Google’s Waze, a navigation app much like Google Maps, has recently announced that the app will no longer support older Android versions. This means that users will now have to update their devices to utilize the application’s latest features.
The app previously supported devices running on Android 8 and above. However, users are now informed to check the system specifications and verify if they are using Android 10 or above to access the new features added to the application.
With the new update release, Waze has dropped support for devices operating on Android 8 and Android 9. This move will likely not affect the majority of users, as they have already shifted to devices with Android 10 and above versions.
However, a small section of users who still use old tablets for navigation and infotainment systems powered by Android head units are likely to be impacted by the new Waze update.
Before delving into the differences between Waze and Google Maps, it is important to establish that both Waze and Google Maps are owned by Google and are used for navigation.
Waze largely depends on the data received from its community, while Google Maps relies mainly on its own data and algorithms. Additionally, Waze offers real-time data, such as live traffic conditions, and Google Maps, on the other hand, offers a broader set of features like offline maps, business information, and more.
Also Read: Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Pick the Best One
To sum up, the new update from Google’s Waze will not stop supporting devices running on Android 9 and below. Users just won’t be able to utilize the new features released by the application.
However, in the near future, it is possible that the Waze app will completely stop working on these older Android versions. Fortunately, Google Maps supports both Android 8 and Android 9 devices, offering Waze app users with older systems an alternative without the need to update their systems.