14 DAY TRIAL // Waze, the world's social GPS application, is now available for mobile phone users in Los Angeles. According to the company, which launched the solution in the area on Wednesday, drivers can now avoid congestions by receiving GPS data with real time, user-generated traffic updates for accurate and up-to-date maps. The Waze application is available for free for users of the iPhone, Android and Blackberry, and combines traffic intelligence with a fun solution.
“Our goal is to turn the Los Angeles traffic nightmare into a driving game that gets you to your destination as quickly as possible,” stated Waze CEO Noam Bardin. “With roadwork and freeway closures expected to aggravate already harsh conditions for the area’s residents, we’re elated to offer them a better, more fun Waze to go.”
The navigation service is transformed in a point-gathering game through Waze's “Road Goodies munching game,” the company notes. Gaps in Waze's map data show cupcake and candy icon treasures, offering drivers that “munch” them the possibility to gain game points while helping Waze improve its data. Users can check on their rankings on a Waze contributor scoreboard, which is available on the Los Angeles local site here.
“By downloading the free Waze application, Los Angeles’ drivers can receive real-time data on traffic and accidents as well as updates on other road incidents provided by other users that will cut their driving time significantly. Waze turns users’ GPS-enabled phones into nodes in a network of real-time traffic reporters – a social GPS network. By simply driving around with Waze open, users build maps, get traffic data, and alert other commuters to events on the road,” the company states.
Users who want to share information with others can do so via a few simple clicks. Shared details can be related to traffic jams, police traps, construction, and other road-related events. The information can prove valuable for waze users when it comes to delivering turn-by-turn driving directions to users, as these are adapted in real-time based on traffic conditions.