Waze recently celebrated 11 years since it was acquired by Google, prompting the app’s co-founder to address common misconceptions about the navigation tool. One prevalent myth is that Waze routes people to toll highways because the company receives payment from toll highway operators. However, the co-founder debunked this rumor by emphasizing that there is no such agreement in place.
Another false belief is that Apple was the first to make an offer to acquire Waze. The co-founder clarified that there was never any negotiation or discussion with Apple regarding an acquisition. Additionally, it was revealed that Waze was not developed as an intelligence app during the co-founder’s military service, as GPS technology was not available at that time.
Contrary to popular belief, Waze does not prioritize paying customers with the best routes. The co-founder challenged this misconception by questioning why individuals who believe this rumor don’t pay for the premium service to access these supposed exclusive routes. Furthermore, it was clarified that Waze does not issue speeding tickets, as the app was designed to support drivers and protect their privacy.
In regards to celebrity involvement with Waze, it was revealed that former Israeli president Shimon Peres did not actually record prompts for the app. However, former president Reuven Rivlin and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were confirmed to have recorded prompts. Additionally, using a yellow taxi avatar on Waze enables access to routes that include public transportation lanes, providing valuable navigation assistance for taxi drivers.
Waze offers users the option to link their calendar for timely departure notifications to ensure punctuality. While this feature is helpful, it does not account for parking time. Moreover, Waze has a crisis team dedicated to assisting users during natural disasters in various countries. Currently, the team is supporting residents of Porto Alegre, Brazil, in navigating through floods, showcasing the app’s commitment to aiding communities in times of need.
