Ask HN: Why is Google killing Waze if so many consider it superior to Maps?
Waze is considered superior to Google maps at navigating by car in many parts of the world, yet it looks like Google is neglecting it. Why do you think they do so?
Generally speaking, that's how they work so the demise of Waze is not a surprise. Google Maps will always be their primary product.
That's surely their thinking, but I believe that thinking is flawed: doing this brings a big risk of losing that userbase to a different competitor if the acquisition isn't handled to the userbase's liking.
In this case, how many users are they losing to Apple Maps, for instance?
If they're integrating Waze's data into GMaps, then that number might be far lower than you think. Waze covers more countries than Apple Maps does, and they do so with more accuracy than GMaps.
For example, I went on vacation to Belize some time ago. Apple Maps simply didn't offer the option for directions. Google Maps didn't understand that driving in the wrong direction is something you're not supposed to do. Meanwhile, Waze effortlessly led me to my destination.
Apple Maps is high-quality, but that means nothing if it isn't offered where you live.
I have no idea, but I would guess it would be bad optics given the political climate that is able and willing to look into their monopolistic power and practices.
>As of September 1, 2023, Waze is no longer selling Ads. We have turned down the current Waze Ads product. Advertisers can no longer purchase new ads. We are already working to transition Waze Ads to Google Ads technology and look forward to helping advance your business objectives through our new Waze Ads product soon.