Being an iPhone consumer, I found Google Maps to be the best in navigation for my phone. That is until I was introduced to a new Israeli-founded app “Waze”, featuring turn-by-turn navigation accompanied by user submitted traffic reports, route details, and more!
Some Background Information
“Waze” offers what every other navigation app offers in terms of semi-updated traffic reports, and the ability to re-route your travels. What really sells the clever name is the ability to report on different variables that would effect one’s travel time. Such as, breakdowns, construction, heavy traffic, power lines down, etc.
The name “Waze” is very clever. If spoken, it sounds like the plural of “way” which fits perfectly with a navigation system. When writing the name, think about a worst case scenario; you are stuck in a maze, what are you going to do? Try to navigate out of the maze. Flip the “M” in maze and you have “Waze“! Genius!
Although “Waze” is free to download, it is a community-driven (no pun intended) app so users are urged to help our fellow “Waze” members and update the app with traffic updates, breakdowns, etc.
Details Surrounding Google’s Purchase of “Waze”
Google inc. wasn’t the first company to approach “Waze”, as Facebook was a lead buyer. Negotiations between Facebook and Waze Ltd eventually became very heated. After Facebook’s proposed deal to buy Waze Ltd for over $1Billion US dollars fell through, Google inc. started talking to the popular company. Reports are coming in saying that Google and Waze Ltd have reached an agreement that Haaretz Newspaper of Israel says “exceed(s) US $1 billion”.
“Waze’s” CEO, Noam Bardin, confirms that no matter what company purchases the popular app, the headquarters is to stay in Israel for at least the coming 3 years; with the original staff still working to improve the app that over 4 million smartphone users have downloaded. Many reports show that these conditions are what led the deal between Waze Ltd and Facebook falling through.
What Does This Mean For The Future Of Google?
If the reports are true and Google inc. does acquire “Waze”, we can expect some changes to the popular feature Google Maps. “Waze” offers many features that Google Maps has yet to implement. Many can see the combination of these two popular apps making a competition-destroying navigation app backed by Google’s servers and technology and “Waze’s” community of over 50 million users (according to Yahoo!).
All eyes are on the potential deal that could develop a groundbreaking navigation app.
What Do You Think?
If you have used “Waze”, let us know what you think of it! Are you excited for the potential purchase of Waze Ltd by Google inc. ?
Who knows? This might help next time you are late to a midnight release or a LAN party!
Published: Jun 20, 2013 05:10 pm