With its new features, Google Maps seems determined to crush the competition. What are these innovations worth compared to Waze, still very popular in the Var? Overview.
Google Maps: much more than a classic GPS
Google Maps continues to push the boundaries of navigation by integrating functions that go beyond simple route calculation. With its latest update, the application becomes a real everyday assistant. Now it is possible to search for products directly from the application. A query like “winter sweater”, for example, allows you to locate nearby stores, with their opening hours, customer reviews, and even available stocks.
This transformation into a geolocated shopping guide is accompanied by a notable improvement in journey management. Real-time information on the roads, particularly in the event of flooding or snow, is particularly useful in a region like the Var, subject to unpredictable climatic episodes.
Waze: still effective, but behind?
Waze remains a reference for many motorists, in particular thanks to its community aspect. Reports of incidents, radars and traffic jams in real time give it unrivaled responsiveness. However, faced with the innovations of Google Maps, Waze seems to be lagging slightly behind. Where Google Maps enriches the user experience with restaurant recommendations, 3D visualizations and advanced AI, Waze remains limited to use more focused on the journey itself.
The Var residents defend their choice: Waze or Google Maps?
Élodie, from Hyères, remains loyal to Waze: “For me, Waze is unbeatable. Real-time reporting is what saves me when I leave for Toulon during rush hour. Whether it's an accident or a speed camera, I'm always informed before anyone else. »
For his part, Julien, a resident of Draguignan, recently switched to Google Maps: “With the latest update, Google Maps has become essential. Information on stores, parking, and even restaurant suggestions, it's perfect for my family weekends. And then, Immersive View is super practical for visualizing a city before going there. »
Finally, Clara, from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, still hesitates: “I use both. Waze is great for short trips and avoiding traffic, but Google Maps has really taken the lead for longer trips with its new features. »
Gemini and Immersive View: significant assets for Google
The arrival of Gemini AI marks a turning point for Google Maps. By offering personalized suggestions for activities or places based on user preferences, the application positions itself as a true travel companion. For Var residents and tourists, this means, for example, recommendations for evenings with friends in Toulon or ideas for restaurants on the coast.
Another strong point: the Immersive View functionality, which allows 3D visualization of cities and landscapes. Practical for planning a tourist route or locating a parking lot before visiting the historic center of Hyères.
Less and less tight competition?
If Waze retains loyal followers thanks to its simplicity and its participatory system, Google Maps, with its new features, seems to clearly stand out. The application is no longer just a GPS, but a real platform for enriched information.
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