Waze for Android has been updated to version 3.6. And while that may sound like just another version number, this update brings some interesting new features. Also, for those thinking you have your navigation needs taken care of with the default Google apps, Waze has some features that still may be of interest to you, one of which is new and has arrived with this latest update.
That feature is real-time crowd-sourcing. Basically, Waze v3.6 has added the ability to report road closures in real time. On the flip side of reporting, Waze will then close that road off and make sure others are routed around it. Bascially, your fellow Waze users could help keep you out of traffic due to road closures or an accident.
Those looking to make a report will need to tap the closure icon (from the report screen) and then choose the type of closure and make a note as to how long it is anticipated to last (assuming you know). And for those thinking you can simply close roads to make it difficult for others, Waze notes that they “will only close down a road once its algorithm has enough evidence to discount the possibility of error.” Furthermore, they are also able to detect when a closure has ended based on cars successfully traveling that route. Keeping on the topic of reporting, this update has the report pins titled on the map which should help to give a better indication as to the direction of the event.
Other additions and changes that have come along with the v3.6 update include new moods, a new inbox with the ability to select multiple messages and the general mention of optimized performance and bug fixes. This update has also reduced some of the clutter on the maps by showing only the relevant road names. Bottom line here, if you are already a Waze user, this is an update you will likely want to grab. For those yet to try Waze, now is as good a time as any to give it a shot. Best of all, Waze for Android is available for free and with support for a wide variety of devices (Android 2.2 or later).
[via Waze Blog]
