Waze, the free smartphone navigation app, is now compatible with Android Auto, enabling drivers to use a selection of features via their car’s touchscreen system.

Waze can now be used through compatible cars’ built-in touchscreen.

Owned by Google, Waze utilises real-time data from 85 million global users, who can report incidents in detail enabling other drivers to re-route around problems.

In Android Auto format, the user interface has been redesigned to limit distraction – there are fewer click-throughs to report incidents, it features voice commands and quick access to favourite locations, and important data will be overlayed over other apps.

The company said Waze is not yet compatible with Apple CarPlay, which only supports audio and messaging apps, though it is investigating integrating it with the SmartDeviceLink system, which would enable it to be used on some in-car touchscreens.

Jens Baron, Waze’s global product lead, said: “Compared to other navigation apps, data usage is very low. Waze doesn’t download several gigabytes for its map and has effective map caching, which allows drivers to keep on their route for a long time without a data connection.”

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