waze

Google deal for map app Waze attracts FTC antitrust review

Google has reportedly been contacted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission regarding its $1.1 billion acquisition of map-app maker Waze.

The Web giant confirmed that it had been contacted by the agency but declined to comment on the antitrust review, according to a Wall Street Journal report Saturday. The paper noted that while Waze's revenue was not high enough to automatically trigger a review, the agency has the option of examining deals even after they close.

CNET has contacted Google and the FTC for comment and will update this report when we learn more.

The deal for … Read more

Comcast ditches the DVR for cloud recordings

CNET Update is posting to Myspace:

In this episode of Update:

- Learn how Comcast and other cable providers are updating set-top boxes and channel guides.

- Give your smartphone more camera with the Galaxy S4 Zoom coming out later this year.

- Prepare for Google Maps to get more social, now that Google bought the app Waze.

- Rock out with music stations and GIFs on Myspace's new iPhone app.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, … Read more

As Apple reorients its Maps, Google forges ahead

Apple blew it big-time last year with the botched launch of its own Maps. At its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, the company tried to show that it knows which direction to take Apple Maps.

We won't how know how well it works until the fall. But Google -- the leader in online maps -- isn't waiting around.

Google's purchase of Waze -- a deal that Google confirms Tuesday but won't elaborate on -- will, if nothing else, keep a rival from snapping up the hot Israeli startup.

Google reportedly spent more than a literal ton of cashRead more

Why Waze matters for Android

Yes, folks. Google has just bought Waze, a social mapping and navigation platform and app that could have some big implications for Android users down the road.

Waze has been a hot-ticket item that Facebook had also considered snapping up, and with good reason, too. The platform has evolved from its early days to offer robust real-time driving alerts with a social side, and its popularity has spiked.

While pieces of Waze folded into Google Maps will benefit all users across Google's sprawl of properties and products, Waze can bring a special level of utility to mobilized commuters on … Read more

Google buys Waze in bid to improve mapping services

Google has agreed to acquire Waze, the Israel-based company behind the mapping app Facebook was also reportedly vying for, according to blog posts from both Google and Waze.

The deal, for which terms weren't disclosed, follows months of speculation about who would land the startup. Reports later in the day pegged the price at a little more than $1 billion. In recent days, Google was said to be close to a $1.3 billion deal and that Facebook talks had fallen apart.

The acquisition could help Google improve its own mapping services and put a bigger moat around them … Read more

Google reportedly close to $1.3B acquisition of map app Waze

After months of speculation on who would snap up Waze, Google is reportedly close to acquiring the mobile mapping and navigation company.

The search giant will soon close a $1.3 billion deal for the Israeli startup, according to a report Sunday by the Globes business newspaper in Waze's home country. The acquisition could help the Web giant improve its own mapping services, as well as help prevent encroachment by Facebook, which was reportedly courting Waze last month.

A Google spokesperson declined to comment on the report. CNET has also contacted Waze for comment and will update this report … Read more

Windows 8 update includes Start button (sort of)

CNET Update is high in fiber:

In this episode of Update:

- See what changes Microsoft has in store for Windows 8.1 coming later this year.

- Give your pockets some breathing room with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone.

- Save $70 and become a selfie master with the cheaper iPod Touch.

- Count calories with Google's new nutrition search feature.

- Share safe-for-work photos with new status updates on LinkedIn.

- Find your way to the Facebook event with Waze's latest feature.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch … Read more

Waze directs drivers to Facebook events

Waze has updated its iPhone and Android applications to provide people with a single-tap, no-address-input way to route themselves to the events that they've RSVP'd in the affirmative to on Facebook.

The release, which highlights exactly how the social network can add real-life value to maps, tailgates the news that the companies have reportedly walked away from acquisition talks.

Five-year-old Waze makes a people-powered navigation application and is used by 49 million people in 193 countries. The startup, which likens its service to a search engine for smartphone owners, specializes in routing drivers around traffic and hazards, and … Read more

Facebook, Waze reportedly call off acquisition deal

Mobile app maker Waze apparently won't be joining the ranks of Facebook.

After months of chatting about a potential acquisition of Waze by Facebook, the two companies have put an end to the discussion, according to AllThingsD. Facebook had reportedly been ready to spend as much as $1 billion to pick up the navigation app maker. But the two apparently couldn't reach an agreement.

Sources told AllThingsD that talks fell apart recently due in part to disagreements over whether the Israel-based Waze team would move to the U.S. and integrate itself into Facebook's California headquarters. Other … Read more

Google mapping Waze takeover, says report

Google may be driving forward with a plan to purchase Waze for $1 billion or more, according to a new report.

Bloomberg reported Thursday that Google is considering a bid for the mobile mapping and navigation company. The search giant perked up to the idea only after learning that Facebook was in talks to buy Waze, Bloomberg reported.

When reached for comment, Waze spokesperson Julie Mossler said that the startup does not comment on rumors or speculation.

Waze, founded in 2007, makes a mobile application for getting directions and routing around traffic with the help of other drivers. The app … Read more