Whether you use them for a road trip or your daily commute, Google Maps and Waze make avoiding traffic a lot easier. Both apps got even better on Wednesday thanks to Five new featuresincluding one that alerts you to traffic that could affect you even if you are not in that location at the time.
Here’s what’s new:
Easier reporting: Community reports are one of Google Maps‘ and Waze’s most useful features. With the push of a button, you can alert other drivers about a collision, roadworks, police, and more.
Now, Google Maps will not only show you reports from other Waze and Maps users, but they will also be easier to access thanks to larger buttons. You will also be able to see which app the report came from. The feature is available now.
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Featured buildings:Navigating to a new building, especially if you’re not familiar with parking in the area, can be tricky. Now, when you get to your destination, Maps should help. light The destination building and its entrance on the route. Maps should also highlight nearby parking lots and their entrances. Google plans to make this update available sometime in the next few weeks.
New camera reports: Speed cameras and red light cameras are becoming more common in the United States, and Waze is adding new types of cameras to keep pace. To help drivers comply with local laws, Google says Waze will now alert drivers to cameras that monitor high-occupancy vehicle lanes, seat belts, speed, and red light laws.
In some communities, drivers might even be warned about cameras that track cellphone use while driving. These reports are supposed to come from both the Waze community and publicly accessible databases, and are being implemented now.
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Real-time alerts about your favorite places: Waze has always reported real-time traffic conditions, but now it should also let you know in advance if your usual route has any issues, even if you’re not there. If you often drive in an area or have saved places there, you’ll get a notification if nearby traffic is changing. If roads are closed for a parade or a big concert and that’s causing traffic, Waze will let you know what’s happening and suggest an alternate route if necessary. This feature is available now.
Browsing while locked: To help you navigate as safely and distraction-free as possible, Waze can now provide you with guidance, including turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and hazard alerts, right from your phone’s lock screen. This feature is coming to Android this month and iOS this fall.