Waze may soon be a pre-loaded Android app

If Google Maps didn't come pre-installed on your phone, you probably went and found it on an app store somewhere. The leading mobile Maps app has a lot of features that keep users coming back, and it gets better all the time. On purchasing Waze, many assumed Google would simply shutter the service at some point (at least in the US) and bring it to Maps. Today, Waze is announcing the app may soon come as standard an Android app, preloaded when you buy your next phone.

Google's purchase of Waze was a bit of a head scratcher, domestically. Outside of the US, Waze finds favor a maps app as well as reporting app for accidents and traffic info. In the US, it's more a reporting service than anything else, which led many to assume Google would somehow work Waze into Maps proper to avoid mapping redundancy.

Waze has caused a bit of a stir, though, with law enforcement agencies claiming it is potentially harmful to the safety of officers. In announcing Waze may come preloaded on Android handsets, the company points to their 'Connected Citizens' program as reason for the addition.

The Connected Citizens feature found on Waze takes reported info and feeds it to government agencies. The aim is to improve efficiency in your city. If traffic were routinely reported to be at a standstill at particular times of the day (looking at you, 405 freeway at 4pm), a municipality may look to divert traffic.

Interestingly enough, Waze is only saying they're now a 'Google Mobile Service', and that Waze is optional for OEMs to include on their devices. It seems as though Google is not quite ready to go all-in on Waze, even though it's really handy for consumers.

Via: Android Central