Customer Reviews (100)

Hector Geranios • 2025-08-14T09:43:23.794Z

Good app, but alternative routes are missing, zero phone app functionality when connected to android auto and the design is very childish

JAMYN NEWMAN • 2025-08-14T09:29:08.226Z

👍

yarden Artzi • 2025-08-14T08:03:50.594Z

cannot report closure to a route on the way/that you are not on(and you cannot drive on a closed route)!

Summary of Key Insights

Waze Navigation & Live Traffic receives mixed reviews. While many users appreciate its real-time traffic updates and reporting features, recent updates seem to have introduced several issues, particularly concerning Android Auto integration, routing accuracy, and UI changes. The app is praised for its community-driven approach and ease of use, but criticized for bugs, design flaws, and a perceived decline in quality after being acquired by Google. The overall sentiment is moderately positive, but there's a significant contingent of dissatisfied users. The score distribution shows a polarization, with strong positive (5-star) and negative (1-star) ratings.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (Implied): ~3.25 stars (based on score distribution)
  • 5-Star: 41%
  • 4-Star: 6%
  • 3-Star: 11%
  • 2-Star: 9%
  • 1-Star: 33%

Key Strengths:

  • Real-time traffic updates and reporting
  • Ease of use (for some users)
  • Community-driven alerts (police, hazards)

Key Weaknesses:

  • Android Auto integration issues (disconnections, delays, UI problems)
  • Routing inaccuracies and illogical route choices
  • Recent UI changes are unpopular (zoom issues, alert placement)
  • Bugs introduced by updates

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews appear to be recent, with some dated as far forward as August 2025, indicating a future perspective.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews to identify recurring issues, sentiment, and feature requests. Keyword extraction was used to identify common themes.

Key User Pain Points

  • Android Auto Issues: Frequent disconnections, delays in updating location/speed, UI inconsistencies, inability to type on the phone while using Android Auto, music app integration problems, and Android Auto crashes are major sources of frustration.
  • Routing Inaccuracies: Waze directs users to closed roads, provides illogical routes, and makes incorrect turn suggestions. Inaccurate time estimates are also a concern.
  • UI/UX Problems: Unpopular UI changes include map zooming issues at junctions/roundabouts, poorly placed alerts that obstruct the speedometer, smaller text in Android Auto, and the removal of features (e.g., the button to adjust the map towards North).
  • Reporting Issues: Difficulty reporting road closures, with the app only closing small sections of road, leading to continued misdirection.
  • GPS Issues: Some users report GPS signal problems, particularly on specific phone brands (e.g., HONOR).
  • Missing Features: The inability to plan routes with multiple stops is a common complaint.
  • Account Deletion: Difficulty deleting accounts.
  • Loss of Functionality after Updates: Voice navigation issues, loss of toll road avoidance.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Multiple Stop Route Planning: Users want the ability to add multiple destinations to a route.
  • Option to Disable Zooming: Users want the ability to disable the automatic zooming in/out at junctions and roundabouts.
  • UI Customization: Users want more control over the UI, including the placement of alerts and the size of text.
  • Address Display: Users want addresses to be displayed with destination choices to avoid going to the wrong location.
  • Kurdish Language Support: Request to add Kurdish (central) language option.
  • Ability to type on the phone while using Android Auto: Users want to be able to type on their phone while using Android Auto, especially when parked.
  • Option to disable saving history: Users want to be able to disable saving their history.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Real-time Traffic Updates: Users appreciate the real-time traffic information and community-reported incidents.
  • Police and Hazard Alerts: The app is valued for providing alerts about police presence, speed cameras, and road hazards.
  • Ease of Use (for some): Some users find the app easy to use and navigate.
  • Accurate Information: Many users find the app's information to be accurate.
  • Android Auto Integration (Historically): Before recent issues, the Android Auto integration was considered a strength.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Android Auto Issues: Address the disconnections, delays, and UI problems that make the app unusable for many Android Auto users. This should be the top priority.
  • Improve Routing Accuracy: Investigate and fix the routing inaccuracies that lead users to closed roads or illogical routes.
  • Address Unpopular UI Changes: Revert or provide options to customize the unpopular UI changes, such as the map zooming behavior and alert placement.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Reporting Functionality: Make it easier for users to report road closures and ensure that the reports are accurately reflected in the app.
  • Implement Multiple Stop Route Planning: Add the ability to plan routes with multiple destinations.
  • Address GPS Issues: Investigate and resolve the GPS signal problems reported by users, particularly on specific phone brands.

Low Priority:

  • Add UI Customization Options: Provide more options for customizing the UI, such as text size and alert placement.
  • Implement Kurdish Language Support: Add Kurdish (central) language support.
  • Improve Account Deletion Process: Make it easier for users to delete their accounts.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Enhanced Android Auto Integration Service: A service that provides a more stable and customizable Android Auto experience for navigation apps.
  • AI-Powered Route Verification: A system that uses AI to verify the accuracy of routes and provide alternative suggestions based on real-time data.
  • Community-Driven UI Customization: A platform that allows users to share and vote on UI customizations for navigation apps.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Trend: Recent updates have triggered a noticeable increase in negative reviews, particularly regarding Android Auto and UI changes.
  • Polarization of Ratings: The score distribution shows a strong divide between users who love the app (5-star) and those who are highly dissatisfied (1-star).
  • Android Auto Dependency: A significant portion of users rely on Waze through Android Auto, making the integration issues particularly impactful.
  • Concerns about Google's Influence: Some users express concerns that Google's ownership is negatively impacting the app's quality.
  • Feature Regression: Users are reporting that features that used to work well are now broken, which can be more frustrating than never having the feature in the first place.

Conclusion

Waze Navigation & Live Traffic has a strong foundation based on its community-driven approach and real-time traffic updates. However, recent updates have introduced significant issues, particularly with Android Auto integration and UI changes, which are negatively impacting user satisfaction. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. The core value proposition of Waze remains strong, but the app needs to focus on stability, accuracy, and user experience to maintain its competitive edge. The high number of 1-star reviews is concerning and warrants immediate action.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize fixing the Android Auto integration, improving routing accuracy, and addressing the unpopular UI changes. Focus on stability and user experience to regain user trust and prevent further decline in ratings.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=com.waze