Waze is one of the best free navigation and traffic apps out there. Although it has been acquired by Google nearly 3 years ago, it regularly adds new features making sure that the community continues to bring valuable traffic data to Google Maps team.
Last week the company introduced a new feature called “Planned Drives” for iOS users. It allows users to enter dates and times for upcoming appointments to have the app automatically plan out their route and offer reminders for when to leave. The new feature “takes into account expected traffic conditions based on smart algorithms, aggregated traffic history and predictive analysis” we can read on Waze blog.
In order to use this new functionality, you have to go to a new “Waze Planned Drives icon” in the bottom left of the “ETA” panel. The app gives you an option to link it with your smartphone and Facebook calendars so that the app could create timed drives for preprogrammed events.
Are you an Android user? Don’t worry the Android version should be out soon.
Cool feature. Good job Waze team!
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Domino’s the global pizza chain is bringing location-based technologies to your doorstep. Literally. Last week the company unveiled the Domino’s Robotic Unit (DRU) – a cute autonomous delivery vehicle that is now being tested in New Zealand.
The three-feet tall, four-wheel electric robot was developed in Australia and is capable of completing deliveries within a 20-mile (30 km) radius on a single charge. The unit is equipped with a heated pizza compartment which can be unlocked with a code that customers are given when they order. The DRU uses technologies utilized by self-driving cars. It is equipped with Lidar laser to identify the surrounding environment and has a built-in GPS unit used together with Google Maps data to select the optimal route.
Domino’s worked with the local road authorities to ensure the robot met all the requirements to be set autonomously on the streets. Lifehacker Australia reports that the first trial started in a number of restricted streets permitted by the local authorities. Before it will expand to the whole city the driverless vehicle regulations in New Zealand must be ready. Transport Minister Simon Bridges told the AFP: “This is an exciting opportunity for New Zealand… over the last 12 months I’ve been actively and aggressively promoting New Zealand as a test bed for new transport technology trials”, so we might expect that it will happen sooner that later.
Who knows maybe this will be the most useful usage of driverless vehicle technologies so far. Cool project.
Domino’s World First Autonomous Pizza Delivery VehicleMeet DRU – The newest team member to join the Domino’s family! He’s the world’s first autonomous pizza delivery vehicle!DRU has a passion for delivering piping hot meals and a nice warm smile to customers. While he won’t be taking to the streets tomorrow, he is enjoying his early progress as a prototype and giving customers a glimpse into the future of what is possible.We’re excited to welcome DRU into the team and we’re sure you’ll love getting to know him and his cheeky personality!#DRU #DominosNZ #MoreThanJustPizza #TheFuture #GameChanger
Posted by Domino’s New Zealand on Thursday, 17 March 2016
