Waze: The Newest GPS Navigation App

With voice direction tools, various map viewing styles, the ability to get directions for different means of transportation and great service, Google Maps is simply one of the best navigations app in the market. 
 
However, over the past year, an app called Waze has quickly gained the attention of smartphone users. Waze is a community-based GPS navigation system that uses data given by people active on the app to figure out real-time traffic updates, faster routes, obstacles on the road and much more. Waze is unique in that it is constantly updating in real-time to give the user the fastest route to arrive at their destination.
 
Google acquired Waze in the summer of 2013. Although Google Maps now uses data from Waze, there are still many differences between the two apps. This article will go over the benefits of using Waze as well as how it compares to Google Maps.
 

Real-Time Navigation

Although Google Maps now pulls its data from Waze, the app still does not pick or change routes in real-time like Waze does. While you are on a route, other users on the app can report traffic and other delays. The app will then let you know if there is a quicker route available for you to take. You can now beat hours of traffic by taking backroads and other detours.
 
The app also lets you know how long the stop-and-go traffic will take. Instead of just showing a red line indicating heavy traffic, it will tell you how long it will take to pass the traffic.
 

Coordinating with Friends

Waze lets you connect to Facebook and share your location on the road to find out when your friends are coming to your destination. This helps users find out how far their friends are from arriving. You can see real-time ETAs for your friends and also coordinate pick-up and drop-off times. 
 

Reporting

You can find out when a police car is coming up on your route since users can report police officers, hazards and other accidents through the app. Every time you see something that can be reported, you can do it on the app and then other users can either confirm or reject your reporting. This helps users manage and figure out their route.

Users can also report gas prices with the app. This will let you find the cheapest gas station in your area.

“Outsmarting traffic, together” is the motto for Waze. That is exactly what the app helps users do with real-time updates and synching with friends and other users.