Is Facebook looking to get into the crowdsourced traffic information game? According to Israeli business publication Globes, Facebook is eyeing navigation app Waze.
According to Globes, the two companies have already had discussions – as Facebook execs apparently visited Waze offices in Israel. “The purpose of the talks is not known, but the two companies are reportedly headed for collaboration, possibly involving the use of Waze’s application via Facebook. Alternatively, Facebook may acquire Waze,” they say.
Waze is originally an Israeli startup, although they do operate a main office in Palo Alto, California.
Although Waze provides GPS services and free turn-by-turn navigation, one of its most interesting uses is as a giant traffic crowdsourcing platform. People can report accidents, traffic issues, speed traps, and much more. The app is constantly morphing, as it reacts to information gathered from drivers using the service. It’s a truly community-oriented GPS application.
So, one could see Facebook and Waze working well together, considering the nearly 1 billion Facebook users who could add to Waze’s crowdsourced traffic data.
This is not the only Israeli company that has (reportedly) attracted Facebook’s attention. Earlier this year, the company acquired Tel-Aviv-based facial recognition software company Face.com.
[via Forbes]