Waze integrates Google Gemini AI with personalized navigation and motorcycle-focused updates

Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates

Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is getting new AI-powered features and customization updates, including the ability to report road updates conversationally and get personalized navigation. Some of the new features are powered by Google's Gemini AI assistant, which reflects the tech giant's broader push to integrate Gemini across its products while also better positioning Waze to compete with rival services such as Apple Maps. The app now suggests routes based on both a user's trip history and its understanding of a city's traffic patterns. For example, if a user prefers driving on highways over local streets, they will see those suggested first. If users don't want personalized routes, they can choose alternate routes or turn off personalization altogether in their settings. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS. Users can now 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 to ask questions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," "Find me parking close to Grand Mall" or "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices." Waze will then respond with a list of options. The ability to find your destination with Gemini capabilities is rolling out now to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS. Additionally, Waze is introducing a new Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions to help riders find the best route and receive more accurate ETAs. It also shows hazards that could be tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges. Motorcycle mode is rolling out now in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines on Android and iOS, with more countries on the way, Waze says. While Waze already lets users report traffic incidents, such as slowdowns, using natural speech, it now also allows them to suggest map updates the same way, including reporting road closures or outdated addresses. For example, you could say "The road is closed here," and Waze will send these details to local map editors. The option to report road updates conversationally is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS. There's also a new "less chatty" mode that features fewer interruptions on your drive when you want to focus on your music or a podcast. When you toggle on the setting, Waze minimizes the number of voice prompts and keeps them short. You'll still be alerted to hazards and turns, but you'll get them less frequently. Less chatty mode is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS.

Waze is getting a bunch of new AI-powered features

Waze is getting an AI makeover. Google is integrating its flagship AI assistant, Gemini, into the driving app with the goal of letting users personalize their trips a little more. Of the four new updates, only two are being described as involving Gemini. Waze says its updating its conversation reporting feature, first introduced in 2024, to allow drivers to use conversational voice commands to report traffic incidents and suggest map updated, like a road closure or outdated house number. In addition, Waze introduced Destination Search, enabling drivers to use (again) use conversation voice commands (e.g., "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now" or "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices") to find a destination. This makes sense, given how much better conversational voice interactions have gotten with AI. For its non-AI features, Waze is allowing users to adjust to a "less chatty" mode for voice prompts so drivers don't have to sacrifice their music or podcast listening while using the app's driving directions. Waze is also getting a Motorcycle Mode that incorporates two-wheeled shortcuts and more accurate ETAs for the best possible routing. And lastly, Waze will now suggest routes based on a user's past trips and using its own data about local traffic patters. So if you prefer highways over local roads, Waze will make sure you see those routing options first. So far, Google has held off on giving Waze a full AI revamp. Google Maps, however, has been getting more and more AI-powered capabilities, as the tech giant seemingly exerts greater control over its flagship navigation tool.

