Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates

Waze announced new AI-powered features and customization updates including conversational road reporting and personalized navigation. The Google-owned navigation app said some features are powered by Google's Gemini AI assistant. The app now suggests routes based on a user's trip history and understanding of a city's traffic patterns. If a user prefers driving on highways over local streets they will see those suggested first. Users can choose alternate routes or turn off personalization in settings. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS. Users can use Gemini to find destinations through chat when they know what they need but are not sure exactly where to go. Users can tap the search voice icon to ask questions such as finding a coffee shop open right now or parking close to a specific location. The ability to find destinations with Gemini capabilities is rolling out now to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS. Waze is introducing a new Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions. It also shows hazards that could be tricky for riders like potholes 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. The app now allows users to suggest map updates using natural speech including reporting road closures or outdated addresses. A new less chatty mode minimizes voice prompts while still alerting users to hazards and turns. Less chatty mode is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS.