Waze adds Gemini AI for personalized navigation and conversational reporting
Waze now uses Google's Gemini to suggest routes based on your driving history.
Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is rolling out a suite of AI-powered features driven by Google's Gemini assistant. The most prominent update is personalized navigation, which suggests routes based on a user's trip history and real-time city traffic patterns. For instance, drivers who prefer highways will see those prioritized. Users can opt out via settings. This feature is available globally on Android and iOS. Additionally, Gemini integration allows users to search for destinations conversationally by tapping the voice icon—asking for "a gas station with lowest prices" or "parking near Grand Mall"—with results served in a list. This is currently in beta for Android and iOS worldwide.
Beyond navigation, Waze introduces a Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions, improving ETAs and highlighting hazards like potholes, speed bumps, and narrow bridges. It launches in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. Users can now also report map updates conversationally (e.g., "The road is closed here"), which sends details to local editors. A new "less chatty" mode reduces voice prompts while still alerting to hazards and turns. These updates position Waze to better compete with Apple Maps and other rivals.
- Personalized navigation suggests routes based on trip history and traffic, rolling globally on Android and iOS.
- Gemini integration enables conversational destination search (e.g., "Find a coffee shop open now") in beta worldwide.
- Motorcycle mode uses AI for two-wheeler shortcuts and hazard alerts, launching in 7 countries with more to come.
Why It Matters
Waze leverages Gemini to offer hyper-personalized navigation, competing with Apple Maps and enhancing driver experience.