Google Maps and Waze have helped a number of users with their navigation services provided.
Google had acquired the popular navigation app Waze. However, Waze operates independently of Google Maps and has no integration whatsoever. Waze provides some nifty features with regards to keeping users engaged.
Google Maps is considered to be one of the most widely used apps for navigation purposes. Users across iOS and Android use this application. Google Maps proves to be great, providing accurate maps and other real time information with respect to traffic, upcoming venues, estimated travel time and much more. These features were powered by Waze and were introduced into Google Maps with the acquisition. All of these features are provided in addition to the basic navigation features of searching for travel directions on the map. The application also provides wonderful integration corresponding to different modes of travel. Information regarding travelling by public transport, cars and even cycling and walking is readily available. Detailed directions and estimated time of travel are also provided for every mode selected by the user. The map also lists upcoming venues and landmarks en route. This greatly helps users take into account any stops and tasks that they may want to complete during the course of their travel. In case of traffic blockages, the application also provides really handy multiple route options. This helps save a lot of time during commuting.
Waze is widely used by people who want turn by turn directions during travel. Many users who have used this app to reach a destination prefer to save it to be used in the future. Waze also provides real time updates with regards to traffic. These updates are based on other active Waze users and they prove to be pretty effective. Updates are based on both active and passive feedback and any sort of such feedback from other users will affect the user’s updates. Waze gathers all passive and active feedback and effectively helps navigation for others.
When it comes to user interfaces however, the Waze application is not nearly as friendly and intuitive as Google Maps. The buttons are tiny in size and a series of steps are involved to execute commands. Voice commands are supported, but need some time to be enabled and also to get used to. Text to speech provided by Waze is generally slow and often leads to users missing their desired turns during travel.
Waze is a wonderful application which has been specially designed for anybody who drives or travels around. However, it is not an app which is supposed to rival Google Maps. Rather, it can take up a brilliant complementary role alongside Google Maps. By using both these apps in conjunction, users can be provided with excellent navigation and can always rely on the time and distance estimates. Maps are generally accurate. Also, the provision of real time statistics proves to extremely useful as travellers get notified of any unforeseen traffic accident or delays that may occur on the way to their destination.
