Waze Rolls Out AI-Powered Features Powered by Google Gemini

Google-owned navigation app Waze announced on July 13 a suite of new AI-powered features and customization updates, with several capabilities backed by Google's Gemini AI assistant. The move underscores the tech giant's broader strategy of integrating Gemini across its product portfolio while positioning Waze to better compete with rival services like Apple Maps.

Waze now suggests routes based on both a user's trip history and its understanding of a city's traffic patterns. If a user prefers driving on highways over local streets, those routes will appear first. Users who prefer not to see personalized routes can choose alternate paths or turn off personalization entirely in settings. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS.

Users can also leverage Gemini to find destinations through quick chat when they know what they need but aren't sure exactly where to go. By tapping the voice search icon, users can ask questions like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now" or "Find me parking close to Grand Mall," and Waze responds with a list of options. This Gemini-powered destination feature is rolling out now to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS.

Waze is also introducing a new Motorcycle mode that uses AI to account for two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions, helping riders find optimal routes with more accurate ETAs. The mode also surfaces hazards particularly tricky for riders, including potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges. Motorcycle mode launches in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on Android and iOS, with additional countries to follow.

While Waze already allowed users to report traffic incidents using natural speech, it now extends this capability to suggesting map updates conversationally, including reporting road closures or outdated addresses. Users can say "The road is closed here," and Waze will send the details to local map editors. This feature rolls out globally on Android and iOS.

A new "less chatty" mode minimizes voice prompts during drives for users who want fewer interruptions while focusing on music or podcasts. Hazard and turn alerts remain active but appear less frequently. This mode is also rolling out globally on Android and iOS.

The wave of AI updates signals Google's strategy of embedding cutting-edge conversational AI into high-frequency daily-use products to deepen user engagement. Waze is evolving from a straightforward navigation tool into an intelligent mobility assistant, and competing services like Apple Maps are likely to accelerate their own AI responses in kind. Key developments to watch include deeper Gemini integration for real-time traffic narration and in-drive voice interactions, as well as the timeline for these features moving from beta to general availability.