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5 sources·Started 15d ago·Updated 13d ago
Waze adds AI-powered features, 'Less Chatty' mode, and Motorcycle guidance
WazeGoogleGeminiMotorcycle ModeLess Chatty ModeConversational ReportingPersonalized NavigationGoogle Maps
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Waze is rolling out a suite of new features powered by Google's Gemini AI, including conversational voice commands for destination search and incident reporting, personalized route suggestions, a 'Less Chatty' voice guidance option, and a dedicated Motorcycle mode.
AI and Personalization
- Gemini-powered voice search lets users ask for specific destinations like 'Find me a coffee shop that's open right now' or 'Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices.' This feature is currently in beta globally on Android and iOS. Source: The Verge
- Conversational reporting has been extended to allow drivers to verbally suggest map updates (e.g., 'The road is closed here'), which are sent to local human editors for verification. Source: Engadget
- Personalized navigation uses trip history and traffic patterns to prioritize routes that match a user's driving preferences, such as favoring highways over local streets. Users can opt out. Source: TechCrunch
Less Chatty and Motorcycle Modes
- The 'Less Chatty' mode reduces the number of voice prompts, keeping only essential alerts for hazards and turns. Several outlets describe this as a counter-intuitive 'anti-feature' in an AI-focused update. Source: TheNextWeb
- Motorcycle mode accounts for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and hazards like potholes and narrow bridges, offering more accurate ETAs. It is launching first in motorcycle-dominant markets (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines). Source: Engadget
While Google Maps has been receiving AI features for some time, this update positions Waze to better compete with both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Source: TechCrunch
Story timeline · 3 earlier headlines
- Waze rolls out new AI features including Gemini and Motorcycle Mode15d ago · 4 sources
- Waze adds AI features including Gemini, Motorcycle mode, and Less Chatty mode15d ago · 3 sources
- Waze adds Gemini-powered features, less chatty mode, and motorcycle navigation14d ago · 5 sources
- Waze adds AI-powered features, 'Less Chatty' mode, and Motorcycle guidancecurrent
Sources
5 quotesThe Verge↗
“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.”
TheNextWeb↗
“The most interesting one does the opposite of what you would expect. It is called less chatty mode, and it makes the app talk less.”
Engadget↗
“Waze's Motorcycle mode uses AI to consider the specific needs of two-wheeled vehicles, including shortcuts and hazards like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges.”
TechCrunch↗
“The app now suggests routes based on both a user’s trip history and its understanding of a city’s traffic patterns.”
ZDNet↗
“Waze is for people who want to get where they are going, fast. It prioritizes the quickest route and will automatically reroute you the second traffic gets messy.”