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.
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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.
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