[whylo]

But in Google-land, doesn't that mean it's next on the chopping block?

[jerrygenser]

Google puts things on the chopping block due to small userbase or not enough user growth. A very large user base product but which has stagnated should be fine as long as users don't start leavign

[agloe_dreams]

Waze was bought to keep it away from Google Maps. Google actually doesn't want it to succeed.

[aceazzameen]

Yes and no. Waze provides data points to Google Maps that it wouldn't otherwise have. Like crashes, objects on road, cars pulled over, police speed traps, etc. Waze users provide that data, and Google Maps gets to display it for free. The day when that data input capability is merged into Google Maps completely is when Waze will be shut down and the user experience will slowly be enshitified.

[jethro_tell]

Take search for example.