I must admit that when I lived in Pamplona, ​​I didn’t worry too much about traffic, but when I moved to Madrid, things changed radically: driving by car turned from tradition to something exceptional, and traffic jams occurred, especially when we planned to return to Madrid. Spending the weekend in Navarra is such a big deal that it can cause one to arrive home more than an hour late. Yes, traffic congestion is serious here..

Fill up with gas, choose your departure time carefully, have a good playlist and open our browser in Android Auto. There are several browsers that are compatible with Android Auto, but in practice we usually fall between the two: Which is better, Google Maps or Waze, to avoid traffic jams and delays?

Note that both Google Maps and Waze offer alternative routes as soon as your journey begins and throughout the journey, highlighting areas with high vehicle density in different colors and even providing a tentative estimate of how much it will cost us to cross them. So both applications are essentially compatible. However, your We are looking for the app that best predicts traffic in real timeWaze and Google Maps (both owned by Google) work differently.

note: To ensure the best performance and all available options, it is best to make sure you have the latest version of Android Auto and related apps.

Community and algorithms

A few years ago, Google detailed how its original navigation software was able to deliver real-time traffic data. In addition to its extensive database, machine learning, user data collection and algorithms.

For starters, Google Maps uses location and speed data received from users on their devices in real time, satellite detection, and has road behavior history to make traffic situation predictions. Then it takes into account the type of road (its condition, size, whether there is usually traffic congestion) and has data authorized by the administration to know speed limits, tolls, restrictions…

This brings up a scenario that Google implements Debugged machine learning powered by Deepmind according to traffic patterns over time. So Google knows that at certain times, X number of vehicles are traveling at a certain speed on a certain road.

At the time, Google introduced the ability to report events, which was one of Waze’s biggest assets, but on a smaller scale and not available in Android Auto. We should also remember one thing: Google owns Waze, and when it bought it, it announced that it was doing so to enhance Maps, so in theory it also reported incidents By those who use this application.

The result is a traffic forecast that stands out for its precision by solving this problem through an infinite number of factors, but processing this enormous amount of information means: This actual time takes longer and maybe sometimes it is too late. and you’re in the jam.

Google Maps is an ax to grind when it comes to displaying maps, but Waze community is your best helper to avoid traffic jams. Reporting incidents on Waze is a simple task from both the mobile app and Android Auto. And Waze users are avid sources of information: traffic jams, accidents, police checks, road works, road or roadside hazards, other hazards…

Agility as a great asset in traffic

In the previous point, we warned that Google Maps takes this into account in its calculations, but either they do not pay much attention to it in their algorithms, or this update of the estimate directly on how big the traffic congestion is takes longer to occur. In one way or another, Real-time actions on Waze are faster than what’s happening.

Note that although Waze has a special warning for traffic jams, other milestones can lead to traffic jams directly or indirectly (when utilities or a tow truck arrive). Google Maps may have more reliable information (on Waze they can inform you about a non-existent police checkpoint), but With Waze you will know why there is traffic jam.

After all, it’s not the same as having a specific detention or removing a car from the road. Google limits itself to painting the congestion orange or red, and you will be the one to choose what to do: continue or find another route. Waze also accompanies you with traffic speed. Knowledge is power and in this case choosing the better.

We tried opening Google Maps and Waze, both creating the same route while having traffic issues, and both creating different routes. Overall, Waze is committed to getting around more while avoiding traffic jams. Here will be your thing Decide whether you would like to continue on the main road or follow secondary streets At the expense of maneuvering and traveling a few more kilometers to reach your destination quicker.

Cover | Eva Rodríguez for Xataka Android

Xataka on Android | Waze is my favorite navigation tool for Android Auto, but I don’t use it alone: ​​I complement it with another speed camera detection app