Waze is a GPS navigation app owned by Google that is widely renowned for providing real-time traffic data as well as alerting drivers of things such as speed traps and accidents.
Users can customize their experience by providing vehicle details, selecting preferred gas stations and toll passes and more. Furthermore, Google Maps features unique to this app such as reporting electric vehicle charging stations that Apple Maps doesn’t.
1. Go to Settings
If you use Waze on an iPhone, there’s a simple way to stop it from automatically downloading updates in the background and draining battery power: head into Settings, Privacy, Location Services and switch it off. Likewise this works for apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat; music downloads as well.
Waze’s latest update highlights roads that have experienced frequent crashes or accidents by marking them red to alert drivers that these routes should be avoided during rush hour traffic or poor weather conditions. This should keep everyone safer on the roads.
Waze is adding electric vehicle (EV) charging station information to its maps, helping drivers quickly locate stations that are open and near their current location. Local map editors in the community will be able to update this data live and Waze will show drivers which stations are on their route. Although this feature has begun rolling out gradually, it could take up to several weeks before reaching your device.
Waze recently received another upgrade with support for Apple CarPlay dashboard. This split-screen view displays your map, next directions and audio controls for easier and safer driving navigation. Until now it had only been available through Apple Maps; Google’s own Waze was optimized more towards walking or public transportation use than this version from Apple.
Waze has added several recent features that enable users to personalize their navigation experience, including a Voice Recorder that lets them create personalized guidance prompts. This gives navigation service more personality and charm; so users can channel their best commanding or playful personality for guidance prompts while on the road. While this feature wasn’t present when Google Maps launched years ago, independent apps like Waze have the advantage of offering unique offerings to the market that Google can’t.
2. Go to Privacy
Uber and Waze apps were previously able to use your location without your knowledge, typically by asking permission to access it from within an app itself. Apple’s iOS 11 now puts an end to that practice with its “While Using” feature which requires apps only use your location when they are actively being used by you.
Google purchased Waze last year and is slowly incorporating some of its features into Google Maps app. Starting on Tuesday, Waze users will begin receiving incident reports relating to traffic congestion, road closures and accidents on both the mobile and desktop versions of Google Maps. This information includes traffic management updates as well as road closure notifications.
According to a tipter who sent The Verge a screenshot of its new dashboard view, Waze is also providing updated EV charging information in its maps. This feature is being phased in now, though it could take several weeks before reaching all parts of the world.
Another update aims to enhance the GPS accuracy of mapping software, giving more precise arrival times when driving directions are provided. Furthermore, your dashboard now features a status bar displaying your signal strength; good fix indicates working GPS while poor fix means weak or no signal strength is present.
Waze’s latest version also provides support for CarPlay, allowing drivers to access navigation and other features with just a press of a button on the steering wheel. Apple Maps already provides similar capabilities and information such as weather, air quality and pollution levels; but Waze is designed specifically for driving and allows you to report traffic, police activity and hazards like flooding or ice on roads – it even lets users report hazards such as flooding. Waze can be found both for iPhone and Android devices on App Store; both offer free trials before subscribing – perfect for long journeys or areas with heavy traffic congestion!
3. Go to Location Services
Waze is a GPS navigation app owned by Google that blends map data with real-time contributions from its users. Offering turn-by-turn directions (with celebrity voices!), traffic stop information, speed trap locations, speedtrap speeds, road hazards such as construction sites or flooding, as well as crowdsourced information like traffic lights or speed traps, Waze also allows its users to submit map edits.
However, while the app is available on both iOS and Android, Apple owners can only gain access to its features using CarPlay. Apple currently only supports their own applications through CarPlay but has promised support for third-party navigation apps in iOS 12 when released.
Waze’s latest update provides users with accurate maps that are constantly available and easily download them via WiFi or mobile data connections, but users can manually do this too by selecting “Download for offline use” in the menu.
Another update will allow you to quickly report road closures, accidents and police activity with just a tap of a button. You can choose to report it anonymously or not; either way the app will notify nearby users about it – potentially saving them from driving into danger or accidentally passing through an officer blockade.
Geektime blog reports that Waze will soon provide drivers with alerts when they’re driving on roads known for crashes and accidents, making the feature particularly helpful for long commutes or on routes they rarely travel. This feature may prove especially valuable when used to travel longer distances on unfamiliar routes.
This update will also enhance EV charging information on Google Maps; however, this process could take up to several weeks in reaching all locations around the world.
4. Go to Waze
Even after Google acquired Waze in 2013, its real-time traffic and navigation app remains independent of them. Recently, Waze became only the second third-party navigation app (Mapps was first) to add support for CarPlay; you can access most features of Waze through CarPlay such as reporting traffic jams, accidents, police presence or road hazards such as flooding. You can also switch on and off day/night modes and alter graphics used to represent your vehicle.
Another new feature introduced in Waze is to highlight roads with a history of accidents or issues. While you’ll still get this information from your map, the app now provides additional warning about these “dangerous roads.” This provides another great way to stay safe during daily commutes while preventing potential issues that may arise.
Warnings will also alert you if you’re traveling along roads with high levels of air pollution; simply tap the map and select “Air quality”.
Waze is now offering updated EV charging locations on its maps, with local map editors reporting this real-time information so it remains accurate and comprehensive. This update is rolling out now but could take several weeks before reaching your area.