Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
You might think that maintaining two similar apps doesn’t make sense for a company, but Google has put much more effort into improving both Google Maps and Waze with new features and more frequent bug fixes.
After a robust package of new features, Waze is now receiving further refinements, and the latest update released on CarPlay fixes a major issue that impacts planned trips.
Version 4.107, now available for download on iPhone and CarPlay, fixes a bug that prevented planned trips from generating an accurate departure time based on real-time traffic. Waze isn’t sharing any other details, but it appears the app didn’t look at real-time traffic conditions when providing users with a suggested departure time, so even if you plan a trip, you may still end up arriving late.
That’s the only change in the release notes, but the most surprising part is that Waze has stepped up its release pace, with four updates coming in the last three weeks alone. Previously, the Google-owned company pushed out one update a month, so seeing Waze take a bit more time to address bugs is good news for users.
Meanwhile, Waze is also getting new features, and the latest noteworthy update includes support for indicating the type of camera being reported on the map.
If you’ve used Waze for your regular travels, you’ve probably noticed that the app alerts you when you approach a traffic camera while you’re en route to your destination. With this latest update, the app can also tell you what type of camera you’re about to encounter, so you know in advance if it’s speed-checking or just a red light camera.
Waze has also been updated with warnings for speed bumps, sharp turns, toll booths, and lane merges. Starting this month, Waze will alert users when the speed limit changes, giving them more time to slow down and avoid getting a ticket.
The feature has come to Waze with visual notifications on iPhone and CarPlay, but drivers who regularly look at the screen will also notice speed limit signs added to the map. This means you’ll be able to anticipate speed limit changes before the warning appears on your screen.
You can download the latest version of Waze from the App Store, and if you have automatic updates enabled on your iPhone, the new version may already be installed. If you use the app on CarPlay, you only need to update the app on your iPhone, as the experience is powered by your smartphone, regardless of whether you use a wired or wireless connection.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes for Waze to release its next update, but the accelerated pace of updates is certainly a positive, especially since Google Maps has received major updates that expand its territory.