Please offer an ad-free version of Waze.
I'm pretty sick of seeing Taco Bells, Ramada Inns, and Smart Water pop up on my map. I'd pay up to $5 for a version of Waze without advertisements.
Thanks for your feedback. At this time, this doesn't fit on our roadmap, but we'll keep it in mind for future product planning.
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Anonymous commented
I'll chime it as well. I'd very happily pay for a Waze app that eliminates the terrible clutter of showing me locations that I have no interest in. I don't eat at Dunkin' Donuts......ever. I just don't like them. I appreciate that others do but why do you FORCE me to try and ignore these business locations when I have absolutely no interest in them. Why? If your intent is self serving...as in it's more important for you to make money than for me to enjoy using an app, then just fess up and say so. I'd at least appreciate your honesty even if I curse what otherwise is a pretty useful application.
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Tom commented
What is the best alternative to waze if you are a rideshare driver? Maybe this will get their attention...
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Tom commented
Please offer an ad free version. I will pay for it.
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Steven commented
I have already left a comment on this topic, but this distraction has become, over time, such a distraction and annoyance that I feel the need to comment again.
Ignoring the ads, Waze is my favorite navigation app, by far. But I cannot ignore the ads, because they pop up at the most inopportune time, which is pretty much always if you are driving, which is literally the only time I use Waze.
If someone is driving, they probably already have destination, and are extremely unlikely to see an ad and think to themselves, "Gee, I think I'm going to change my current plans to include a stop at <insert fast-food restaurant here> then continue on to my previous plans." Keeping in mind that if they are thinking this stuff they are not thinking as effectively about driving, and being undistracted when driving is rather important.
Seriously, I am notifying you (Waze) that the lesser of two evils is now using a navigation app that does not throw ads in my face. I am going to stop using Waze, which makes me very sad.
By the way, the ads are one thing, but the pop-ups that ask me if I've seen any of the ads listed is, well, unconscionable. If you want me to tell you which ads I have seen, you should be paying me. Besides, as a software developer, I'm quite sure you already know which ads have annoyed the crap out of me since it is Waze that put them there.
If your goal is to annoy the sh*t out of your users you have succeeded. Please make a paid version.
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Christine commented
I have read a lot of these comments and I can summarize three main points:
1.) We are willing to pay for this awesome app (but not willing to have KFC shoved in our faces while driving)
2.) We are consciously NOT patronizing the businesses advertising in this annoying way (do I hear the word "boycott" anywhere?)
3.) This is a DANGEROUS, deliberate distraction targeting people known to be driving (yes, even sitting at a red light or waiting in traffic for an opening to make a left turn is DRIVING). I can't imagine there isn't some clever---or dim---ambulance chaser out there who will do the math: [Liability + Deep Pockets = Big Contingency Fee]. All you need is some big tragedy connected with the timing of a KFC advertisement and it'll be cha-CHING for the lawyers. Even worse, it might actually be the TRUE CAUSE of the tragedy...why take such a chance?I believe these three sentiments, repeated over and over in the comments and THOUSANDS of votes posted here, should be compelling enough for WAZE to consider making an opt-in, paid, advertisement-free version.
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Simon commented
I've always wondered why this wasn't an option either.
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Jerry van West commented
Without a doubt. I'd happily pay for an ad free version. It's distracting.
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ELnLA commented
Agree with everyone else. Ads are clutter when I'm driving. Unsafe. These ads are inappropriate for me. No more Waze for me. Junk clutter.
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anghel robert commented
pro paid ad free
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Paul Dorneanu commented
Waze Ads do not show up when you drive, only when your speed is 0 (eg sitting in traffic or at a traffic light).
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Anonymous commented
I really don't want to sww that crap on my screen.
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Fletcher Kauffman commented
Seeing the tiny icons on the map for gas stations or fast food isn't terribly distracting, but the banners that take up half the screen, ESPECIALLY when I am stopped and trying to see where I'm going next, is crazy-making. I'd definitely Go Pro if it got rid of ads.
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Michael Allen commented
I would really like to see an in-app purchase that would allow for the removal of ads when the car stops moving for more than a few seconds. It can be dangerous, it can be distracting, and sometimes I'm using that stop to check the map, not dismiss a special at a sandwich shop nearby.
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Bj commented
I will pay $2-$5 per month for an ad free version. Please consider.
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Joseph Carpenter commented
I appreciate that you've given careful consideration to your advertising policy. However, I really would appreciate an opportunity to opt out of advertising the paid version.
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Anonymous commented
The WAZE ads for nearby restaurants are very discombobulating, when they appear on the screen while I am trying to find my destination. Better to charge people for this service than to interrupt them while trying to get to their destination. I will stop recommending WAZE after years of touting it.
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Anonymous commented
I too will never frequent an establishment that sends ads to Waze. They are a dangerous distraction. I'd pay a lot for an ad free version.
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Robin Mahaffey commented
Agree. I will purposely NOT visit a location that has ADS on my WAZE. It's frustrating and distracting
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Anonymous commented
getting commercials on waze is a pain. provide a version of waze that has no commercials. a $5 charge would be fine. better would be a free version for uber and lyft drivers.
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Jason Granger commented
I am another that will AVOID the businesses that have pop up ads jsut for the principle of the matter.
I agree that it is further distracting.
Waze will only pop the ad up when you are stopped, most likely at a red light, most likely trying to check your Waze gps directions to make sure you are prepared for the next turn.yeah your ads are not distracting or obtrusive at all. I cannot close them fast enough.
Phillips 66, KFC Taco Bell... I will NEVER respond to a Waze pop up ad by spontaneously choosing your restaurant based on a Waze ad. Never, I promise you that.