Waze Gets AI, Personalization Options -- Including One to Make It Less Chatty

Waze's Conversational Reporting feature and Less Chatty option. (Credit: Google) A new round of features for Waze aims to take Google's driving app in a more personalized direction-with AI riding shotgun. The most significant change is one that people more familiar with Google Maps might have thought was already a Waze feature: the option of driving directions tailored to your earlier use of the app. "Now, Waze will suggest routes based on your previous trips, in addition to its hyperlocal understanding of a city's traffic patterns," Google says. "So if you prefer driving on highways over local streets with multiple stops, you'll see those suggested first." Two other changes involve Waze's voice interface and let you make your in-car experience more or less verbose, as you wish. A "less chatty" mode will have the app reduce its voice prompts to "critical reminders about hazards, turns, and lane changes" -- delivered, per Google's post, less often than by default. Google is also expanding the Conversational Reporting feature, based on the company's Gemini AI models, beyond its current support for reporting traffic issues in simple spoken-word speech. You'll now also be able to request map revisions to reflect changes, such as a road being closed, by talking to the app. The Mountain View, California, firm is now turning on all three of these options worldwide in Waze's Android and iOS apps, while two additional updates are a little farther down the road. A conversational voice search, now coming to drivers signed up to test beta versions of Waze, will let you ask queries like "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices." The description of this Gemini-enabled feature evokes the Ask Maps features added to Google Maps in March, but it's unclear how long it will take to reach general availability in Waze. Waze is also applying AI to help its motorcycle users with directions better tailored to their smaller vehicles and alerts of hazards riskier for riders than drivers, such as "potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges." Waze users in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines should now start seeing this in their apps, while riders in the US will have to wait a little longer. Google spent nearly $1 billion to buy Waze in 2013, but Monday's updates continue to leave Waze behind Google Maps in certain navigation features. With gas prices as high as they are, two continued Waze shortfalls stand out: Its directions still don't highlight the most fuel-efficient route, something Google Maps added in October 2021, and it still doesn't let drivers of hybrid or electric vehicles further optimize its directions for their choice of powertrain.

Waze rolls out new AI features including Motorcycle and 'Less Chatty' modes - Engadget

Waze, Google's other navigation app, is getting a collection of new AI-powered features that make it easier to navigate on a motorcycle and less annoying to receive directions. The app's new Motorcycle mode uses AI to consider the specific needs of two-wheeled vehicles, according to Google. Those include specific shortcuts that might only be available to motorcycles and "hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges." While using AI might raise some questions about the accuracy of Waze's motorcycle directions, the app's insights are at least still powered by a real-time traffic map and a group of human, motorcycle-focused editors who keep things up-to-date with hazards. Waze is also getting some new personalization features as part of this update. The app will now suggest routes based on previous trips, along with Waze's normal traffic-focused recommendations. These personalized, suggested routes can be disabled, but Google thinks they might better anticipate your driving preferences. A new "Less Chatty" mode also tweaks how Waze communicates. If you hate constantly being interrupted by your next turn or an upcoming hazard, toggling voice guidance to "Less Chatty" minimizes the app's voice prompts and focuses them on critical directions and reminders. Of course if you want to talk to Waze, the app's growing Gemini integration is making that possible in some new ways. Waze began testing what it calls "Conversational Reporting" in October 2024 as a way to use natural language to report traffic incidents. As of these updates, Conversational Reporting can now also be used to suggest map updates. Via Waze's voice search, Gemini integration also lets you ask questions like "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices" and receive a page of custom results. Waze's personalization features, "Less Chatty" mode and Conversational Reporting are rolling out globally on Android and iOS. Gemini-powered voice searches, meanwhile, are rolling out to Waze's beta community globally, and Motorcycle Mode is specifically coming online for users in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines.

Waze's latest update is all about Gemini, and it's picking up your driving habits too

The update also makes the app's route recommendations more personalized to you. Waze is fundamentally different from Google Maps in its philosophy; it's primarily designed with drivers and riders in mind, and places a heavy emphasis on crowdsourced data. This data is also richer in detail and more descriptive than in Maps, which keeps it relevant to date. That's also one of the reasons why Google sends occasional updates to Waze, keeping it alive for its individual appeal, rather than merging it with Google Maps. Today, Waze gets another big update that blesses it with some of the smartest features in Google Maps. The Waze team at Google is rolling out an update heavy on Gemini and AI. For starters, the app's recommendations will now appear more personalized to you. The announcement notes that Waze will now remember your preferences for routes, whether you like driving the highway with fewer stops or through quicker lanes that beat the traffic, and optimize your route the next time. If you don't want Waze to show you these recommendations, you can simply turn them off. In addition to your route personalization, Waze is also adding bike-specific features to Motorcycle mode, which is now supercharged with AI. With this update, Waze will show bike riders specialized routes that may include narrow lanes or shortcuts unsuitable for cars or bigger vehicles. And along this route, you will also be notified of any hazards or potential stoppages, such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, narrow bridges, etc. Waze has engaged dedicated Map editors who scrutinize these additions to its database. The Motorcycle mode is rolling out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. Gemini's ability to hold a conversation longer than Google Assistant is also trickling down Waze's feature list. While the Gemini-powered Conversational Reporting feature in Waze already lets you describe road incidents, such as accidents or slowdowns, you can now report a wider variety of occurrences, including road closures or incorrect addresses, by talking to the app. You can now also rely on Gemini to get recommendations based on vague descriptions, such as when you try to "Find a gas station which also sells coffee with vegan milk options" along your way, Waze should be able to pull up recommendations, just as the Ask Maps feature would. This feature also solves for instances when you don't remember the exact name of where you'd like to go. Alternatively, if you'd rather have the app focus on playing media instead of nudging you frequently, you can now also toggle a "less chatty" mode, where Waze only informs you about crucial hazards or obstructions on the way. Apart from the improved Motorcycle mode, all Waze features are rolling out to both Android and iOS users worldwide.

