Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is adding new AI-powered features and customization updates, including the ability to get conversational road updates and personalized navigation.
Some of the new features leverage Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which reflects the company’s broader efforts to integrate Gemini across its products, while also better positioning Waze to compete with competing services such as Apple Maps.
The app now suggests routes based on both the user’s travel history and an understanding of the city’s traffic patterns. For example, if a user prefers driving on highways rather than roads, suggested roads will be shown first. If a user does not want a personalized route, they can choose a different route or turn off personalization completely in the settings. Personalized navigation is currently rolling out globally on Android and iOS.
Users can also use Gemini to find their destination through a quick chat when they know what they need but aren’t sure exactly where to go. Users can tap the search voice icon and ask questions like “Find a coffee shop that’s currently open,” “Find parking near Grand Mall,” or “Find the cheapest gas station near me.” Waze then returns a list of options.
The ability to search for destinations using the Gemini feature is rolling out globally to the Waze beta community on Android and iOS.
Additionally, Waze is introducing a new Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for motorcycle-specific shortcuts and road restrictions to help riders find the best route and receive a more accurate ETA. It also displays hazards that riders should be aware of, such as potholes, bumps, high crosswalks, the end of shoulders, and narrow bridges.
Waze said Motorcycle Mode is currently rolling out on Android and iOS in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with more countries to come.
Waze already lets users use natural voice to report traffic incidents like traffic jams, and now Waze can suggest map updates in the same way, like reporting road closures or old addresses.
For example, you can say, “The roads here are closed,” and Waze will send those details to your local map editor. The option for conversational road updates is rolling out globally on Android and iOS.
We’ve also added a new “Chat Mode” mode to make your drive less interrupted when you want to focus on your music or podcasts. When you toggle the setting on, Waze minimizes the number of voice prompts and keeps them short. You will still be warned about hazards and changes in direction, but you will be warned less frequently. Low-conversation mode is currently rolling out globally on Android and iOS.
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