For those of us who use Waze many times a week, the idea that Waze could fall into the hands of Apple or Microsoft was terrifying. Okay, not terrifying.  Maybe irritating is a better word to use. Apple would have ate it up and used it inside of iOS devises only (eventually) and that would have been it for the Waze we all know and love. Microsoft – who knows what they would have done with it?  Perhaps they would have made it an integral part of Windows latest mobile attempt. That would be like killing Waze on day one. I will admit that Microsoft has not damaged Skype, so I could be wrong there.

I think Google is a great choice. Using Android as I do, I appreciate that Waze will only become bigger with Google. Like I have said here before I just want to know what the traffic is like ahead as I drive in the DFW area. It becomes an addiction. No other method of traffic delivered via navigation is as effective. “Congestion ahead” as some navigation systems say is usually too little and way too late.

Here’s some articles on Waze and Google: 

Forbes  – ‎2 hours ago‎
Google’s purchase of Waze has gripped commentators who see it as a defensive move against Facebook or Apple. But as I wrote earlier it is actually a move deeper into the crowd and we need to reflect on that broader significance.

 

Los Angeles Times
13 hours ago
Written by

Jessica Guynn

Waze, which helps drivers find the fastest and easiest routes, was being wooed by Facebook Inc. and Apple Inc., among others.
Forbes  – ‎6 hours ago‎
After months of acquisitions talks with other big players, Google Google has announced it is buying the popular traffic navigation companyWaze. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but a source close to the deal told Forbes Google was 
USA TODAY
7 hours ago
Written by

Jon Swartz

SAN FRANCISCO — Google mapped out a key strategy with its $1 billion acquisition of map-software provider Waze on Tuesday.
Forbes  – ‎18 hours ago‎
Google already offers some of what Waze provides. For example, Google’s Android-installed mapping program includes reliable information about traffic congestion and Android users provide Google with updates on average traveling times on the roads.
USA TODAY  – ‎6 hours ago‎
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Google is buying online mapping service Waze in a deal that keeps a potentially valuable tool away from its rivals while gaining technology that could improve the accuracy and usefulness of its own popular navigation system.
Chicago Tribune  – ‎14 hours ago‎
Google said Tuesday that it has acquired online mapping company Waze, after intense speculation and reported competition from Facebook and other technology companies.
Washington Post
18 hours ago
Written by

Hayley Tsukayama

Google announced Tuesday that it has bought the mapping application Waze, confirming months of rumors about a deal. Waze is a social mapping app that displays real-time traffic information by gathering information from its users. “Wazers” can flag bad