Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, has introduced a suite of AI-powered features and customisation options, including conversational reporting and personalised routing. Some of the new tools are driven by Google's Gemini AI assistant, reflecting the tech giant's broader strategy to embed Gemini across its product ecosystem. The updates are designed to help Waze compete more directly with rivals such as Apple Maps.
Users can now receive route suggestions tailored to their driving habits — for example, those who prefer highways over local streets will see those options prioritised. Personalisation is based on a combination of trip history and the app's understanding of city traffic patterns. Drivers who do not wish to use personalised routes can switch the feature off in settings. The update is rolling out globally on both Android and iOS.
Another key addition is the ability to use Gemini to find destinations through a quick voice chat. By tapping the search voice icon, users can ask questions such as 'Find me a coffee shop that's open right now' or 'Find me parking close to Grand Mall'. Waze then returns a list of relevant options. This feature is currently available to the Waze beta community worldwide on Android and iOS.
Waze is also launching a Motorcycle mode that uses AI to factor in two-wheeler-specific shortcuts and road restrictions, providing more accurate estimated arrival times. The mode highlights hazards that could be particularly dangerous for riders, including potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and narrow bridges. It is rolling out initially in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with further countries expected.
Additional updates include conversational map updates — users can say 'The road is closed here' to alert local map editors — and a new 'less chatty' mode that reduces the frequency and length of voice prompts while still warning about hazards and turns. Both features are rolling out globally on Android and iOS. For UK users, these changes come as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) continues to scrutinise AI-driven personalisation, and as the EU AI Act sets new compliance standards for systems like Gemini.