I Tried the New Google Maps Speedometer Feature—Here’s Why I Still Prefer Waze

Google Maps has long been the reigning champion of navigation apps, often mentioned alongside Waze. While some argue that Apple Maps is a viable alternative, it still lacks the robust features and detailed city experience that make Google Maps and Waze stand out. Over the past few years, Waze has become the go-to app for real-time traffic updates and quick route options, while Google Maps seemed to take a backseat in this arena. However, 2024 has brought some significant updates to Google Maps that merit a closer look.

One of the most anticipated features is the introduction of incident reporting, previously exclusive to Waze. Now, users can flag hazards like accidents and roadwork directly from their devices. This feature, which was limited to mobile users in the past, is now also available on Android Auto and CarPlay, making it easier for drivers to report issues from their infotainment systems.

Another notable update is the addition of a speedometer on CarPlay. While it might seem like a minor enhancement, it has significant implications for drivers who rely on navigation apps.

Addressing Common Criticism

Before diving deeper, let’s tackle a common critique: some argue that a speedometer in a navigation app is redundant since cars already come equipped with their own speedometers. While that’s true, there are compelling reasons why the speed data from navigation apps can be more useful.

1. Increased Accuracy: Navigation apps use GPS data to determine your speed, which can be more reliable than your vehicle’s built-in speedometer. Modifications like larger wheels can throw off your car’s speed readings, whereas GPS provides real-time data without those discrepancies.

2. Speed Limit Comparison: Navigation apps display your current speed alongside the speed limit, allowing for quick visual checks. This feature makes it easier to stay within the limits, as all the information is conveniently located on one screen.

My Week with Google Maps’ Speedometer

Curious to see how Google Maps stacks up against Waze, I decided to use the new speedometer feature in my car for an entire week. Here’s what I discovered:

1. Navigation Dependency: The speedometer feature only activates when navigation is enabled. This is a downside for those, like me, who often drive familiar routes without setting a destination. For example, during my daily drop-off at kindergarten, I rarely need turn-by-turn guidance, but without navigation, the speedometer is unavailable.

2. Lack of Audio Alerts: Google Maps doesn’t provide audio alerts for speeding, which could be a useful feature to avoid unwanted tickets. While the app visually indicates when you exceed the speed limit by changing the speedometer's color, a simple beep would be much more helpful.

3. Lagging Updates: One of the more frustrating aspects I encountered was a noticeable delay in speed updates. There were instances where I was driving at 60 kph, yet Google Maps displayed only 20 kph for several seconds. In contrast, Waze updates in real-time, making it feel more responsive.

4. User Interface Preference: Subjectively, I found Google Maps’ speedometer easier to read than Waze’s. The cleaner UI of Google Maps allows for quick information retrieval, while Waze’s more cartoonish design can be overwhelming.

Conclusion

In summary, while the speedometer feature in Google Maps is a welcome addition, it still has room for improvement. The app is moving in the right direction by incorporating user-requested features, but it’s not yet a fully polished experience. I’m hopeful that Google will continue to refine and enhance this functionality over time.

What are your thoughts on the new speedometer feature in Google Maps? I’d love to hear your experiences—share in the comments below!