It’s been roughly seven months since Google (News - Alert) scooped up Waze under the nose of Facebook, which was also interested in the map software provider. In that time, people have had plenty of time to speculate as to how exactly Waze would ultimately be integrated into Google’s products and services. Most figured Waze’s capabilities would simply be integrated into Google Maps, while others saw the possibility of connected cars.
Well, the speculation can be put to rest as one of Waze’s premiere features — the ability to intelligently reroute users — has resurfaced as part of Google Maps.
In other words, Google Maps — specifically, the Android (News - Alert) and iOS versions of it — can now get drivers to where they’re going more quickly by actively avoiding traffic accidents or other significant delays. It works quite nicely too.
If you’re using Google Maps for navigation purpose while on the road and a faster route becomes available, you’ll simply receive a pop up notification at the bottom of the screen. This notification can then be selected or ignored. If the latter option is chosen, the pop up will disappear after 30 seconds. Accepting the new route, on the other hand, requires a mere tap of the screen.
This feature still relies on the efforts of Waze users, who can still report and share real-time traffic and road information while on the go, but is also improved upon somewhat thanks to a bit of Google magic. For starters, the sheer number of Google Maps users allows this feature to be more accurate and timely than in the Waze-only days. Secondly, legitimate Google tech — like its neural network, which is capable of indentifying house numbers in Google Street View — should also allow for a smoother experience.
Still, as it says on Waze’s website, “nothing can beat real people working together,” so be sure to contribute when you can.
Edited by Cassandra Tucker
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