Waze has installed a series of new Bluetooth beacons in NYC tunnels that permit accurate positioning for drivers using smartphones for real-time navigation. GPS signals generally don’t reach into tunnels.
The Waze Beacons permit better functioning of Waze apps, as well as any other location-based apps, including Google Maps. Drivers need only ensure that their phone’s Bluetooth is switched on to take advantage of the beacons. The Waze app will prompt users to activate Bluetooth when driving a route that includes a beacon-equipped tunnel.
The NYC installation includes 313 beacons installed in the Queens Midtown and Hugh L. Carey Tunnels. Google-owned Waze has installed over 3,000 such beacons in over 60 miles of tunnels, in cities including Chicago, Boston, and Pittsburgh.
The beacons use Eddystone technology over Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), permitting 4-year battery life.
