PRODUCT SUMMARY: WAZE (DRAFT 2) + ANALYSIS

Draft 2: Summary
According to the official Google support website, Waze is a free GPS navigation application that grants users live updates of traffic, construction, speed cams, etc. The more people use the application, the better the live updates as Wazers are the ones who gather the data. Wazers can update others simply by having the application opened while driving. Other than the automated broadcast of traffic data, users can report or share traffic accidents or hazards which may hinder the traveling experience of the everyday commuter. With this information shared to other Wazers in the area, it gives them an opportunity to change its route. A team of map editors is actively editing and ensuring the mapping of the app is up-to-date. Waze can make use of traffic data submitted by the users and learn to pick out the quickest path to get to a particular destination. The application enables users to share their journey with their friends. The purpose of this function allows users to know each other's arrival time and whereabouts. Waze has integration with other social media platforms. This allow users to tweet about their Waze activities and connect to Facebook to see which of their friends are using Waze and who is close by.

Analysis
We believe that Google maps triumphs Waze in many ways. Google maps' interface is very clean and neat, with minimum cluttering of features or alerts on the interface itself. According to the article "Waze vs. Google Maps: Which App Will Navigate Home Faster", Google maps look the "most professional-looking" compared to all other navigation maps. This all comes at the expense of "readability and performance". (Joel, 2017) Having many features on-screen may also cause performance issues within the app, which impedes the user experience of drivers.
Waze is a driver-only navigational application which focuses more on creating a social network. In contrast, Google Maps has a rich amount of functions making it an excellent application. It has lane designation whereby it shows users which lane should they be on. It also lets users glance at traffic maps, public transit lines, satellite photos, and terrain maps. There is an explore function which allows users to view nearby restaurants, cafes, ATMs etc.
A vital function that Google Maps has delivered over Waze is that it provides not only a driver navigation but multiple navigational transport options. According to the article “Google Maps vs. Waze”, Google Maps provides users with all sorts of navigation methods “by driving, by biking, walking, and even using public transportation.”  This function provides coverage for all modes of transport navigation needs.
In conclusion, we think that Google maps fare better than Waze. A neat and clean interface with more navigation methods of travel is much better than a cluttered interface with limited modes of navigation.

References
Lee, J. (2017, May 4). Waze vs Google Maps: Which App Will Navigate Home Faster.

About Waze. (2017). Retrieved from
https://support.google.com/waze/answer/6071177?hl=en&ref_topic=6262616

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