Waze gets its updates by a network of other users making reports such as accidents, road hazards, police, etc... In metro areas, there are plenty of eyes out there and no shortage of people reporting various problems. It's been a while since I have used Google maps but Waze is also very up to date on red light cameras and speed cameras. Around me, there are plenty of both and easy to get caught by one. And just a guess, but I'm sure the server is monitoring the users locations and speeds and can then be able to report traffic conditions as well. With Google maps, many of the reports and notifications provided by Waze dont exist and there is no way for a Google maps user to report stuff. With Waze, it's also very easy to pull up alternate routes on the fly. It will usually offer 2 alternate routes besides the route you are on if needed. The estimates time to destinations on Waze are usually almost dead on.
And surprisingly, I usually silence the voice directions as they can be annoying. Usually I have a pretty good idea of where I am going and which ways to go so I only occasionally need to glance down to check directions. The popup notifications I get from Waze I find more helpful and important. I use either Pandora to stream tunes or play any of the hundreds of mp3 songs via bluetooth on the stereo. And by using the bluetoothing setup I have, if I get an important call, I can answer it.
As far as the brightness, I haven't had the phone long enough to try it out on the bike yet. It's been way too damn cold and snowy/icy to try it on the bike yet. I can't wait til spring for better weather. So I'm not sure if I will need the max brightness. I did on the S7 but will have to wait and see on the Note 8.
And surprisingly, I usually silence the voice directions as they can be annoying. Usually I have a pretty good idea of where I am going and which ways to go so I only occasionally need to glance down to check directions. The popup notifications I get from Waze I find more helpful and important. I use either Pandora to stream tunes or play any of the hundreds of mp3 songs via bluetooth on the stereo. And by using the bluetoothing setup I have, if I get an important call, I can answer it.
As far as the brightness, I haven't had the phone long enough to try it out on the bike yet. It's been way too damn cold and snowy/icy to try it on the bike yet. I can't wait til spring for better weather. So I'm not sure if I will need the max brightness. I did on the S7 but will have to wait and see on the Note 8.