Waze now learns your preferences, and gets more conversational but less chatty

Navigation app Waze is rolling out an update to its iPhone and Android app to introduce three new AI-powered features. The first uses your journey history to understand your routing preferences in order to provide personalized navigation options ... The company says this personalized routing will be offered before standard ones. Everyone has navigation preferences. Now, Waze will suggest routes based on your previous trips, in addition to its hyperlocal understanding of a city's traffic patterns. So if you prefer driving on highways over local streets with multiple stops, you'll see those suggested first. You can also use Gemini-powered chat to find suitable destinations. Sometimes you know what you need, but not exactly where to go. Now you can use Gemini capabilities to help you find your destination. Before navigating somewhere, tap the search voice icon to ask questions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," "Find me parking close to Grand Mall" or even "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices." Waze will respond with a list of options, and you can quickly start navigating using your voice. Conversational reporting is being expanded to include permanent changes such as road closures or closed businesses. Just say, "The road is closed here" and Waze will send these details to local map editors, who verify the suggestion and update the map. If you want less conversation rather than more, Waze is also offering a "less chatty" mode. Sometimes, you may want fewer interruptions on your drive so you can focus on music or a podcast. When you choose to enable less chatty mode, Waze minimizes the number of voice prompts and keeps them short. You'll still get critical reminders about hazards, turns and lane changes, but you'll get them less frequently so you can concentrate on your audio. Finally, Waze is beginning the rollout of AI-powered motorcycle navigation. Motorcycles need different routes than cars; they can access narrower streets and are more sensitive to road surfaces. Our new motorcycle mode uses AI to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, helping you find the best route and get an accurate ETA. It also shows hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges. However, this latter feature isn't yet rolling out in the US. It's initially being limited to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines.

Waze is adding a bunch of AI-powered features including Motorcycle Mode, Personalized Navigation and more

