Places: the International Phase (and star wars!)

They're here: The new "places", the next leap in evolution of what was once known as landmarks, are live in Europe.

We also have France's milkyway35 in a dazzling TV appearance, and Serbia's dragstor answer our questionnaire.

It's Alive!

"Places" are now live in the international server. For those of you who are not familiar with it, "places" brings to the table some pretty cool features, such as a new and improved category list.

One of the most important features is the ability to pinpoint the specific entry point to a venue or place. Using the new feature promises accurate navigation to where you actually need to go.

Another critical change is the ability to add places as a point on the map, and not only a polygon. That, along with the ability to add multiple categories, enables users to easily add any type of place - small businesses for example - quickly and easily.

A New French TV Star

Our own Marc Turpin, AKA milkyway35, was featured in a story on one of Frances top TV channels. Check him out below, explaining about Waze (fast forward to 3:20)

Wazer Spotlight:

Nikola Stojković AKA dragstor, Serbian local Champ and coordinator, and a brand new Global Champ

What do you do when not editing maps?

dragstor, just hanging out

Working as a software developer in one of the major local software companies. I'm Currently involved in Flood Relief coordination & assistance, as we got hit by massive floods in the Sava & Danube rivers.

when not working, Wazing, sitting by the PC or having a wonderful time with my significant other, I enjoy riding my 1972 Peugeot PX-10 road bike with other bikers :)

Which car do you drive?

2000 Fiat Brava 1.6 16v LPG powered. Most likely, going to switch to Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 jTDM :)

How long have you been a Wazer?

I've been Wazing since 2012.

How did you get hooked on Waze?

I got myself an iPhone 4 back in the day. Of course, it didn't have a decent map/nav app included, also, they had some issues with GMaps, so they removed them from the AppStore. I was looking for some TBT & Voice guided navigation, and stumbled upon Waze. The rest is history :)

dragstors soon to be ex-ride

What's your favorite part about the community?

"Sharing is Caring", that's my motto! Everybody is friendly, cooperative, caring. We're all equal there. Just as it should be.

..And the worst part.

Maybe the lack of Serbian fellas. We need to work seriously on promoting Waze around the country. Volunteers?

What's the funniest Waze story that happened to you?

My dashboard friend, Carol, told me to exit the highway and drive home via some unknown streets. I was all like, "Seriously?! I know my way home, calm down, Carol". I was terribly wrong :) I was stuck in traffic for more than an hour (usually, it takes ~20mins).

What's your best Waze tip for newcomers?

Don't give up on editing the roads, never be shy about asking questions related to the app/editor, and always listen to your dashboard friend, always :) Drive safe.

What do you listen to when driving your car (aside from the Waze app messages, of course)?

Nothing in particular. Usually, it's some local jazz/blues radio. Otherwise, a compilation of my favorite 70s~80s pure rock'n'roll songs :). One of my favorite songs is "Big Jet Plane" by Angus and Julia Stone.

P.S. I'd like to thank to all the Community Managers who helped me raise the alert and organize map pins with Support Centers related to the floods and evacuation areas in Serbia.

Also, special thank yous to every single country who helped and provided special forces and machinery, money, medical supplies, first aid and everything else needed to help and rescue people from the affected areas all around Serbia! Stay safe.

Quote of the week

This time we have several quotes - we had an all out geek war on our hands in the directaccess forum.

Caradellino fired the first shot in a discussion about the road shields, posting "so say we all!!! (Battlestar Galactica)". top_gun_de responded with "I find your lack of faith disturbing (Star Wars)", to which Caradellino answered "I sense a disturbance in the force", from star wars, again.

That's it for now!