Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is introducing a suite of new AI-powered features and customization updates, many of which are powered by Google's Gemini AI assistant. The updates aim to better position Waze to compete with rival services like Apple Maps. Key new features include personalized route suggestions based on a user's trip history and traffic patterns, which can be turned off in settings, and the ability to find destinations via a conversational chat with Gemini by tapping the search voice icon. Additionally, Waze is launching a new Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions, providing more accurate ETAs and highlighting hazards like potholes and speed bumps. Users can now also suggest map updates, such as road closures or outdated addresses, using natural speech. A new "less chatty" mode minimizes voice prompts for fewer interruptions while still alerting users to hazards and turns. The personalized navigation and less chatty mode are rolling out globally now, while the Gemini destination feature is available to the beta community globally.
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