Waze Updates App With 'Less Chatty' Navigation and New Gemini AI Features

Waze has announced several significant updates to its app, introducing new AI capabilities powered by Gemini and expanded route customization options. The changes are designed to reduce driver distractions and offer a more tailored navigation experience.

A new "less chatty" mode aims to minimize interruptions for drivers listening to music or podcasts. When enabled, the app reduces the frequency and length of voice prompts while maintaining critical alerts for hazards and upcoming turns. Waze is also adding personalized navigation, which factors in previous driving history alongside real-time traffic data. If a user consistently chooses highways over local roads, the app will prioritize those routes automatically. This personalization can be turned off in settings, and both routing features are rolling out globally.



Voice interactions are receiving a notable upgrade through Gemini. Users in the global beta community can perform natural language destination searches by tapping the voice icon to ask for specific requests, like finding nearby parking or a gas station with low prices. Furthermore, Waze has expanded its Conversational Reporting tool. Drivers can report permanent map issues like a road closure or an incorrect address simply by describing the problem aloud. These details are then routed directly to local map editors for verification.



Finally, Waze is introducing a dedicated motorcycle mode that calculates routes specifically suited for two-wheeled vehicles. It utilizes AI to factor in narrow streets and highlights rider-specific hazards such as potholes, raised crosswalks, and speed bumps. The motorcycle setting is currently launching in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with additional countries to follow.


You can download Waze Navigation & Live Traffic from the App Store for free.

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