Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG) Israeli unit Waze has updated its navigation app to version 3.9 for iPhone and Android users (not Windows phone, yet). The new version marks the direction that the company is working towards - finding available parking spaces for its users when they reach their destinations.
In version 3.9, the app saves the users’ parking space automatically to help them find their cars. In addition, the app learns where parking facilities are located in different areas, and how long it takes to find available parking. In the future, this will help Waze offer users the option of driving directly to an available parking spot, after they have successfully circumvented traffic using the app.
Another new feature in version 3.9 is “Places,” which makes it possible to edit details about a specific location, describe it, photograph it, and write where in the area there is available parking. In the future, this will provide users with more information, when they are looking for places to go. Waze also offers users the option of taking photographs when they arrive at their destinations, which will also make it easier for drivers to orient themselves when they arrive at unfamiliar locations.
Another improvement in the upgraded app is auto-fill of search terms when looking for a destination location, which makes searching easier. In this case, Waze also includes ads for places.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 1, 2014
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