It would be fair to say that anyone with a smartphone, Droid or iPhone has heard of Waze, the Israeli developed navigation app used around the world. The free app was just declared the “Best Overall Mobile App” in 2013 at the Global Mobile Awards. Not too surprising to the growing number of motorists who have come to rely on Waze to get around, the app beat out other smartphone favorites like Dropbox and Square.
According to Waze officials, no less than 36 million drivers relied on the app to get around in 2012 for a total of 9.66 billion navigated kilometers. Some estimate the app’s value at $1 billion, and there was recently a buzz surrounding a rumored sale of Waze to iPhone, but it was learned to be nothing more than a rumor.
Waze developers explain the program’s success is due in no small part to the constant updates and reports received from other users, providing real time traffic conditions and information on accidents and delays.
The best smartphone award was given to the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the best tablet went to the Nexus 7.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
“It would be fair to say that anyone with a smartphone, Droid or iPhone has heard of Waze”
I have a smartphone for 6 years already, and a Android for 1… I never heard of “Waze”!!!
Waze is amazing, its all i use for navigation, i just cant understand how they make money there are no advertisements
I’m only speculating but they may be making money from some rather discrete advertising. I’ve recently noticed that waze is showing me every Dunkin Donuts in the area that I am driving. They must be getting those coordinates from Dunkin Donuts. If true, it’s a rather slick approach to making money. Too bad I’m not particularly keen on their coffee.