Feature Request - Integration of Bluetooth Radar Detector

[itcommute]

I am the owner of a Bluetooth-connected radar detector called an "iRadar" manufactured by Cobra. I have the IRad 150 model, which connects to both Android and Apple devices. Unfortunately after being spoiled by your application, I tried the map application for this device supplied by Cobra, and let's just say it is severely elementary compared to Waze.

It would be great if there were a way to allow the use of these devices within Waze so that I don't have to use their crappy application. Better still, some additional reporting info could be provided by the device, such as the type of speed detection used by reported traffic cameras or police when a Wazer makes a report and radar or laser are detected.

There are other models of Cobra that connect in this way, and I imagine there are other radar detector manufacturers that have a smart-device connection.

Perhaps Waze could at least teach Cobra a thing or two about community-based traffic applications?

[MGODLEW]

I think Speedster has a patent for iRadar?

[itcommute]

I am unsure what their having a patent would have to do with Waze's ability to collect data from a Bluetooth connected device. If patents regarding use of Bluetooth connected tech were such a concern, then by the same logic, no program on my phone should be allowed to use my Motorola headset, or Logitech keyboard (both bluetooth).

I guess what I am saying is, unless their patent specifically stipulates that nothing is allowed to connect to or use the data from the iRadar device, then where is the problem? If there were such a problem, I am sure Google (current owners of Waze) could come up with some agreement with Cobra since its ability to interact with Waze would be mutually beneficial. Waze would have another means of collecting useful data, while Cobra would benefit from getting their product name out there as an item consumers will want (because they can use it with Waze).

On another note, I encourage you to download the iRadar application and try it out so you can see just how awful it is, an how Waze could do it much better. The application is available for free download on both Android and Apple devices, and will work without the presence of an iRadar unit.

[MGODLEW]

I am unsure what their having a patent would have to do with Waze's ability to collect data from a Bluetooth connected device. If patents regarding use of Bluetooth connected tech were such a concern, then by the same logic, no program on my phone should be allowed to use my Motorola headset, or Logitech keyboard (both bluetooth).

Patents have everything to do with it. Keyboards, Mouses, Bluetooth headsets are designed to have open compatibility. The iRadar isn't. So unless you design an Open-Sourced radar detector that you will be selling to the public and providing Waze with the source code I don't see this happening.

I guess what I am saying is, unless their patent specifically stipulates that nothing is allowed to connect to or use the data from the iRadar device, then where is the problem? If there were such a problem, I am sure Google (current owners of Waze) could come up with some agreement with Cobra since its ability to interact with Waze would be mutually beneficial. Waze would have another means of collecting useful data, while Cobra would benefit from getting their product name out there as an item consumers will want (because they can use it with Waze)

Google & Waze are actually 2 separate companies. While yes, Google is the parent company & even though you have a good idea I wouldn't get my hopes up about Waze implementing this into their app. Generally speaking, if it wouldn't help at least 80% of the users there is little chance of something like this becoming possible.

On another note, I encourage you to download the iRadar application and try it out so you can see just how awful it is, an how Waze could do it much better. The application is available for free download on both Android and Apple devices, and will work without the presence of an iRadar unit.

I've used it, it is awful.. Hence why I am a Wazer

[cosmonaut5]

It seems to me that the utility would help everyone using Waze, not just those people with bleutooth connected radars. My thinking is that any single radar collected speed trap information would be shared with everyone using Waze.

So how many people using bluetooth with radar wouldn't be the measure of if this is a worthy feature build.

[noellenchris]

I've been torn on buying any of the new radar detectors with bluetooth as their apps are not that good. Waze is so popular and more useful, I'd hate to have a map stuck sucking up battery that doesn't really do much from Escort or Cobra. I use Waze where ever I go and wish my radar detectors would automatically post to Waze when I pass a cop.

Another option that might work is sort of like the Voice commands to report something, instead using the radar detectors beeps or voice to trigger the report in waze. Maybe creating some scripts in Tasker to detect the sounds my Radar detector make can automate the report?

Hopefully Waze can come up with something soon. Thanks

Chris

[bahamabum]

I have had every iradar device the low priced ones really suck i now have the spx7800 and it is very good, too bad the aura database and their app really sucks as well, reports of live police that gave a strong Ka signal and I acknowledged as a live cop does not show up for sometimes hours. So Looking for use in the app I do use and that is waze.

[MattxG908]

OP, i agree. I own an escort live; and after ordering it i downloaded waze. As soon as i unboxed it i was disappointed as i was already spoiled by waze, but i still believe waze lacks in many other ways besides lack of radar detector compatibility.

Below is a list of improve i suggest for waze:
- Adding access to BlueTooth connectivity on smartphones for equipped detectors (escort live, cobra i, ect.). This would allow for constant access to radar data and would allow for additional features; for example waze could: compile a constantly up to date map of background radar at all times in all place for use by radar detector companies for filtering (perhaps also sell RD companies inter-connectivity and info for their own products/services), more automatically and accurately report police locations, and collect road data (radar, location,speed & traffic).
- Allowing users to locate and drag report to other locations than where they are. I don't like reporting while in view of a cop or in the heat of heavy traffic, so my reports always end up slightly inaccurate location-wise. Allowing me to drag my report back to where i was would remedy this issue.
- Generally reformatting reports. To be more truly accurate on location and time regardless when/where the reporter reports it. Allow a good description of situation to be displayed.
-

[MGODLEW]

It is highly unlikely that Waze will ever implement such a feature, if it won't benefit at least 80% of the community as a whole.. I would say here in the US there are less than 20% of drivers on the road with radar detector so based on that alone, how many or them use Waze? Maybe 30% at most? Keep in mind, the sole purpose of Waze is for navigating, not to help break the law or avoid getting a ticket.


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[ldheinz]

Yes, I have an Cobra iRadar unit as well, and it would be great to be able to use the bluetooth to collect data and use it in Waze. I don't see how patents would be a problem. You're not trying to compete with them, just to use the data from them. By supporting them you are potentially increasing sales of iRadar units by making them more useful, so they might well provide access to the protocol specs.

Actually, it would be an excellent way to increase the Waze database through data mining the iRadar info for police reports, red light cameras, train reports, ambulance alarms, and so on. So even people without iRadar units would benefit from supporting them, because the data collected from the iRadar units would then be available to people without iRadar. And the additional data would be collected automatically, without needing any input from the driver, so there would be lots of new data for other Waze users. IoT and Big Data, all in one additional feature.

Also, adding GasBuddy support would allow Waze to post gas prices well before people reach the stations.