Google-owned navigation app Waze is getting new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features and customization updates, allowing users to get conversational road updates and personalized navigation.
Some of the features are powered by Google’s Gemini AI assistant, according to the app, which better prepares Waze to compete with rival services like Apple Maps.
To improve the journey, the app suggests routes based on the user’s travel history and its understanding of traffic patterns in any given city. If someone doesn’t want personalized routes, they can choose an alternative route or have access to turn off personalization completely by going to their settings.
Waze users can now use Gemini to find their destination through chat. Even if users know what they need but aren’t sure exactly where to go, they can tap the search voice icon to ask questions about it.
The app is also introducing a new mode for motorcyclists. Users will be able to use AI to find specific shortcuts for two-wheelers. They will also be able to find the best route considering road restrictions and get an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA). It will also show hazards on roads that may be problematic for drivers.
Two-wheeler mode is now being rolled out in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on Android and iOS platforms and will soon be rolled out in many more countries, according to the navigation app.
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Users can now report incidents like road closures, traffic, or outdated addresses through normal conversation, allowing them to suggest map updates in the same way.
Waze also offers a new “less chatty” mode, which is designed to be less disruptive to users while driving, when they want to focus on their music or podcast. When users turn on this setting, the app will reduce the number of voice prompts and keep them brief. The mode is now rolling out globally on Android and iOS.