Waze is a very popular navigation app, and with good reason. The unique way it alters your route to avoid even the slightest bit of traffic has endeared it to many, and lets you drive through places you may not have seen otherwise. The good news is it sounds like Waze is about to get even better, with a bunch more features -- including a brand new Motorcycle Mode. While motorbikes can take many of the same routes as cars, which isn't always true for bicycles, they do still have different needs and abilities. Certain road surfaces don't agree with them, and they can travel down much narrower streets that are otherwise inaccessible to cars. Hence the addition of Motorcycle mode to Waze. Motorcycle mode uses AI to identify two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, which will help bikers travel on the best route -- while also offering more accurate arrival times. This mode also highlights bike-specific hazards such as potholes, speed bumps, narrow bridges and raised crosswalks. Effectively meaning that you, the rider, are aware of potential issues ahead of time. Currently Motorcycle Mode is rolling out to countries with large populations of two-wheel drivers, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines -- but Google promises that more countries are on the way. Waze is also about to offer something you won't find on Google or Apple Maps, with personalized navigation. Essentially this will see Waze learn the kind of routes you like to take and take that into account. So if you prefer highways to back streets, your first route option will take that into consideration -- though it sounds like it'll still route you around traffic wherever possible. You will, of course, have the choice to pick alternate routes and turn off personalization if you wish. Personalized navigation is rolling out to Android and iOS users everywhere right now. Nothing is worse than listening to a podcast or audiobook, and having your navigation app constantly interrupt the flow by offering non-stop instructions -- many of which are totally redundant. Waze will be putting a stop to this with a new "less chatty" mode, which basically tells Waze to put a sock in it and minimize the number of voice prompts. You will still get warnings about hazards, upcoming turns and lane changes, but they'll end up being used far less frequently, letting you concentrate on other things, be it music, conversation, podcasts or the road ahead. This is rolling out to every Waze user now. Conversational Reporting has been around for a little while, letting drivers use Gemini AI to casually report traffic accidents and other hazards in a more conversational manner. An update is now rolling out around the world that lets drivers use Conversational Reporting to suggest map updates -- including things like road closures, outdated addresses and so on. These suggestions will then be sent to local map editors who will verify them and update the Waze map accordingly. Gemini is also being integrated into Waze's search feature, letting you search for new locations in a more conversational manner. Such as finding businesses that are open, parking close to certain locations, or even the gas station with the lowest prices in the area. This is rolling out to Waze beta users on Android and iOS right now. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok.

Waze gets motorbike mode, personalised nav, and 'less chatty' mode

Waze's new features lean heavily on Google Gemini. Credit: Mashable / Waze Waze is getting a slew of AI-powered features, including personalised navigation, motorcycle mode, and the option to minimise those jump-scare alerts over your podcasts. Announced by the Google-owned platform on Monday in a blog post, Waze's new features are rolling out on iOS and Android, and lean heavily on Google's own Gemini. Waze's personalised route navigation is now rolling out globally, a settings option that analyses your previous driving trips and traffic data using AI, and suggests directions specific to you. This level of Big Tech tracking might not be everyone's cup of tea, so you can turn personalisation off or on in Settings. Relatedly, Waze is also beta-testing a very Google Maps-style conversational tool that lets you ask questions like "Find me a restaurant that's open now," or "Find me parking near the cinema," aloud, to receive a list of options. Another global update for Waze is a new "less chatty" mode for directions while you're also listening to music or podcasts. If you've ever listened to an intense true crime podcast, reached the big reveal, only to be screamed at to KEEP RIGHT AT THE FORK, this one might be for you. According to Waze, the mode reduces the amount of voice prompts in navigation, maintaining only crucial alerts like turns and hazards. Finally, motorcycle mode will unlock specific navigation options for riders, including directions to narrow streets, alerts for hazards like raised crosswalks and potholes, and consideration of road surfaces. The tool, which is rolling out in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Malaysia, Peru, and the Philippines, is AI-powered, but supported by real-time traffic information and a team of human map editors specifically tasked with motorcycle mode. Google's own Maps is already brimming with Gemini features with a major update rolled out in March including a 3D immersive navigation mode.

Waze rolls out new customization features and more Gemini updates

This content is generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental Waze is powered by a passionate community of people who help each other outsmart traffic. Because no two trips are alike, we're adding new ways to customize your ride so you have even more control over your journey. We're also evolving Waze from a helpful companion into an intelligent partner with new Gemini capabilities. Stay safer with motorcycle mode 🏍️ Motorcycles need different routes than cars; they can access narrower streets and are more sensitive to road surfaces. Our new motorcycle mode uses AI to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, helping you find the best route and get an accurate ETA. It also shows hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges. All of this is powered by Waze's real-time traffic information and a dedicated group of motorcycle map editors who are constantly adding new hazards to the map. Motorcycle mode is rolling out now in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines on Android and iOS, with more countries on the way. Get personalized navigation👌 Everyone has navigation preferences. Now, Waze will suggest routes based on your previous trips, in addition to its hyperlocal understanding of a city's traffic patterns. So if you prefer driving on highways over local streets with multiple stops, you'll see those suggested first. Don't want personalized routes? It's easy to choose alternate routes or turn off personalization altogether in your settings. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS. Focus on music and podcasts with "less chatty" mode 🎵 Sometimes, you may want fewer interruptions on your drive so you can focus on music or a podcast. When you choose to enable less chatty mode, Waze minimizes the number of voice prompts and keeps them short. You'll still get critical reminders about hazards, turns and lane changes, but you'll get them less frequently so you can concentrate on your audio. Less chatty mode is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS.

