Simplifying its app for users, Waze removes one crowdsourced reporting choice،
Can you believe it's been almost 11 years since Google bought Waze for over $1 billion? Many people were confused at the time, and many still are, as to why Google made this acquisition, given that it owned the number one navigation app in Google Maps. Part of the reason was to allow Google to get some of the features that Waze offers, but not Google Maps.
The fact is that the two navigation applications are aimed at different users. Google Maps not only shows you how to get from point “A” to point “B” quickly and safely, but it also shows you where to go when you get to “B” if you want a meal, need a hotel room, want to be entertained, need a cup of Joe or want to visit a local landmark. Waze, on the other hand, is travel-focused, and instead of using data and algorithms, Waze relies on collaborative information that Waze community members share using their phones.
The blocked lane option includes a vehicle stuck on the road
According to Self-evolution, Waze has removed the option for users to report the presence of a “vehicle on the road”. This was an important road hazard to be aware of, as no one wants to be driving at the speed limit only to end up rear-ending the stuck car. But Waze wanted to simplify the reporting options and thought users would understand that the new “lane blocked” option could also include “vehicle on road.” After all, a vehicle stuck on a road usually also blocks a lane.
According to a survey conducted by financial app MarketWatch, Google Maps is the most popular navigation app, with 70% of respondents saying they use it for navigation. Waze comes in second place with 27% of respondents admitting to using the application. Apple Maps, available only on Apple devices, is used by 25% of respondents.
