The search engine company is now combining the Google Maps and Waze teams.
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Members of the media watch a slideshow during a news conference about Google Maps on June 6, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Google announced new upgrades to Google maps including a feature to download maps and view offline, better 3D mapping and a backpack camera backpack camera device called Trekker.
The question is, will this decision affect users' experiences?
The giant tech firm explained that the merging of teams doesn't mean that both the apps will be combined as well.
Waze and Google Maps will remain two separate applications.
If this is the case, then why is Google combining the Waze and Maps teams?
Google Combines Maps, Waze Teams
According to Engadget's latest report, Google will merge the Maps and Waze teams as part of its cost-cutting efforts.
(Photo : Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
This illustration picture shows Google map application displaying COVID-19 restrictions along your route on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on June 9, 2020. - A new version of Google's mapping service being rolled out will display pandemic-related transit alerts and let people know when buses or trains might be crowded.
Also Read: Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps Features That Can Make Navigation Easier
Combining Google Maps and Waze employees is expected to reduce duplicated work across the products.
"Google remains deeply committed to Waze's unique brand, its beloved app, and its thriving community of volunteers and users," said a Google spokesperson.
When it comes to mass layoffs, 9To5Google reported that employees from Maps and Waze teams would not be terminated.
However, once Waze CEO Neha Parikh resigns, she will not be replaced by a new officer, leaving Waze without a chief executive officer.
On Friday, Dec. 9, Google will start moving around 500 Waze employees to Google's Geo organization, the one in charge of Earth, Street, Maps, and View apps.
Are Google Maps and Waze the Same?
The Maps and Waze applications are both owned by Google. They have the same functionality, giving directions to users going on a trip.
Ever since the search engine company acquired Waze back in 2013, the app has been sharing features with Google Maps.
For example, Waze's traffic data is appearing on Google Maps, such as radar locations, speed limits, and other features.
Waze is also benefitting from Google's know-how in search. As of writing, the Google Maps app has billions of users across the globe.
Meanwhile, Waze only has hundreds of millions of active users. Although it is far from the monthly active users of Maps, it is still considered among the most trusted navigation applications.
Google is still enhancing Maps and Waze. It keeps them as separate applications.
Recently, the Waze EV charging station map has been launched.
Google Maps' free Google Fi service was also introduced.
For more news updates about Google Maps, Waze, and other similar applications, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: Google is Attempting to Merge Teams From Maps, Waze as Part of Cost-Cutting Operation