Waze Is Supercharging Destination Search With Gemini AI

* Waze users will be able to speak naturally with the app to find a destination using certain filters. * The GPS navigation app's latest update includes a motorcycle mode and a "less chatty" mode to reduce interruptions. * Additionally, Wazers will be able to report road updates by talking naturally. Waze, the popular social GPS navigation app, is getting a few AI-enabled features with the latest update, Google announced today. Users will be able to have a quick chat with the app to find destinations based on certain criteria filters, without having to press virtual buttons on the screen. Thanks to Google's Gemini AI assistant, Wazers can just press the search voice icon and give instructions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," "Find me parking close to Grand Mall," or even "Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices for premium gas." The second AI-powered feature that's shipping with the latest Waze update has to do with the way users suggest map updates. Now, users can use Conversational Reporting to send road closures or outdated addresses to map editors by chatting with Gemini. The Conversational Reporting feature debuted in late 2024, with the app enabling drivers to report traffic incidents by speaking naturally, and now it has expanded to cover map problems, too. There's a new motorcycle mode now, which will offer different routes compared to the navigation algorithm that's used for cars. The company said in a blog post that motorcycles can access narrower streets and are more sensitive to road surfaces, so it has employed AI to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions, helping riders find the best route and get a more accurate estimated time of arrival. Speaking of the best ways to get to a destination, Waze will now suggest routes based on a user's previous trips, in addition to its hyperlocal understanding of a city's traffic patterns. Google said that if a driver prefers to drive on highways over local streets with multiple stops, those suggestions will pop up first. Personalized routes can also be turned off. Last but not least, there's a new "less chatty" voice guidance mode that minimizes the number of voice prompts and keeps them short, which can come in handy when you're listening to your favorite music or podcast. Critical reminders about hazards, turns, and lane changes still occur when the mode is active, but they'll be less frequent. Less chatty mode, personalized navigation, and Conversational Reporting for map problems are rolling out globally now on Android and iOS. The conversational destination search is rolling out globally to the Waze beta community on both platforms, while the new motorcycle mode is rolling out now in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on Android and iOS, with more countries on the way.

