Waze

Waze is a GPS navigation software app that provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and various travel-related information. Founded in 2008 by Ehud Shabtai, Uri Levine, and Amir Shinar in Israel, Waze initially started as a community project known as FreeMap Israel. The app gained popularity for its user-generated content, where drivers report traffic conditions, road hazards, and other travel information, enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of the navigation service. In 2013, Waze was acquired by Google for approximately $1.1 billion. Despite this acquisition, Waze has maintained its unique community-driven approach and has continued to innovate with features like carpooling services and integration with various music streaming apps. Waze's impact lies in its ability to leverage user data to provide efficient and effective navigation solutions, making it a popular choice for drivers worldwide. Its notability is reflected in its widespread user base and its influence on the development of other navigation services.