I recently moved back to my home town. I have lived in this town for more than 20 years and yet I use a GPS everyday.

It’s not that things have changed that much. I’ve just actually found a GPS app that is actually fun to use.

All GPS’s get you where you are going. Waze gets you there faster and makes it more enjoyable along the way.

One of the things that sets Waze apart is its social functions. Waze uses the data from other drivers using the app to report issues along the route and helps select the best one for you. As you travel you have the ability to report on things you see:

• Cops
• Road hazards
• Traffic jams
• Red light cameras

It is pretty impressive once you try it out. You notice it most frequently when you are on a major highway. Cops lurking behind bushes are no match for social media. This app does a great job in marking where potential hazards are.

It feels good to stick it to the Man. Even if I am not in need of the directions I will open the app and just cruise so I can be aware of what is out there or report something, should duty call.

On the map you will see other Wazers who are traveling around you. You can message back and forth (if you want) or just honk a virtual horn at them.

The app also remembers the routes you prefer to take. If the app is open it will suggest routes for you even if you didn’t set it to navigate.

As you travel and report issues you can earn points and climb the leader board if you are the competitive type.

The only real draw back I have experienced is that their native search feature leaves a little to be desired. I have found myself googling the address and copying it into the navigation menu. The latest update improved this some but there is still a little waze to go. (See what I did there??)

This has become on of my favorite apps and I rarely travel more than 10 miles a day. If you live in a large city it could become indispensable.

Are you a Wazer? What’s your experience with it been?