In case you missed it in one of our earlier posts, there’s a free social-navigation app that provides users with turn by turn navigation and adds a social twist with real-time reporting and user rankings.
They’ve recently found a very clever way of engaging users… by rewarding them.
Waze uses turn by turn navigation in real-time while giving drivers the ability to update each other on traffic, speed cams, construction and even police speed traps.
Waze’s lure, for me is in it’s community. Awarding users to contribute by traveling to new frontiers turns driving into a point-earning fun. Similar to apps like Four Square the user is able to receive rewards for places they discover.
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They have included Twitter integration if you’re interested in sharing your reports with your Twitteratti.
Waze works with a base map which is exactly what it’s name implies; a basic map. The success of this app will depend on the users collaborative effort to update, report and fill in the gaps. When you contribute to the map your data is updated within 24 hours and fills the map with your data. If you like you can even become an area manger of a district.
Points = Amazon Gift Cards
Waze is driving users to use the app with challenges such as the
International High Points Challenge and Holiday High Points Challenge.
“Here’s the deal: the top three users who rack up the most points from ‘road goodies’ during this time frame will receive Amazon gift cards in the amounts of $500, $300 and $200”
Finding icons like cherries, hammers and presents give you bonus points.
I’m on board to become an area manager in my district. From the companies website you’re able to log-in for stats, view live maps and connect with the Waze community.
My Location
View your location on the map along with all the events going on around you.
Drive to
Get turn by turn direction to an address or location.
Waze learns as you drive so routing quality may change from day to day.
It’s promised to gain knowledge after a few trips in the car.
Live info
Post or retrieve live information that Wave users have reported.
The reported event provides a subject, such as “ Big Accident” along
with the distance of the event in relation to your position.
Events are additionally categorized by topics like “Speed Cam”, for easy usability.
Settings & Customization
Aside from tweaking the display on the map, it allows you to access your music within settings. Routing specifications offer up options to avoid highways, dirt-roads, unknown roads or minimize turns. If security is an issue for you, just change your privacy settings and post as Anonymous.
Waze Pacman
Waze has turned navigation into a game where you can earn points for helping validate the road and it’s driving direction. If you’re the first to be driving down a particular road the Waze Pac-Man character munches up the street on the map. Totals are documented for user Ranks.
Get it (iTunes) *free
Compatible with the iPhone & iPod touch. OS 3.o + required.
Waze’s site
(Thank you to bitrebels for illuminating this app for me)
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