Google announced in a blog post today that it is implementing some of Waze's features in the Google Maps applications for both iOS and Android. Beginning today (the update is rolling out gradually), users of both devices will be able to view real-time incident reports from Waze users, including accidents, construction zones, road closures and more.
The rollout is currently limited to 13 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico, and will rely on data from Waze's user base, which was reported in June to be nearing 50 million users.
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Users of Waze are not being left in the dark either, as Google will be gradually rolling out its powerful Search feature into both the web and mobile versions of the Waze service, which will allow for more accurate search results, including the ability to search for local businesses and specific addresses. The Waze Map Editor also features Google Street View after a public beta testing period, which should allow for more accurate maps and route planning.
Waze began as an Israeli startup back in 2008 and was acquired by Google in June of this year for a reported $1.03 billion. It had been rumored that Apple was considering purchasing the company in order to improve its own mapping service, which suffered a number of teething problems since the start, but the deal reportedly fell through over differences in Waze's perceived valuation. Unlike other Google buyouts, such as that of Sparrow, the development of Waze is still active and there are currently no plans to merge the two products.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Google is so far ahead in the Maps department that it barely qualifies as a real competition.
Sarcasm?????
Apple was never number one.
Exactly what does Apple want to stay "number 1" at?
They aren't #1 in the mobile arena
They aren't #1 in the desktop OS arena
They aren't #1 in total apps in App Store
They are #1 in a dying market of iPods and currently Profit in App Market profit.
They are barely hanging on if they even are to a single vendor being number 1 with Samsung far exceeding Apple in sales in the last 3 quarters.
What do you want Apple to stay #1 in?
Wake up and read an article outside of an Apple Forum. The market is not what it was when the iPhone had no real competition and never will be again.
everybody, chill! it was just a mistake, i wanted to write google
apple maps isn't the number 1 maps apps and they never were
apple wants to stay number 1, and that's why they're constantly updating nad improving their maps app
Exactly what does Apple want to stay "number 1" at?
They aren't #1 in the mobile arena
They aren't #1 in the desktop OS arena
They aren't #1 in total apps in App Store
They are #1 in a dying market of iPods and currently Profit in App Market profit.
They are barely hanging on if they even are to a single vendor being number 1 with Samsung far exceeding Apple in sales in the last 3 quarters.
What do you want Apple to stay #1 in?
Wake up and read an article outside of an Apple Forum. The market is not what it was when the iPhone had no real competition and never will be again.
I am sure the scores of loyal waze users are happy and love the product but for me, the UI is too "Fisher Price - My first Navigation App" for me. And those smiley face logos are pointless/useless/absolutely unnecessary.
I am a loyal google maps user and will remain that way until something better comes out.
You know you can turn off 95% of those right?
I am a loyal google maps user and will remain that way until something better comes out.