Waze, a popular navigation app, has a rich history that dates back to 2006. Here's a look at the key events that have shaped its journey:
- 2006: Waze was founded as FreeMap Israel by Ehud Shabtai, Amir Shinar, and Uri Levine. The initial aim was to create a free digital mapping database of Israel.
- 2008: The company was renamed to Waze, marking a shift in focus towards developing a navigation app that leveraged real-time data from its users to provide the best route to a destination.
- 2010: Waze raised $25 million in Series B funding, fueling its growth and development.
- 2011: The company secured an additional $30 million in Series C funding.
- 2013: Waze was acquired by Google for $1.1 billion, a move that significantly boosted its global presence and user base.
- 2014: Waze introduced the Waze Carpool feature, allowing users to share rides with others who are traveling in the same direction.
- 2015: The Waze Beacons feature was launched, providing underground navigation in tunnels.
- 2016: Waze introduced the Waze Editor feature, enabling users to edit maps and report errors.
- 2017: The Waze Alerts feature was added, allowing users to report traffic conditions, accidents, police activity, and other hazards.
- 2018: Waze introduced the Waze Speed Traps feature, alerting users to areas where speed cameras are located.
- 2019: The Waze Fuel Prices feature was launched, providing users with information on the cheapest fuel prices along their route.
- 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Waze introduced the Waze COVID-19 Safety Features, providing users with information on testing centers and local lockdown rules.
- 2021: Waze introduced the Waze Green Roads feature, highlighting routes that are more fuel-efficient.
- 2022: The Waze Eco-Rating feature was launched, providing users with information on the environmental impact of their journeys.
Today, Waze is a free app available for both Android and iOS devices. It supports over 40 languages and is used by over 140 million active users worldwide. By using GPS to track location and speed, and by harnessing real-time data from its users, Waze provides up-to-date traffic information, helping users avoid traffic jams and find the fastest route to their destination. It's a great way to save time and money on your commute, and it can also help you stay safe on the road. If you're looking for a way to improve your driving experience, then Waze is a great option.