These Five New Waze Features Are Rolling Out Right Now

"Less chatty" mode aims to limit interruptions to your audio, while "Conversational Reporting" now supports map updates. Waze users are starting their Mondays with a sizable update. The company announced five new features for the app in a blog post this morning, with a heavy emphasis on AI enhancements and customizability. While the app has a reputation for finding you the fastest route humanly possible (with a heads up about police along the way), you might find the new update actually prioritizes your personal driving habits over the best ETA. Here's what's new: Waze now features a motorcycle mode If you ride a motorcycle and you don't use Waze, you might want to give it a try. One of the app's newest features is "motorcycle mode," which uses AI to optimize directions for shortcuts and restrictions that might apply to motorcyclists. The new feature should also surface reports of driving conditions that are especially problematic for riders, like potholes, raised crosswalks, speed bumps, tight bridges, and shoulders that come to a quick close. Waze says that its new feature runs on both traffic information pulled from drivers in real-time, as well as a team of motorcycle map editors. The initial rollout is quite limited, as the feature is only launching in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. However, Waze says that more countries are on the way, so hopefully that will include the U.S. New personalized navigation feature Waze has another new feature designed to incentivize you to use the app more. As of today, Waze will suggest new routes based on your previous driving history -- taking into account its own algorithmic recommendations, as well. If you tend to skip highways in favor of backroads, or vice versa, Waze will supposedly take that into consideration, and should start suggesting routes that align with your preferred driving style. If you want the fastest route that Waze has to offer, regardless of your personal driving history, you should be able to choose that route, too. Waze says you can pick from alternate routes as well, or turn off this new personalized navigation feature entirely if you want. How Waze's "less chatty" mode works "Less chatty" mode might not be the most eloquent name, but it's certainly accurate. The new feature reduces the voice prompts that may interrupt your music or podcasts -- and when they do interrupt, Waze tries to shorten them. The company says you'll receive the usual "critical reminders" for things like hazards, turns, and lane changes, but only when necessary. I'm all for more navigation apps (ahem, Apple Maps and Google Maps) taking inspiration from "less chatty" mode. Unless I'm in a totally new place, I tend to drive with alerts turned off entirely, so nothing interrupts my audio. While I'm sure I'd be annoyed by any of these prompts turning down or pausing my music, maybe I'd consider keeping this on if the interruptions really were infrequent (and quick). Conversational Reporting supports casual map updates Waze's "Conversational Reporting" feature lets you report things like traffic slowdowns with your voice. The idea is to report these things hands-free, so you don't have to worry about fiddling with the app to issue updates. That support is now going a bit further, as you can now send map updates with your voice. For example, if you're driving along your route, and you encounter a blocked road, you can say, "The road is closed here." Waze says it will send your report to its editors, who will check out the claim, and update the map if they deem it valid. Use Gemini to find your destination Waze is a Google product, so it shouldn't be surprising that the company builds in some Gemini integrations. Now, the company is testing Gemini integration in search: If you opt into testing, you can use Gemini to search for things like "find me a coffee shop that is currently open," "find me parking close to this restaurant," or "find the gas station with the lowest prices in my area." As with all AI products, I'll have to see how this one performs before I can say for sure how useful it is. Again, this feature is in testing, which means you'll need to enroll in the Waze beta on either iOS or Android to try it out. If you're willing to become a beta tester, however, you'll be able to trial it today.

Waze Gets Many New AI-Powered Improvements

Waze is rolling out improvements and new features beginning this week, including the ability to add road reports via a brief conversation with Gemini. Should you need to report a road hazard or suggest a map update to Waze, you can now do so with Gemini. Speak naturally to Gemini and the AI will file it accordingly. That can be very handy, as you want to try to be as hands-free as possible when driving. On top of that, Destination Search with Gemini is inside the update. "Find me a gas station" or searches similar to that are now available. Personalized Navigation is also rolling out. Based on your past trips, Waze with utilize that history along with its "hyperlocal traffic," to ensure you're on the best route possible for your trip. Or how about Less Chatty mode? When enabled, this minimizes the frequency and length of voice prompts so you can focus on whatever else you enjoy, like music or a podcast. For those who prefer to be on two wheels, a new Motorcycle Mode is starting to be available in select countries. First coming to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, Motorcycle Mode uses AI to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions for optimal routing and accurate ETAs. These changes are live starting this week.

