Waze Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Driving just isn’t the same without these 6 underrated Android Auto apps

Android Auto allows users to connect their Android smartphones for access to music, information, and navigation tools while driving. Several lesser-known apps can enhance the driving experience: - Musicolet: An offline music player that supports podcasts and audiobooks, featuring a clean interface and customization options. - Weather & Radar: Provides real-time weather updates, including live radar data for rain, wind, and temperature. - OsmAnd: A navigation app using OpenStreetMap data, offering detailed information for rural areas and customizable map styles. - RadioTime: Accesses a wide range of global radio stations, with an easy-to-use interface for Android Auto. - Fuelio: Helps locate fuel stations with real-time pricing and tracks refueling history, vehicle mileage, and expenses. - Podcast Republic: A podcast app that allows easy browsing of downloaded content and discovering new podcasts.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

I hate to say it, but it’s time for Google to merge Waze into Maps

The author grapples with the decision of whether to use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, noting that Google Maps is their default choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive points of interest. However, they find that Waze often provides better real-time traffic updates and alerts about hazards. There is speculation about a potential merger between Waze and Google Maps, which could create a more effective navigation tool, but concerns exist about alienating Waze's user community. The author appreciates Waze's real-time capabilities and community contributions but finds its interface cluttered and distracting. They express a desire for Google to incorporate Waze's features into Google Maps while acknowledging that a merger may not happen immediately. Google has owned Waze for over a decade, and it continues to operate as a separate entity.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Google Maps tests new weather-related incident reports on app & Android Auto

Google Maps has enhanced its incident reporting feature by expanding the types of incidents users can report, now visible to select users on mobile and Android Auto. The new reporting options include flooded roads, low visibility, and unplowed roads, appearing after the "Stalled vehicle" option. The "Police" report has been moved out of the main view. This update follows a previous enhancement in November that simplified the reporting of speed traps.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Auto temporarily loses TomTom Go navigation app, fix coming ‘soon’

Users of the TomTom Go app are experiencing issues with its compatibility with Android Auto, making in-car navigation difficult. The company has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. Complaints include the app not appearing on the Android Auto interface and repeated requests for location permissions despite them being granted. The TomTom Go app offers features like real-time traffic updates and an ad-free experience through a subscription model.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google Maps also showing Waze reports on Android Auto

Google has begun integrating data from Waze into Google Maps, enhancing the driving experience with real-time reports from users. This integration is available on Android Auto, CarPlay, and Android Automotive. Users have started noticing these updates as of late November, which provide a more interactive navigation experience. The Google Maps application on Android Auto now displays Waze reports, indicating their origin from Waze drivers. This feature may also extend to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. Additionally, Google has improved the reporting system on Android Auto, allowing users to report police activity more easily while ensuring Waze reports remain visible even if new reports cannot be submitted.

BetaBeacon

October 31, 2024

Absolutely game-changing Google Maps update will cut down on wrong turns

Google has announced "enhanced navigation" on Google Maps, adding lanes, crosswalks, and road signs.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Google Maps Now a Waze Killer on Android Auto? Not So Fast

Google has enhanced Google Maps by introducing incident reporting, allowing users to pin hazards directly onto the map. This feature was initially rolled out on CarPlay and is now being integrated with Android Auto. The addition of crowdsourced hazard data has led to speculation about a potential merger with Waze, although both applications serve distinct purposes. Waze focuses on real-time traffic data and complex routing, while Google Maps offers a simpler navigation experience with fewer alerts. Despite the new feature, Google Maps and Waze maintain their unique identities, catering to different user needs.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Your car’s software is in for major updates with Android Automotive 15

Google is set to enhance the driving experience with the upcoming Android Automotive 15 update, which will introduce a persistent Wi-Fi hotspot feature for vehicles, allowing drivers to maintain a hotspot across multiple sessions. The update will also support personal Bluetooth headset listening. The release date for Android Automotive 15 is not confirmed, but speculation suggests it may coincide with the mobile version of Android 15, potentially launching in October. The previous year's update included improvements like a hands-free experience and Waze integration. Google is also working on a December feature drop, with the recent QPR1 Beta 2 indicating new features and bug fixes.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Android Auto app design limits raise regulatory flags

Google has faced regulatory scrutiny in the European Union regarding its Android Auto application templates, which have been criticized for favoring its own navigation services over third-party apps. The Italian app JuicePass, designed for electric vehicle charging, encountered difficulties launching on Android Auto due to these restrictive templates, leading to legal challenges and a 2021 penalty against Google. The EU Court Advocate General has suggested that Google's practices may breach competition rules. Although Google has started to relax some restrictions on Android Auto apps, JuicePass remains unavailable, with Google initially citing security concerns for its absence.

AppWizard

September 5, 2024

Android Auto’s limits on some apps could be breaching EU rules

Google has faced criticism and legal challenges from the European Union over its restrictions on third-party applications for Android Auto, particularly after denying the launch of the JuicePass app, which led to a 102 million euro fine from Italian antitrust authorities. The Court of Justice of the European Union's Advocate General suggested that Google's actions may violate competition laws, while Google defended its decision citing security concerns. The company has indicated a willingness to address the issue and is awaiting further rulings from the CJEU regarding its practices.