Waze and Google Maps belong to Google, and although they may seem to have the same purpose, they are different pieces of software built with distinct purposes in mind.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Google Maps has been, is, and will continue to be your all-in-one mapping platform. Its purpose is to provide users with detailed maps, exploration capabilities, road-level imagery, and other features that don't make sense in navigation apps.
As Google Maps focuses more on the monetization part of business, it's increasingly focused on store information, reviews, hours, and other data that could help the search giant bring home the bacon.
Google Maps also includes a navigation component, which many users rely on to get directions to their destinations. Google has also sought to improve its navigation focus, but its priorities remain innovative features in other categories.
Waze, on the other hand, hasn't improved much in recent years. The only major update is the redesign that was released a few weeks ago. This simplifies reporting operations and makes it easier for users to flag specific hazard locations on the map. Otherwise, Waze didn't offer any major features and stuck with a lineup that worked but felt outdated.
Waze already donates traffic and other data to Google Maps, so it feels like it's time to get something in return. And your transition from Google Maps to Waze should start with these features.
offline map
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
I know what you're thinking. Waze's offline maps don't make much sense since the application requires an internet connection to download and upload traffic data.
That's true, but Waze shouldn't leave users struggling to figure out which method to use if their internet connection is unavailable. Waze requires offline maps to continue the navigation experience and make it clear to users that they cannot get up-to-date traffic information and reports sent by other users.
Waze can currently only work offline using cached routes. If you set up your route while an internet connection is still available, the application can still provide turn-by-turn guidance. When you go offline, Waze will follow the same route without downloading new traffic data or finding alternate routes.
Google Maps works like a traditional navigation device, even when no internet connection is available. Find routes, provide turn-by-turn information, and generate alternative routes. Traffic information is not downloaded, so you don't know where traffic jams may occur.
environmentally friendly route
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Eco-friendly routes, launched in Google Maps in 2021, are a great idea that fits perfectly into the Waze concept.
Compared to the fastest route typically generated by a navigation app, a greener route takes into account more factors, such as road slope and traffic conditions. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while driving to a destination.
Google says the feature is already working its magic, significantly reducing emissions since its debut three years ago. Google claims its green routes will reduce emissions equivalent to taking 500,000 cars off the road.
Waze searches for the fastest route by default. This is an approach that perfectly aligns with the concept of powering apps, as keeping them updated with real-time traffic conditions helps them find faster routes to their destinations.
However, eco-friendly routes can take your navigation experience to a new level, especially in crowded areas. Since heavy traffic is closely related to high emissions, Waze has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
The application can find the busiest intersections and help drivers avoid them, helping to reduce emissions, even if it means adding a minute or two to their ETA. there is a possibility. Similar to Google Maps, green routes should be optional, so drivers can still choose how they use Waze. If the ETA of a greener route does not increase significantly, it should be preferred over the fastest route.
interface
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
I know what you think, but before you rush to the comments section and tell me I'm wrong because the new Google Maps suck, hear me out.
Waze has a cartoonish interface that makes no sense for modern software, and I'm surprised the parent company hasn't tried to improve it in recent years. The interface remains largely unchanged, and gamification items such as atmosphere only contribute to a cluttered UI without any real benefit to the user.
Even though Google is trying to turn Google Maps into a money-making machine, the application still has a cleaner, simpler, and more modern UI. I don't like the new colors either, but I'm gradually getting used to them, so it's only a matter of time before everyone is the same.
Waze's UI is terrible, and many readers have told me they don't use the app because of the interface. Can't blame them. Waze needs a better UI that doesn't look like it was designed by a child. Looking at Google Maps can be a good way to start improving your application in this important direction.
