Waze is rolling out new and improved features right now for its iOS and Android apps
Waze adds some new and improved features that might make driving less of a chore.
Waze announces iOS and Android updates | Image by Waze
This morning, Waze announced some updates to both the iOS and Android variants of the navigation app. For those unaware of how Waze works, a community of subscribers help each other get through all of the hazards (traffic, weather, police, road closures, etc.) that drivers face. Waze notes that no two rides are the same, and, as a result, it wants to give you more control over your journey.
Waze update adds more Gemini integration to the app
Additionally, Waze is integrating Gemini into the app, which it says will turn Waze from what it calls a "helpful companion" into an intelligent partner. One new feature called personalized navigation will suggest routes based on your personal trips, mixed in with hyperlocal analysis of traffic conditions.
Waze says that with this feature, if you prefer driving "on highways over local streets with multiple stops," routes meeting your request will be recommended first. If you don't want recommended directions based on your past driving conditions, you can always disable personalized navigation in your settings, or select an alternate route. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on the Android and iOS variants of the Waze app.
"Less Chatty" Mode allows Waze users to focus on music and podcasts while driving
Do you like to listen to an interesting podcast when you have a long journey ahead of you? To allow you to focus on music or a podcast, you can enable Waze's "less chatty" mode.
With this mode activated, you will receive fewer voice prompts and the ones you do receive will be short. You will still hear navigation cues like turns, lane changes, and hazards, but they will surface less often, allowing you to focus on the audio from your podcast or music. This feature is also rolling out right now globally on both iOS and Android.
Screenshot showing Less Chatty Mode for Waze.| Image by Waze
Already available on Waze, Conversational Reporting works with Gemini to help you report traffic issues such as a slowdown. With today's update, Waze is extending the capabilities of this feature, which will allow you to suggest map updates due to changes such as a road closure or an address change. Reporting such things allows Waze to be up-to-date for everyone.
Updated Conversational Mode allows you to contact Waze local map editors via a conversation
All you have to say is "The road is closed here," and Waze sends the information to local map editors who will verify the information and make the change. "Reporting road maps via a conversation" is rolling out globally now on iOS and Android.
Updated Conversational Reporting feature. | Image by Waze
Gemini can also help you navigate to a location to get something specific. Let's say you're jonesing for a cup of hot java. Before navigating to a location, tap the search
voice icon to ask questions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," and Waze will show you some options you can start navigating to using your voice.
voice icon to ask questions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," and Waze will show you some options you can start navigating to using your voice.
Guess when "Finding your destination with Gemini capabilities" is rolling out to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS. If you said now, you're absolutely right.
Lastly, Waze's new motorcycle mode uses AI along with motorcycle restrictions and shortcuts to provide users with the best route to take and an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA). This mode focuses on road hazards that are potentially life-ending for motorcycle riders such as speed bumps, potholes, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings and narrow bridges. Waze employs a dedicated group of motorcycle map editors who are always on the lookout for new hazards to add to the map.
Motorcycle mode is available now in certain countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on Android and iOS. More countries will be receiving this feature.
How to install Waze on your iOS or Android phone
If you want to install Waze on your iPhone, tap this link to be directed to the App Store from where you can install the app. Android users can install the Waze app from the Google Play Store and can get to the right listing by tapping on this link.
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