INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Google Maps is starting to look a lot more like Waze
Google today announced a series of new features that will allow drivers using the Maps app on iOS to report accidents, speed traps and
And on both iOS and Android, users will be able to report other driving hazards and incidents, like road construction, lane closures,
disabled vehicles and objects in the road — like debris
These are all core Waze features and among the primary reasons why many users opt for Waze over Google Maps.
Google had already offered
accident, speed trap and traffic slowdown reports on Android before today.
The new updates follow a steady launch of Waze-like additions to
the Google Maps app.
For example, Google launched speed limits and speed trap alerts in more than 40 countries in Google Maps back in May
And it had been testing various driving hazardalerts before now
Google Maps also previously adopted other Waze features, like the ability to add a stop to your route while in navigation mode, or the
ability to view nearby gas prices.
When you&re navigating your route in Google Maps, you can tap to add a report, then choose from a long
list that now includes: Crash, Speed Trap, Slowdown, Construction, Lane Closure, Disabled vehicle and Object on Road.
With the additions,
Google is chipping away at the many reasons why people still turn to Waze.
However, Waze is still better for planning a trip by connecting
to your personal calendar or Facebook events, while Google Maps has instead focused more on helping users plan their commutes
Waze also is more social and includes a carpooling service.
The benefit of more users switching to Maps means more aggregate data to help
power Google other products
Data collection from Google Maps is behind features like those that show the wait times, popular times and visit duration at local
Plus, Google Maps is a jumping off point for Google My Business platform, which has more recently been challenging Facebook Pages by
allowing Maps users to follow their favorite businesses to track promotions and events, and even message the businesses directly.
Google
says the new Google Maps features start rolling out globally on Android and iOS this week.
