Waze integrates Gemini AI for voice search and adds motorcycle navigation

Waze is introducing a series of updates intended to refine the user navigation experience, relying on a combination of new AI-driven integrations and specialized modes. These features span global navigation adjustments, voice interaction enhancements, and transit options tailored specifically for two-wheeled travel.

Enhanced Conversational Capabilities

Navigation and reporting within the application are increasingly utilizing natural language interactions. The app has expanded its Conversational Reporting feature, which first launched in 2024, to allow for the reporting of map issues such as road closures or incorrect addresses. Drivers can communicate these updates verbally, and the information is processed to provide assistance to human map editors.

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Additionally, Waze is introducing a conversational destination search powered by Google’s Gemini. This tool allows users to ask the app for recommendations using specific criteria, such as locating an open coffee shop, finding parking near a destination, or identifying gas stations with the lowest fuel prices. While many of the new tools are arriving globally for all users, this specific conversational search feature is initially restricted to the Waze beta community on both Android and iOS devices.

Refining the Navigation Experience

To reduce friction during daily commutes, Waze is implementing personalized route suggestions. By analyzing a user's history and local traffic patterns, the application will prioritize routes that align with individual preferences, such as a tendency to choose highways over local streets. Users maintain control over this data, with the ability to toggle personalization on or off within the app settings. This feature is now rolling out to all users globally on Android and iOS.

For drivers who prefer fewer interruptions while listening to audio content, a new "less chatty" mode is now available globally. This setting reduces the frequency of voice prompts, providing only essential navigation instructions and alerts regarding turns or hazards. The goal is to allow drivers to continue listening to music or podcasts without constant interruptions from navigation directions.

Dedicated Support for Motorcyclists

Waze is also deploying a new motorcycle-specific navigation mode. This update is designed to accommodate the distinct needs of two-wheeled travel, incorporating shortcuts and routes that may include narrow lanes unsuitable for larger vehicles. The system also factors in road surface sensitivity and provides alerts for hazards specific to riders, such as potholes, speed bumps, and raised crosswalks.

This feature relies on a combination of technology and human verification. While the navigation algorithm utilizes information about two-wheeler restrictions and shortcuts, the map database is maintained with the assistance of a dedicated team of human editors who help scrutinize these additions. Currently, this mode is available in the following countries:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Peru
• The Philippines

Waze has indicated that more countries are expected to receive access to the motorcycle mode in the future.

Summary of New Waze Features

Feature	Availability
Conversational Reporting (Map Updates)	Global (Android and iOS)
Personalized Routing	Global (Android and iOS)
Less Chatty Mode	Global (Android and iOS)
Conversational Search	Beta community (Rolling out)
Motorcycle Mode	Select countries (Expanding)

These updates mark a shift in how Waze integrates AI, with the company utilizing Gemini to enhance the conversational nature of its tools while maintaining its core focus on crowdsourced, descriptive map data.