Quick Summary
Google Maps is starting to roll out integration with Waze, the open source incident, accident and roadworks app.
It'll make Maps even better.
As Google promised this summer, it's bringing incident reporting from the Waze traffic information app to Maps – and that integration has finally begun.
And, when it reaches your iPhone or Android phone it's going to be one of the best upgrades Maps has had in years.
If you're not already familiar with Waze, it's an open source traffic reporting app – so if you encounter roadworks, an accident or other problems, you and your fellow drivers can report it.
That information is then available instantly to other app users, enabling them to route around it or find out how much it'll add to their journey time. And if the incident or obstacle is gone, you can let the app know so it's no longer warning other motorists.
Why Waze is worth waiting for
Google's parent, Alphabet, has owned Waze since 2013, and it's kept the app as a Maps alternative for all that time. But that's finally changing, and I for one can't wait.
I think the best way to put it is that Google Maps is by far the better driving app, but Waze is by far the better app for telling you about trouble. Unfortunately it's also – to my eyes – absolutely hideous and rather child-like in its design. So integrating Waze into Maps is a very welcome upgrade.
As 9to5Google reports, users are starting to see Waze information in Google Maps on their phones and also in Android Auto.
The examples we've seen so far are from users warning about police speed traps, which appear as an information banner in the main Maps interface: "Police reported ahead. From Waze drivers. Are they still there?"
As welcome as the integration is, there does appear to be some confusion over when the notifications and reporting options actually started. While the 9to5Google story is based on a Reddit report from this week, many users have replied to say they've been receiving Waze alerts for a month or more.
The confusion may simply be because this is a slow rollout.
-
Samsung Galaxy S24 phones are expected to get a major feature speed boost soonIt could be quicker than ever to gain access to your handset
-
Amerisleep launches its most cooling mattress yet – but it’ll cost youAmerisleep’s new AS6 Black Series could be its best mattress yet for temperature regulation
-
Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from SamsungAndroid XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
-
Google's "Willow" quantum chip won't just change future computers, it could change the worldWillow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
-
Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new directionNewly leaked images of a "Pixel 9a prototype" appear to confirm Google's changed design direction
-
Google Maps gets a big update that London visitors and commuters will especially loveStreet View now available for 18 major London Tube stations
-
Google's Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshingAnd it's compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
-
YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved featureWhat did you listen to most?
-
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims reportCould we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
-
Google TV Streamer finally getting the puzzle piece it's been missing since day oneSolves my biggest issue with the streaming device
