Rumor has Apple considering buyout of mapping service Waze
updated 01:07 pm EST, Wed January 2, 2013
Waze already tied into iOS 6 Maps system
Apple is "sniffing around" Waze and contemplating a buyout of the company, new rumors indicate. Waze describes its iOS app as a "community-based" traffic and navigation service, with over 30 million users. Users share date not only on traffic but things like accidents, checkpoints, and gas prices. In some cases, data is uploaded to Waze servers automatically.
Although no specific claims have been made about Apple's plans, a Waze buyout could make sense. It would give Apple access to more and more accurate mapping data, especially in countries where iOS 6 Maps has little coverage. Apple and Waze are also closely involved already; some Waze data is included in Maps, and the Waze app is one of Apple's officially recommended Maps alternatives at the App Store.
Apple may want outside technology to upgrade Maps as quickly as possible. Public reaction to iOS 6 Maps has largely been negative, since the title has been riddled with inaccuracies, graphics flaws, and missing features.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: 11-19-03
Has Waze gotten any good? I tried it off and on for a couple years and it always seemed to lead me to the worst traffic it could find. They said that the app would learn as more people used it but it only seemed to get worse and worse. I cut about 15 minutes off my commute when I just went back to the way Google told me to go.