Google announces sweeping changes to Google Maps

For the guys using Google maps for navigation - is there a reason you don't use Waze instead?
 
Speedster said:
For the guys using Google maps for navigation - is there a reason you don't use Waze instead?
Click to expand...

Been many years since I used anything for real Navigation, we live boring lives these days.

But last time I used Waze it was resource hungry bevok, and Maps was just lighter.
 
ToxicBunny said:
Been many years since I used anything for real Navigation, we live boring lives these days.

But last time I used Waze it was resource hungry bevok, and Maps was just lighter.
Click to expand...
Waze looks like the temu app trying to get you addicted.
 
wingnut771 said:
Whats the difference?
Click to expand...
Just off the top of my head, I find the interface more engaging, the routing through traffic better, the hazard warnings are fantastic and the option to change voices is a win. Having said that, Maps might have integrated some of these features since Google acquired Waze. I haven't used Google Maps for navigation in a couple of years.
 
Speedster said:
Here's a more thorough comparison

www.zdnet.com

I tested Google Maps vs. Waze to find the best updated navigation app - and this one wins

Want to know whether Waze or Google Maps is better? I've driven with both for hundreds of miles. Here's my choice.
www.zdnet.com www.zdnet.com

Tbh, I'm surprised how many people still use Google maps for in car navigation
Click to expand...
It's interesting that the author mentions Waze data usage requirements. Obviously it needs a data connection for the real time updates, but I've used it in areas where there's no data many times. It loads up the route at the start, and then uses GPS to navigate you through whether there's data or not. And, it's super light on data usage. I have Android Auto, so Waze opens up when I get in the car and is on for literally every km I drive. Living in the city I always check Waze on every trip, just in case there's an accident or some obstruction some where. My data usage for the month so far is all of 7MB.

Screenshot_20260317_080119_Settings.jpg
 
Might give Waze a try and see.... its been many a year so maybe Google haven't fscked it like the fscked everything else.
 
Speedster said:
For the guys using Google maps for navigation - is there a reason you don't use Waze instead?
Click to expand...
For me, the Waze GUI is a bit busy. It doesnt seem like it was designed by a real adult. But that’s maybe just a personal preference thing.

I also find in Cape Town at least, Google Maps is better for live traffic updates and finding the fastest/best route. The times I tried to use waze here it also seemed hell bent on killing you. Yes, the route through Nyanga might be faster than the congested N2 sometimes, but that’s only coz no one drives there, because there is a very good chance you don’t make it out alive on the other side. That said, Google Maps does also sometimes route you through some dodgy areas.

Although, I more and more prefer to use Guru maps (which is completely offline, and doesn’t share my data with anyone), or the paid/premium version of Magic Earth, which has brilliant live traffic routing, a better user interface than Google Maps, better offline mapping and better data protection than any of the “free” navigation apps. It also provides speed limit info and over speed warnings whether you are using navigation or not, which is a godsend in the Western Cape, where setting arbitrary speed limits as a revenue collection tool is seen as good sport.
 
RedViking said:
When was the last time it has been updated? Doesn't even work on the latest Android
Click to expand...
Version 4.7.312(001) updated 7th Jan 2026, work perfectly on my phone and has far more information in it than google maps does. EDIT: of course, everything comes down to personal preference at the end of the day.
 
Speedster said:
For the guys using Google maps for navigation - is there a reason you don't use Waze instead?
Click to expand...

I think last time I looked, Waze appeared to always be on so in my head at least, seemed like it was eating my battery if not the data. Whereas Maps you can set it to only use your location while the the app is running, I feel like Waze did not give me that option.
Then once I was using Google and was happy with it, never felt the need to look around. Now and then I'll try out Apple but Google worked better as a navigation tool for me so just stuck with it.
 
Zellephant said:
For me, the Waze GUI is a bit busy. It doesnt seem like it was designed by a real adult. But that’s maybe just a personal preference thing.

I also find in Cape Town at least, Google Maps is better for live traffic updates and finding the fastest/best route. The times I tried to use waze here it also seemed hell bent on killing you. Yes, the route through Nyanga might be faster than the congested N2 sometimes, but that’s only coz no one drives there, because there is a very good chance you don’t make it out alive on the other side. That said, Google Maps does also sometimes route you through some dodgy areas.

Although, I more and more prefer to use Guru maps (which is completely offline, and doesn’t share my data with anyone), or the paid/premium version of Magic Earth, which has brilliant live traffic routing, a better user interface than Google Maps, better offline mapping and better data protection than any of the “free” navigation apps. It also provides speed limit info and over speed warnings whether you are using navigation or not, which is a godsend in the Western Cape, where setting arbitrary speed limits as a revenue collection tool is seen as good sport.
Click to expand...
Waze loves redirecting me through quietish suburban streets to skip congested sections on larger roads (great!), but then spits me out at a place that makes it very difficult to rejoin the flow. Which is why no one else drives there. Still use it on my commute, but for longer trips I go with Google Maps.
 
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