Waze just got smarter about the routes you actually prefer

When not writing, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, running, playing the guitar, camping, and serving in his community. His favorite place is the Blue Ridge Mountains, and one day he hopes to retire there (hopefully his fear of heights will have retired by then, too!). * Waze has received an update with several useful new features, including motorcycle mode, a "less chatty" mode for voice prompts, and personalized route selections. * Waze has also received some new Gemini-powered features, including Conversational Reporting updates and the ability to find a destination by describing what you want. * These new features are rolling out now, although availability is slightly different for each. Popular navigation app Waze just got a massive update. On July 13, Google announced several useful new features to help make the Waze experience better. What's new with Waze? Motorcycle mode The headline feature is a new motorcycle mode that uses AI to find routes better suited to motorcycles and provide more accurate ETAs. Google says this mode considers the fact that motorcycles "can access narrower streets and are more sensitive to road surfaces." It will also highlight road hazards that may be worse for motorcycles, "like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges." These features are powered by real-time traffic information and a "dedicated group of motorcycle map editors who are constantly adding new hazards to the map." Personalized navigation Waze will now learn from your route preferences and "suggest routes based on your previous trips." For example, if you prefer highways over local streets, those routes will be suggested first. You can still choose whichever route you like when starting a trip, and if you find the feature isn't accurate, you can turn it off entirely in settings. "Less chatty" mode For those who like voice prompts -- but not too many of them -- Waze has added a "less chatty" mode. This reduces the number of voice prompts and keeps them shorter, so you're interrupted less. New Gemini features Waze is also getting some new Gemini features: * Conversational Reporting now lets you report road updates, in addition to traffic incidents. You can say "The road is closed here," and Gemini will process that info and send it to the appropriate editors to verify and update maps. This is a lot simpler than trying to tap through menus while driving. * You can now ask Gemini to help you find potential destinations. For example, if you're looking for a coffee shop, you can say "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," and Gemini will provide a list of options. Waze keeps getting better Less fiddling and more focus Waze remains a popular alternative to Google Maps (although not everyone agrees that it's better), thanks to its aggressive rerouting and detailed alerts. These new features add significant convenience. Say what you will about Gemini -- anything that reduces distractions while driving is welcome, and these new conversational voice commands should help do just that. The motorcycle and "less chatty" modes are nice touches, and the personalized navigation should help surface routes you'll prefer (in theory, at least). Rollout and availability Unfortunately, these features aren't all rolling out to everyone at once. Here's the breakdown: * Motorcycle mode: Rolling out now to Android and iOS users in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. Google says more countries are "on the way." * Personalized navigation: Rolling out now globally on both Android and iOS. * "Less chatty" mode: Rolling out now globally on both Android and iOS. * Reporting road updates: Rolling out now globally on both Android and iOS. * Finding your destination with Gemini: Rolling out now to Waze beta users globally on Android and iOS. Waze OS Android, iOS Price model Free Waze is a robust, feature-rich, community-driven navigation app that shows live traffic, EV charging stations, and police stops. See at Google Play Store See at App Store Expand Collapse

Waze gets motorcycle mode, personalized navigation and Gemini-powered features

Waze has announced a set of new features, including a dedicated motorcycle mode, personalized route suggestions, a less chatty voice guidance option, conversational map reporting, and Gemini-powered destination search. Motorcycle mode Waze has introduced a dedicated motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for motorcycle-specific shortcuts and road restrictions when calculating routes and estimated arrival times. The mode also considers the different routing requirements of motorcycles, including access to narrower roads and greater sensitivity to road conditions. Key highlights include: * AI-powered routing for motorcycles * Motorcycle-specific shortcuts and road restrictions * Hazard alerts for potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges * Real-time traffic information and community-contributed map updates Personalized navigation and voice guidance Waze now suggests routes based on a user's previous trips alongside its understanding of local traffic patterns. Drivers who usually prefer highways over local streets with multiple stops may see those routes suggested first. Users can also choose alternate routes or disable personalized navigation through the app's settings. The update also introduces Less chatty mode, which: * Reduces the number of voice prompts * Keeps voice guidance shorter * Continues to provide alerts for turns, lane guidance, and road hazards Gemini-powered features Waze has expanded its Gemini-powered Conversational Reporting feature. In addition to reporting traffic incidents such as slowdowns using natural language, users can now report map updates, including road closures and outdated addresses. These reports are reviewed by local map editors before they are added to the map. The update also introduces Gemini-powered destination search. Users can tap the voice search icon and ask for: * An open coffee shop * Parking near a destination * A nearby fuel station with the lowest prices Waze then displays matching results that users can select using voice commands.