The acquisition, for which terms weren't disclosed, will leave Israel-based Waze operating separately for now.
Waze's mobile navigation app.
(Credit: Waze)
Google has acquired Waze, the Israel-based company behind the mapping app Facebook was also reportedly vying for, according to blog posts from both Google and Waze .
The deal, for which terms weren't disclosed, follows months of speculation about who would land the startup. Reports in recent days said Google was close to a $1.3 billion deal and that Facebook talks had fallen apart.
The acquisition could help Google improve its own mapping services and put a bigger moat around them against the likes of Facebook and Apple. Monday, Apple promised to bring iOS maps and messaging integration into cars.
In its post about the takeover, Google said it planned to enhance Google Maps with some of the traffic update features provided by Waze and bolster Waze with its own search capabilities. The Waze product development team will remain in Israel and operate separately for now.
Waze leverages a growing community of drivers to find the best routes through traffic. It said joining Google's ranks, rather than moving toward an IPO, will keep attention focused on its community of drivers, rather than shifting it to lawyers and Wall Street.
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