For greater efficiency, Google Maps and Waze will cross-reference reports from their communities while making them more practical. A destination navigation function and other new features are also making their appearance.
The development of Google Maps and Waze now go hand in hand, with the American giant having bought the Israeli application in 2013 and merging the development teams in December 2022. The two mapping services now benefit from each other’s strengths: Google Maps provides the tons of data collected by the firm’s services, while Waze relies on its participatory community of 151 million users, who report speed limits, accidents, and even danger and road control zones. In short, everyone wins!
In a blog postGoogle announces several updates for its navigation applications. These additions promise to improve the safety and practicality of journeys. One of Waze’s major functions, community reports, will also be arriving on Google Maps. Although they already existed on the Google app, they were much less used than on Waze. They are therefore becoming more practical!
Google Maps and Waze: reports common to both apps
With this new update, alerts are now common to both apps – they were previously developed independently, so they could sometimes lack precision in reporting incidents or displaying local traffic rules. In addition, users will be able to more easily report accidents, slowdowns, mobile speed cameras, nearby roadworks, lane closures and other incidents thanks to larger icons, therefore easier to tap, and clearly colored reporting options. Other drivers can also confirm the information with a simple tap to do their part. Everything is quickly available so as not to engage the driver in a long tunnel of options – remember that you are not supposed to use your smartphone while driving. The update is currently being rolled out worldwide on Android, iOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Google Maps and Waze are getting another nice improvement, namely a Destination Guidance feature. “Now, when you drive to a location, Maps’ new destination guidance automatically illuminates your building and its entrance as you approach, in addition to showing you nearby parking.”the internet giant explains. This is particularly useful for drivers visiting unfamiliar locations, with the app highlighting points of interest such as nearby parking on the map. Again, the feature is starting to roll out globally on Android, iOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Waze is also getting alerts for new types of speed cameras, which cover violations like speeding, red light running, and improper lane use. Now, if users approach a speed camera that’s registered in the system, the app will display what type it is. Additionally, road closures due to nearby events will be proactively displayed in the future, including general information about the event. Based on community input and data from local authorities, these improvements are rolling out to Android and iOS. Additionally, Waze is now offering lock screen navigation, which will allow drivers to receive real-time directions even when their phone is locked. The feature will be available on iOS starting this fall.