If you have a 3G capable Nexus 7 or you frequently tether your Wi-Fi Nexus 7 to your phone for mobile data while on the road, then you might have heard of 'Waze', the latest thing in GPS navigation. 'Waze' is unique in that it is billed as a 'social GPS Maps & Traffic'. In a nutshell, Waze is a really cool concept that uses realtime data from thousands of users to give up to the second traffic, speed and navigation information for you. It's really an outstanding example of the next generation of 'community' based apps that use data from thousands or even millions of users to provide more valuable data. Here's a look at 'Waze'.
Some of 'Waze' Features:
✓ Live routing based on community-generated, real-time traffic and road info
✓ Community-contributed road alerts including accidents, hazards, police traps, road closures and more.
✓ Complete voice-guided navigation.
✓ Automatic re-routing as conditions on the road change.
✓ Learns your frequent destinations, commuting hours and preferred routes.
✓ Find the cheapest gas station on your route.
✓ See Facebook friends also driving to your destination.
✓ Notify someone you're on your way by sending a live ETA and a link showing you as you drive
✓ Earn points and move up the ranks in your community as you contribute road info.
✓ Live maps, constantly edited and updated by Waze community map editors.
'Waze' currently has more than 40 million users. Drivers input real time road hazards, accidents, detours and more such as local fuel prices. Through the power of its users it can offer more realtime information than any standard navigation 'app' which can't use the power of the crowd to update on the fly. Waze is more than just navigation. You can also connect via your social networking sites such as Facebook and find out who else is on the road and heading to the same destination as you or who's nearby. You can even send a 'live link' showing where you are on the map and what your ETA is to arrive at your destination. Definitely worth a try if you've got 3G or mobile data available on your Nexus 7.
