Waze is getting a bunch of new AI-powered features
Waze is integrating Google's Gemini AI to enable conversational voice commands for traffic reporting and destination searches. Additional updates include a 'less chatty' mode, a motorcycle-specific routing mode, and personalized route suggestions based on historical data.
Why it matters
The integration of generative AI into navigation apps signals a shift toward more personalized, conversational user interfaces in daily technology.
Waze is getting an AI makeover. Google is integrating its flagship AI assistant, Gemini, into the driving app with the goal of letting users personalize their trips a little more.
Of the four new updates, only two are being described as involving Gemini. Waze says its updating its conversation reporting feature, first introduced in 2024, to allow drivers to use conversational voice commands to report traffic incidents and suggest map updated, like a road closure or outdated house number. In addition, Waze introduced Destination Search, enabling drivers to use (again) use conversation voice commands (e.g., “Find me a coffee shop that’s open right now” or “Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices”) to find a destination.
[Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/Less-Chatty-Mode.png?quality=90&strip=all]
[Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/Update-to-Conversational-Reporting.png?quality=90&strip=all]
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