It seemed like a long time coming, but the latest billion-dollar app acquisition has the developer community focused on the road ahead for mapping, big data and many other opportunities.
Google confirmed its takeover of Waze, a social app that lets users improve their driving experience through crowdsourced traffic reports and turn-by-turn GPS navigation. The Israeli-based startup had been in play for months, reportedly courted by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) before Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) made a successful offer.
Given that Waze has already been downloaded by 47 million drivers, it's not surprising that the reaction online was both swift and highly polarized, though several developers seemed happy to see a fellow app maker achieve such a successful exit. Others were decidedly less enthused.
@waze congrats on the acquisition. You guys rock and wish you all the best. http://t.co/Frh0XWDor3
— Jack Smith (@jackalert) June 12, 2013
Will we accept another Google's #monopoly after search as Google buys Waze to be The only Map App ? http://t.co/o47N6UOjGH via @techcrunch
— Jacopo GIOLA (@jacopogio) June 13, 2013
Good job, Waze. http://t.co/DdXcc8Le4D
— Johnny Jung (@sjohnnyjung) June 11, 2013
Well, we know someone would end up with them. Google Bought Waze For $1.1B http://t.co/XikuaqH1Ht
— rickaustin (@rickaustin) June 12, 2013
Given that Apple licenses data from Waze for its own Apple Maps product, some developers wondered if the company was falling behind in the location-based services space.
And Instagram / RT @Hadley: Apple really missed out not buying Waze IMO. They, not Google, had most to gain from it. http://t.co/mJp2p1jpiC
— Semil (@semil) June 12, 2013
Many interpreted the purchase as a way to increase Google's big data capabilities. However, the important thing for devs is that Google prove it can capitalize on its latest acquisition for the benefit of the larger consumer market for mapping and navigation tools.
Waxes picked up by Google for $1b. Great move. Google Maps + Waze social = win. http://t.co/raFhbov2Fh
— Adam Powers (@adampowers22) June 12, 2013
http://t.co/ne8hb8Pgu1 -- Congrats #waze, my favorite maps app. Hopefully they'll combine the strengths with @google maps, not weaknesses
— Gerry (@seattlegaucho) June 11, 2013
Then again, there were many rumblings about a dire future for Waze. This is something Google will have to tackle as it completes the acquisition.
@Waze + android = #google ads for toilet paper when you're in the bathroom:) Only place I remember I need it! Genius! http://t.co/kTjklWTF67
— Brian Hunt (@Tekhunt1) June 12, 2013