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.
One of the big updates here continues to integrate the biggest features from Waze directly into Maps. Maps is getting improved Waze-like incident reporting that 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. Head of product for Google Maps Can Comertoglu told The Verge at a press briefing on Tuesday that Waze users are very dedicated. “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.”
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 ones that go off if you drive in the bus or HOV lanes, or ones that check for seatbelts and whether you’re texting and driving.
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 ballgame. You’ll get a push notification after the first road closure for an event that is near your work or home address, or somewhere you drove to recently. The new feature is launching with the 2024 Olympic games and will roll out for future events as well.
