weather, Wazers will also receive early warning signs for new hazards like sharp turns, speed bumps and tolls.
Michelle Mark/Business Insider
Stress-free parking reservations
Waze is expanding its parking features to provide Wazers with stress-free parking.
The new app feature offers detailed parking information, including cost, coverage, wheelchair accessibility, valet options and availability of electric vehicle charging stations. Wazers will even be able to reserve a parking space from the Waze app to save you time.
Waze is expanding its parking features: soon, users will be able to reserve a space through the app. Michelle Mark/Business Insider
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