Waze announced the introduction of several AI-powered features, including personalized navigation, motorcycle mode, and a ‘less chatty’ mode to minimize voice prompts while users listen to music or podcasts. The updates were detailed in a blog post by the Google-owned platform on Monday.
The personalized navigation feature is now rolling out globally, utilizing AI to analyze users’ previous driving trips and traffic data to suggest tailored directions. Users can toggle this feature on or off in the app’s settings.
Waze is also beta-testing a conversational tool that allows users to ask questions such as “Find me a restaurant that’s open now” or “Find me parking near the cinema” to receive a list of options. This feature aims to enhance user interaction similar to Google Maps.
The new ‘less chatty’ mode reduces the frequency of voice prompts, retaining only essential alerts, such as turns and hazards. This mode is designed for users who may be engaged in listening to other audio content, such as podcasts.
Additionally, the motorcycle mode provides specific navigation options for riders, including directions for narrow streets and alerts for hazards like raised crosswalks and potholes. This feature is currently rolling out in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Malaysia, Peru, and the Philippines and is supported by real-time traffic information and a team of human map editors.
Waze’s integration of AI features follows a significant update to Google Maps in March, which included a 3D immersive navigation mode powered by the same AI system, Gemini.
