Avoid unplowed streets with Waze's Snow Warning feature

The first big storm of the season is coming, so here's a quick reminder to take advantage of Waze's Snow Warning feature. It can let you know when you're approaching a road flagged as unplowed. It works similar to how other hazards are flagged on the crowd-sourced navigation app. You can report unplowed roads by tapping to update the map, then Hazards > Weather > Unplowed road.

During Toronto's last big storm in January 2022, weather hazards reported by Waze drivers went up 8.6%. That included unplowed roads, fog, hail, flood, and ice. And Toronto traffic tracked dropped 21.7% compared to the preceding days.

Google will bring its Waze and maps teams together to cut costs, reduce overlap

Google hopes to reduce overlap work in its mapping apps by merging the Waze and Maps teams. Waze's 500 employees will be part of Google's Geo organization, which oversees Maps, Earth, and Street View. There will be no layoffs as part of the reorganization, but Waze CEO Neha Parikh is expected to leave the role after the transition. Waze will continue to work as a separate app. The merge is expected to start today, December 9.

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Waze lets you drive with Santa Claus

Santa Claus is back in town and is now on Waze. Get into the festive mood as you navigate through holiday traffic. Mrs. Claus also makes an appearance for drivers with their apps set to English U.S. language setting. You can pick to drive along in Santa's signature Sleigh or Mrs. Claus' C-Wagon, and choose from three holiday Mood icons: Naughty, Nice, or Santa.

You can activate this holiday experience in the Waze app by tapping "My Waze" and the "Drive with Santa" banner. Mrs. Claus will appear in your selection card if it's available for you. Santa Claus is available in English, French and Spanish globally, and Mrs. Claus is available in English U.S.

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Waze lets you take your next drive with a soccer commentator

Source: Waze

Show your love as a soccer fan the next time you hit the road. Your next Waze commute can be navigated by a soccer commentator, making each turn, hazard, and exit feels like high-stakes action on the pitch. You’ll hear things like “Take the first exit. Then it’s onward to glory!” and “Hazard reported ahead. Getting through that defense could prove tricky.” In Brazil, the experience is even voiced by Luva de Pedreiro, a fan favorite and the most-followed soccer commentator on social media in the country.

Take a drive in the Automoball, a car outfitted for ultimate soccer fans. And don’t forget to share your national pride with a Mood representing your favorite country as they traverse the tournament rounds. Score the soccer experience by tapping “My Waze” and “Drive with Luva de Pedreiro” for Brazilian-based users or “Drive with a commentator” for the rest of the world.

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