Google merges Maps and Waze teams, but will keep apps separate

Google operates two of the most common navigation apps out there, Google Maps and Waze. It developed the to start with a single from the floor up and obtained the next in 2013. Waze has constantly had a critical edge above Google Maps: support for group-sourced incident reporting. This lets the app alter your route in authentic-time primarily based on the most present info.

But in latest several years, Google has started off introducing Waze capabilities to Google Maps, and vice-versa. A new report now claims that Google will go a single move more to streamline its navigation application enhancement and merge the Google Maps and Waze teams. Luckily however, the apps will carry on to exist individually, side by side.

Google is looking to streamline functions and minimize charges by merging Google Maps and Waze. A spokesman told The Wall Road Journal that Waze’s workforce of more than 500 people today will be part of the Geo business on Friday. The latter manages Google Maps, Earth, and Road Check out.

Waze CEO Neha Parikh will depart her job right after a changeover period. But Google will not fireplace anyone from the Waze crew in the approach. Christopher Phillips, who sales opportunities the Geo crew, will also oversee Waze.

Google needs to decrease overlapping mapmaking operate across Google Maps and Waze, the business informed The Journal. But the business will not make any remarkable adjustments to Waze or fold it into Google Maps.

“Google remains deeply fully commited to Waze’s exclusive brand, its beloved app and its thriving group of volunteers and users,” the spokesperson explained to the paper.

Waze was Google’s fourth-most significant deal in 2013 when Google purchased it for $1.1 billion. The app has more than 151 million month-to-month active consumers suitable now, which offers Google a great incentive not to alter the Waze experience too considerably. There’s definitely home for each Waze and Google Maps to coexist.

The restructuring transfer is probably component of Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s efforts to streamline functions. He claimed in September that he wishes Google to come to be 20% much more effective to superior offer with the existing economy. Pichai mentioned back then that Google may possibly merge groups that get the job done on overlapping solutions.

It is far too early to convey to how Google’s two navigation experiences will be impacted by the merge. But you can relaxation assured that you’ll be capable to carry on utilizing each applications on your gadgets for orientation and navigation for rather some time to come.