Waze – Social GPS navigation, traffic & road reports
Description of App
This is a GPS app with a cool twist. It has a social aspect to it. You get basic turn-by-turn directions, but what really makes this app a blast to use is the game it makes out of driving. Points are awarded to you based on how many miles you've driven, whether you have reported traffic accidents, or participated in the scavenger hunt. If you have a Foursquare account, you can tie the two accounts together and check in with Foursquare from the Waze app! The turn-by-turn stuff is extremely basic. I do not use it for that; I use it for the game. The scavenger hunts involve locating and driving over certain parts of the map. They call it road munching. You can also report traffic accidents, hazards, roadblocks, and a host of other things to get points. There is also a badge on Foursquare specifically for Waze users. Statistics can also be shared with Twitter and Facebook.
Version
Free or Paid
Compatibility
Device(s) App Was Tested On
Accessibility Comments
AppleVis Editor Note: this app was submitted before Usability Ratings were introduced, so one has been chosen on the basis of the accessibility comments made by the original poster. If you have used this app, please post a comment to let us know if you agree with the Rating.
Original Comments: This app takes some getting used too. When you create an account and click Next, it appears that the app is just sitting there. But your account has actually been created and you need to go back and log in with your new info. There are sounds for when things happen during the game. Also, if you want turn-by-turn, you need to turn VO off until the game starts, then turn it back on again. You'll know the game has started when you either hear instructions or one of the sound effects. Reporting things is totally accessible; I reported a traffic jam last Friday night. The map is, of course, not accessible. You have to do a lot of dragging to get statistics and your first few times, they may be overwhelming. But overall, despite its flaws, I absolutely love playing this game. If you follow me on Twitter, you have no doubt seen my Waze stuff. I like to see what drivers do to get me points. I'll be happy to help anyone who needs it get used to the app if you want to play too.
Comments
#1 3.01 More accessible
Version 3.0.1 is more accessible with voice over. The app now has voice guided turn by turn directions. I have conducted tests with this app a few days ago, and the directions are very accurate in my area. Plus if you find that it is giving incorrect directions, you can report it. I would recommend this app for anybody who wants a better GPS than the built in maps or those who use navigon. Note: This app really drains your battery, but that is expected with any GPS app. Try it for yourselves! You have nothing to lose!
#2 Under Review
I will certainly give this another try. Thanks for the heads up. Will make changes to the review based on our observation. Thanks again!