Waze GPS smart phone navigation app: First Look

Free crowd-sourced navigation is a work in progress

Waze takes an innovative approach to mobile navigation by tapping users to build and enhance the maps, along with the travel information. Each user's movement is tracked, and the data is used to build and correct maps. The underlying map is based on the open-source United States Census Bureau Tiger Map, rather than the ubiquitous Navteq or Tele Atlas maps.

Rather than store map data on the phone, Waze uses a server-based system that downloads maps and related information as needed. Unlike other such services from cell-phone carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, Waze does not have a subscription fee. Points-of-interest information is provided via Google local search.

The success for Waze depends on early adopters actively mapping the country. It will also use this information to provide real-time traffic information.

The application is free, and we tested version 1.2.0 for iPhone (OS 3.0 or greater). Waze is also available on Windows Mobile, Android, Symbian, and RIM platforms. Because it is server based, the application takes up just 7.4 MB of memory-much less than the 1 GB that is common among other GPS iPhone apps.

Key features include:

• Free download
• Real-time traffic
• Social networking

Initial impressions

By its own admission, Waze is in an "early building" phase. It is using early adopters to help to grow the data and functionality in the true spirit of crowd sourcing—using many individuals to perform small tasks that can be combined into a larger, unique whole. Waze turns navigating into a game for the first users. For example, when traveling on "uncharted" roads, a user will acquire points for "road munching" while building the map database. Each user is ranked by the amount of points acquired, and top performers are ranked on the Waze Web site. This is admittedly entertaining, but it does introduce some driver distraction.

Waze reports on vehicle movement, allowing the company to aggregate and share real-time traffic data among users. In addition, drivers can proactively report events such as accidents, traffic incidents, police activity, and construction. Registered users can submit a report right from the phone, though only when the vehicle is not moving—a good safety feature. The reports contain a brief description of the event, time of submission, and even have the ability to include pictures. The screens are simple to operate, though it is difficult to share such information while actually driving. After all, traffic has to be at a standstill or the driver has to pull over to allow the information to be uploaded. Adding to the social-network feel, Waze even allows users to display their current mood. Beyond tracking cars' movement, Waze also accepts direct map corrections much like TomTom's MapShare.

Waze has deficiencies as a true navigator. Unsurprisingly, it lacks many features that are common on the paid navigation applications we have tested. Some of the more noticeable features that are absent are text-to-speech, ability to exclude a road, lane assist, reality view, and a directions list. The map-screen graphics and automatic zooming methods are adequate, but not on par with paid applications. That being said, the overall interface is relatively easy to use, and address entry is identical to entry using the Google maps application. (Same method the Gokivo iPhone application uses.)

The chief criticism as a navigator is the routing engine. Waze provides a user with a route to a destination, but more often than not, the route is very inefficient and at times worthless. In our testing, we found map inaccuracies and faulty directions such as to go the wrong way down one way streets or turn off a highway where that maneuver is not possible.

Another problem we encountered was in relation to a server connection. We experienced a couple of communication interruptions, therefore interrupting route guidance. Depending on when this happens, it could be inconvenient. Even when the connection is perfect, Waze does not claim to provide optimal routes; it even alerts a user before navigation that the route may not be optimal.

Waze is in a building stage and is relying on users to drive in familiar areas to develop a future map database that may eventually provide better routes for the casual user.

CR's take

The Waze application still has a "ways" to go. It does represent a creative alternative to more traditional navigation solutions, empowering a mobile geek task force to collectively build the service. The ability to obtain user data to develop dynamic traffic data and enhance map coverage has lots of potential. But its success will depend on the number of users it attracts and their willingness to take part in reporting map inaccuracies or reporting on real-time incidents. The overall success of Waze has yet to be determined.

Waze would appeal to drivers interested in being a part of a revolutionary concept. For those shopping for a navigation tool, we recommend looking for a better, paid application or a dedicated portable navigation device.

For the iPhone, we would recommend other apps, such as iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map.

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