I cannot imagine why Google would spend over 1 billion dollars on Waze just to kill it off. However, they continue developing their own Google Maps with GPS application, despite owning the Waze system. And that makes me wonder.
According to The Next Web, the most recent update to Google Maps for mobile devices includes the ability to calculate the quickest available route to a destination, and recalculate while en route and offer new directions if necessary.
Why continue to develop such thigns when they already own Waze that does this?
On the other hand, Waze has so many features Google Maps does not have, that I do not think too many people will consider Google Maps a viable alternative to Waze. Forgetting all the social aspects of Waze, there is the interface, the graphics, the voice giving directions, which make it much easier for a driver to follow the directions of the GPS.. rather than using Google which has a small map with a moving dot and no voice directions.
I think Waze still has a future, but I do not know if Google thinks that way.
Waze is just a great and useful app. It would be a shame to see it go for an inferior tool.
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ReplyDeleteI find Waze cluttered and confusing, much prefer Google Maps - which does have voice directions, BTW.
This week Coca Cola bought 10% of Green Mountain (GMCR) in order to develop together a Cold Brewing System which would allow them to compete with Soda Stream. GMCR said that the arrangement will not limit to brands that are available for their new system.
ReplyDeleteSometimes companies have multiple brands even though they make the same product. Sometimes developing multiple products can insure the long term growth of the company. Technology used in one can be adopted in the other product. The best product is not always going to win out on the popularity contest which determines the bottom line.
One of the contracts that Google is obligated to is not to close Waze. Google wants waze so it can track where we are. Waze is also a nice brand it can offer around the world without getting even more obnoxious in our face of taking over the world.
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