Waze just got its biggest update since being acquired by Google

Waze has released a new iOS app update that features a more modern look for its traffic and navigation service.

Reports and alerts are now color-coded, which makes them easier to notice on the map, so police reports are blue, traffic jams are red, while road hazards are yellow.

The app has been optimized to require fewer taps to start a drive, send locations and directions, so with just a single tap on the screen, you get to see your favorite places, recently entered locations, plus support for voice commands, which should really make it faster to find a destination.

You can download Waze from the App Store for free.

Other updates include faster ways to send a notification to the community about road issues like accidents, objects in the way, road closures, etc. The update also allows users to send their ETA to friends in a faster manner.

The update, which was well overdue, shows that Google is still working actively on Waze even though it acquired the company over two years ago. From head to toe, Waze has been revamped with a stronger focus on the driver and the social driving experience.

Perhaps recognizing that users aren’t necessarily passengers, but the drivers themselves, instead of having to tap on each alert, Waze version 4.0 will send you alerts when you approach them automatically. It seems that the update further integrates Waze into Google’s core. Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Join drivers in your area who share real-time traffic & road info to save time, gas money, and improve daily commuting for all.