Waze is a social mobile application providing free turn-by-turn navigation based on the live conditions of the road. 100% powered by users, the more you drive, the better it gets.

A free smartphone app uses anonymous crowdsourced data and the promise of virtual snacks to gather real-time traffic data.

Like XM NavTraffic, MobileNavigator and Inrix, Waze takes anonymous GPS-reporting data from smartphones to determine how fast users are moving in traffic. When traffic is moving too slowly, it reroutes users around tie-ups and accidents.

There’s only one problem with that model: Roads less-traveled end up with inaccurate data. That’s why Waze offers a points-based approach, rewarding drivers who log a lot of miles or who venture onto rarely driven roadways with status and sometimes real-life gifts. The drivers with the most points get preference in Waze’s algorithm. Wazers can even communicate with each other — ideal for group road trips or fleets of vehicles, so long as they do their communicating while parked.

Some of the Unique features of this app are the social media addictions. You can connect to your Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare accounts to Check-In, search for Friends, and leave updates. Being able to communicate with the groups that you are part of and share information is very handy. This app will give you traffic condition reports, police locations, and much more. The voice turn by turn navagation is enough to get this free app and the social aspect only sweetens the deal. I tried it out for my drive to work this morning and I found myself hooked on that map looking for bonus points, friends that I knew, and varies reports.

Waze is also available for the Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile Phone, Symbian, and a few other devices!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW FOR A BRIEF TOUR OF WAZE

By: Josh Grillo