Waze, the navigation app, continues to innovate and improve user experience. Today (Wednesday), the company announced a series of new features designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable. These include navigation with a locked screen, dedicated alerts for large events affecting traffic, and speed camera notifications.
From now on, you can report new types of traffic cameras, such as those enforcing public transport lanes, speed bumps, seatbelt usage, and even mobile phone usage while driving.
Additionally, Waze will offer a dedicated experience for information on large events, providing updates on road closures due to specific events like marathons or sports games. Moreover, Waze will also alert drivers about driving in public transport lanes.
Furthermore, Google continues to integrate popular Waze features directly into Google Maps. The service will enhance event reporting in the Waze style, adding larger icons for updates like road closures, construction, speed cameras, or police presence. Other drivers will be prompted to confirm events with a tap.
Despite the increasing overlap, Google emphasizes that Waze and Google Maps will continue to exist as separate apps. Kaan Comertoglu, Head of Product at Google Maps, noted that Waze users have unique preferences, as do Maps users.
In addition to event reporting improvements, Google will also introduce a new destination guidance feature. This feature will identify the entrance to a building as you approach it, highlighting the exact building in red with a green arrow pointing to the main entrance. Google will also start displaying nearby parking lots.