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Martin Brinkmann at gHacks reports
Google is rolling out a new traffic information [widget] for the mobile version of Google Maps [...] that integrates traffic information in the navigator.
The feature works in two [...] ways. In the first, traffic information [is] immediately displayed to you once you enter your destination in the app.
The application informs you about traffic jams, construction, or any other obstacles that may slow you down on your way to your destination. In addition to giving reasons, it highlights by how much you [will be] slowed down if you take a particular route.
The information [is] updated while you are following the directions Google Maps provides [...]. You may receive congestion alerts that include a delay estimate so that you know what you are getting yourself into.
Google Maps may suggest alternative routes while you are driving, and each alternative includes explanations [...] why it recommends [that you] take that route.
[...] Google makes no mention whether it is limited to certain geographical locations.
[...] The functionality seems similar to what Waze offers, a company that Google acquired in 2013.
In the comments, Naveed notes that he has already been using the feature but doesn't say for how long nor where he is.[...] and Martin, whose first language is German, uses English better than some guys I've encountered who only speak English.
[Editor's Comment: Original Submission]
(Score: 3, Informative) by frojack on Tuesday May 26 2015, @10:42PM
Yes, Garmin has this, but (In the US) it is limited to specific areas.
Traffic alerts will pop up telling me there will be a 10 minute delay on the route, and checking the locations, you see that te 10 minutes are caused by something two hours ahead. It will be gone by then. So you slowly learn to discount Garmin alerts as useless. They get their information from official sources (DOT, Police, etc) and it is delayed by the time it gets to your device.
Google maps, even before this addition, was very good at telling you where there were traffic hangups, (red roads), but you seldom knew why. The red/yellow/green condition of traffic was reported directly to google by cell phones sitting in traffic jams.
With the addition of Ways, as well as their existing cellular locations, Google is getting pretty precise. Probably more so than official sources.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.