Google is updating its two navigation apps — Google Maps and Waze — with a slew of new features, including some changes that bring the two closer together.
Technology
Google Maps is getting even more like Waze
Google Maps gets a new Waze-like traffic incident report UI and a new guidance feature that helps you find the main entrance. Waze now supports multiple traffic camera types.
One of the big updates here continues to integrate the biggest features from Waze directly into Maps. For Maps, improved Waze-like incident reporting adds larger icons to share updates like road closures, construction, speed cameras, or police presence. Other drivers will be prompted to confirm incidents with a tap.
It can feel like Waze and Google Maps are on a collision course, but the two apps continue to remain separate. Can Comertoglu, group project manager for Google Maps, told The Verge at a press briefing on Tuesday that Waze users are very dedicated, saying, “They prefer some of the things that Waze does over Google Maps, and we know the reverse is true as well.†Waze has over 500,000 contributors, Waze director Tim Queenan tells us.
Google Maps service is also adding new destination guidance that will identify a building’s entrance as you approach it. The feature will pinpoint the exact building you’re navigating to by highlighting it in red, with a green indicator pointing to the main entrance of the building. Google will also start showing nearby parking lots.
The improved incident reporting is rolling out now to Google Maps on Android, iOS, cars with Google built-in, and Android Auto and Apple Carplay, while the destination guidance is rolling out “in the coming weeks.â€
Not to be overshadowed by Google Maps, Waze is getting some new tricks, too. Waze users can now report new types of traffic cameras, like those that go off if you drive in the bus or HOV lanes or those that check for seat belts and whether you’re texting and driving.Â
Waze also has a new dedicated experience for event information that can tell you about road closures for area happenings, like a marathon, concert, or ball game. You’ll get a push notification after the first road closure for an event that is near your work, home address, or somewhere you drove recently. The new feature is launching with the 2024 Olympic games and will roll out for future events as well.
Correction, August 1st: An earlier version of this article misstated Can Comertoglu’s title. It is Google Maps group project manager, not Google Maps head of product.