As early as in 2013,–Waze, one of the world’s largest community-based transport navigation applications, was acquired by Google for $966 million, but before that, Apple and Facebook, were also interested in acquiring Waze. The big question is WHY?
Waze’s greatest feature is the collection of information including environmental factors provided by drivers or passengers. In order to ensure the reliability, Waze is also a social platform that links users’ social network for comparing the big data and making the data more reliable. The above feature makes up the shortcomings of similar apps in the market, and even providing information of a user’s frequent location, preferences and so on.
That being said, is Waze’s business model feasible in Asia? How can it revolutionize the urban planning and technology? This year in KODW, we have invited Di-Ann Eisnor, former director of Google Area 120, who is an expert in using big Data, IoT, and Algorithm to solve problems in city life. She was also the Director of Growth in Waze, so get your tickets of KODW now! 2019.kodw.org/di-ann-eisnor