Waze App: traffic, cops, gas prices, community groups

[Michael Babb]

For anyone that uses their smartphone as a GPS navigation device, check out the app "Waze". It is a community driven application and will alert you to not just road congestion and routing, but also police spottings, gas prices, road hazards, etc.

I have created a "DeLorean Drivers" group - would love to see some of the other forum folks use that if you use waze.

Have only been using a few days myself, so probably other cool stuff that I am missing . . .

[Domi]

I'm also using it in France, great application, but I doubt I can find the group you've created?

[DMCMW Dave]

I love it. But your group does not show up in the search function. Is that the right name?

[Iznodmad]

I started using it a few months ago after a recommendation from Dave Swingle. Pretty nice app, and amazingly accurate! I don't use it much driving around town, but on road trips it's on all the time.

[Timebender]

I'm obligated then to let you guys know about Trapster as well. Yes, it doesn't have the cute little cartoon bubble car icons, nor candy- but it does show traps, gas stations, ev stations, etc. and the maps are incredibly accurate (i.e. you don't have to edit them like in Waze) since they are using Nokia's Navteq maps.

The iOS version will shortly have a feature called myTrips, which lets you record progress on a road trip, postcards so you can take photos and send virtual postcards to friends as well as post on Facebook, and eventually themes - including both a Delorean theme as well as Back to The Future theme.

Available on iOS, Android (new version coming out early next year), and Windows Phone.

Plus there's the whole Trapster.com website where you can connect with other friends.

[Michael Babb]

Here is how the group looks for me. Not sure if it just takes time to get replicated or something like that...will play more with it tomorrow

[Shep]

I gave Waze a shot a month or two ago, and not a single street on my route to and from work was documented on there. One of the streets I cross but do not go on was there, but not a single side street appeared on the thing. Didn't even have the highway a block away. I was enthusiastic about the concept, but frankly if my entire route is undocumented, none of it applies, so it's really a moot point. Obviously you guys are having much better success with it though.

Are any of you running the Android version? I've gotta be missing something... :confused2:

[Michael Babb]

I gave Waze a shot a month or two ago, and not a single street on my route to and from work was documented on there. One of the streets I cross but do not go on was there, but not a single side street appeared on the thing. Didn't even have the highway a block away. I was enthusiastic about the concept, but frankly if my entire route is undocumented, none of it applies, so it's really a moot point. Obviously you guys are having much better success with it though.

Are any of you running the Android version? I've gotta be missing something... :confused2:

I am running it on Android without a problem. Will have to try taking it on a new extension they just opened up in my area to see if that appears.

I know that the map is an open source one, and that people that use Waze can help update it (though I have not tried that out as of yet) so you should be able to help get your local streets added, change street names, etc. I do wish there was a bit more detail. I have been using Google Maps navigation and like the map detail on that app. . .

[OverlandMan]

I tried it. Couldn't find the Delorean group. Plus it looks like you need a facebook account to use certain functions. I don't do facebook.

[DMCMW Dave]

Yeah - looks to me like you've created a group of One or the group function is localized.

[Shep]

I am running it on Android without a problem. Will have to try taking it on a new extension they just opened up in my area to see if that appears.

I know that the map is an open source one, and that people that use Waze can help update it (though I have not tried that out as of yet) so you should be able to help get your local streets added, change street names, etc. I do wish there was a bit more detail. I have been using Google Maps navigation and like the map detail on that app. . .Hmm, maybe it's the GPS on my phone or something. Now that I think about it, I do recall Google Maps having similar issues shortly after I got the phone, although I haven't tried Google Maps in a year and a half. I'm a few months away from getting a new phone, so I'll give it another try when I upgrade. Apparently my current setup is just too old or something. Or maybe leaving my GPS off 24/7 with the exception of using Waze and Google Maps makes it behave weird. I find it hard to believe no one's ever documented my route.

I forget, does Waze download maps on the fly, or do you download the map before using it? I'm still on 3G, maybe that has something to do with it.


I don't do facebook.Welcome to the club! I never got the appeal of it either.

[OverlandMan]

Welcome to the club! I never got the appeal of it either.

:offtopic2::rant: It's a way for folks to scoreboard the world with their lives. I have zero interest in that.

Ok back to the Waze app...

[refugeefromcalif]

I don't do facebook.


Welcome to the club! I never got the appeal of it either.

The only reason I got onto FB was to be able to keep track of how/what my kids, (and their kids), are doing...

:shhh:

(Sometimes it's the Only way I hear about the Good stuff).

George

[Timebender]

You really need to give Trapster a go. iOS is doing some cool stuff, and the android version coming out early next year will be great. Both will have a caravan feature as well as myTrips. Not to mention the up and coming BTTF theme.

[Shep]

the android version coming out early next yearIsn't it already on Android? I've seen it on Google Market for months now [link (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trapster.android)] Or are you talking about a completely redesigned version?

[Timebender]

Yep- it's on android now. This is a completely resigned version with titling maps, follow me mode, lots of other goodies.