Google Maps and Waze updated with better incident reporting, new destination guidance

Google has updated Maps and Waze with refined UI elements to help you find your destination more easily and to be more aware of traffic and other hazards on the road.

First up, Google Maps now has a big, easy to tap reporting icon – tap it and select the relevant report. Other drivers passing through the same place can confirm that the hazard is still there with a single tap. Note that these reports are coming both from Google Maps and from Waze users (and you can see which app was used to submit the report, if you’re curious).

The improved incident report UI is rolling out globally starting today. It’s available on Google Maps for Android and iOS, cars with Google built-in as well as on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Google Maps is getting an easier to read destination guidance soon. It will highlight the building that is your destination, including marking its entrance and showing nearby parking lots, so you know just where to go with a single glance.

This feature will roll out globally in the coming weeks. It’s available on Google Maps for Android and iOS, cars with Google built-in as well as on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Waze will show new camera types – you will be warned about cameras that detect speeding, running a red light, using the wrong lane (e.g. a bus-only lane), as well as cameras that can spot that you are not wearing a seat belt or that you are on your phone.

This is now rolling out globally to the Waze app for Android and iOS.

Waze also lets you share real-time traffic information with friends. In the event of increased traffic or road closures due to sports events, parades, etc., which affect areas you drive through regularly (or that you have saved in Waze), you will get a notification with details about the event and the road situation. You can then share these details with friends and family to warn them, in case you know they will be going through that area as well.

This is rolling out globally to Waze for Android and iOS right now.

Finally, Waze will soon gain the ability to continue providing navigation instructions even when your phone is locked. This includes turn directions, traffic updates, hazard warnings.

Lock screen navigation will be available globally on the Android app this month and will come to the iOS version in the fall.

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