Waze Now Lets You Know When Your Friends Will Arrive

Now when you head out to meet friends, you can see real-time ETAs for everyone you’re meeting as well as see who has already arrived and parked at your destination using Waze.

The social GPS and live traffic app released a new version for iOS and Android Wednesday with newly designed maps, moods and interface as well as new social features for keeping up with your friends while you’re on the go.

“We may be alone in the car, but most of the time it’s only because we’re on our way to meet others at work or at home, or out to join up with friends,” says Yael Elish, VP of Product & Marketing at Waze.

“It’s only natural to be better informed about the location and timing of those you are about to meet or pick up, and be able to share the same info back with them. With this version Waze takes drivers out of the dark, re-imagining everyday driving as a much smoother experience.”

SEE MORE: 7 Million Drivers Combine Forces to Beat Traffic With Waze

In addition to being able to track your friends and their locations, a new app feature also allows you to share a URL with a live map of your location and route with friends, family, or businesses associates you’re headed to meet who aren’t using Waze. From the map they will be able to see where you are and track your progress to the destination. If you need to pick up a buddy along the way, Waze can let your friend share his or her location and then navigate directly to their location.

Privacy protection in the app lets users “go invisible” and hide their location from others whenever they want as well.

With over 19 million drivers, the Waze community is one of the largest groups of drivers in the world. The app offers users turn-by-turn directions, and uses its collective user base to keep track of traffic and road conditions, directing you around traffic slow-downs and hazards.

In June, Waze launched real-time gas prices and discounts within the app, which help drivers find gas stations along their current route and offers exclusive discounts on fuel at a number of retailers.

Waze 3.5 is available now for iOS and Android.

Check out a video demo of the app below, and let us know what you think of Waze’s new social features in the comments.