Driver-Generated Live Maps for Android: Waze Review

Waze is not your average navigation application. Nor is it merely a mobile 'radar detector' of sorts. It combines the technology of GPS and a mobile community to enable you to get to your destination with the least amount of obstacles standing in the way.  See full review after the fold.

Features

• Navigation – Get directions to your destination, or just browse the local map.
• Events Monitor – Receive up to the minute information on local traffic load, accidents, speed traps, traffic cameras, hazards, and available parking.
• Ability to report events, including upload pictures and commentary

• Live input of data into system due to user interaction and the ability to track an unusual/unexpected slow down in traffic.
• The driver generates real time data, which is then added to the application (while retaining the user's anonymity.   

• The application can learn routes and have alternate routes show up as on option when traffic hits.

  Teach Waze – When requesting directions from point a to point b, you will have the option to go with a default route or to 'teach waze' an alternative way of getting to your destination.  

• Ability to report map errors  
• Chitchat – Update your status, including a blurb, mood, direction, and optional picture.  

Interface

• Me on map – Focus the map to pinpoint your current location.
• Search – Input your destination and either save it or get directions.
• Events – Get live info on police, traffic, accidents, and more.
• Report – Police, traffic load, accident, hazard, speed cam, chit chat, and available parking.
• Navigate – View the cardinal direction and zoom in/out, or just save a pinpointed location.
• Update map – You, the user, have the ability to update the map, including record new roads, update house number, or report a map problem.

Location

Already fully up and running in Israel. In a public alpha mode in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Coming soon to Chicago and Boston.

Platform 

The Waze app is supported on Android and Windows Mobile phones. Compatibility with the iPhone, Symbian, and J2ME is in the works and is said to be coming out soon.

Cost: Free

Suggested Improvements

• Consider a public transportation feature (especially for San Francisco, where many people use public transit to get around)
• Slightly larger selection fields to accommodate all users and eliminate potential misclicks on functions 

Conclusion

So, does it actually do what it says it can? Absolutely. But, since it's still in alpha mode, there are a few areas that could be smoothed down. That is what makes the ability for users to update and build on the map themselves so great – a map made for drivers by drivers.

guest writer credit A. Ross

Check out our older post about Waze