- Waze is adding a handful of new features to their app.
- There are new motorcycle and “less chatty” modes.
- App is also getting Destination Search thanks to Gemini.
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in navigation and the latest technology can help you plan trips as well as ask questions about your surroundings. While most of the attention has been focused on Google Maps, Waze has announced a handful of new features.
Kicking things off is personalized navigation, which will suggest routes based on your previous trips. In essence, the app gets to know you and learn what types of drives you prefer.
More: Google Maps Biggest Update In A Decade Looks Great And Can Even Plan Trips
As an example, if you often take the highway instead of traveling on city streets, you’ll see those suggested first. However, users will be able to easily choose alternate routes or turn off personalization altogether. The feature is rolling out now globally.
Another cool update is a “less chatty” mode. As the name suggests, it minimizes the number of interruptions and keeps updates short. However, drivers will “still get critical reminders about hazards, turns and lane changes.”
The setting is rolling out now and is designed to appeal to people who’d rather focus on music than directions.
Motorcycle Mode
Speaking of modes, there’s a new motorcycle setting that sounds like a game changer. It understands that bikes can easily traverse narrow streets, but are more sensitive to road imperfections.
When users select motorcycle mode, it will find the best route for riders and show hazards that cars don’t have to worry about. This includes potholes, speed bumps, and raised crosswalks – among other things.
Waze says this is possible thanks to a combination of their real-time traffic information as well as a “dedicated group of motorcycle map editors,” who identify new hazards. Motorcycle mode is launching in a handful of countries – including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines – but more are on the way.
AI Updates
Getting back to map hazards, Waze is making it even easier to report issues. Building on the existing Gemini integration, the app gains Conversational Reporting that does the heavy lifting.
If you come across a road closure, you can simply say “The road is closed here.” The app will then send relevant information to local map editors, who verify the information, and update the map accordingly.
Speaking of Gemini, Waze is getting smarter and offering useful suggestions even if you don’t know where to go. Users can tap the search voice icon to ask questions such as “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.”
In effect, Waze finds a destination for you. This sounds a bit like Ask Maps on Google Maps, and the feature is now rolling out to the Waze beta community.
