Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is getting new AI-powered features and customization updates, including the ability to report road updates conversationally and get personalized navigation.
Some of the new features are powered by Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which reflects the tech giant’s broader push to integrate Gemini across its products while also better positioning Waze to compete with rival services such as Apple Maps.
The app now suggests routes based on both a user’s trip history and its understanding of a city’s traffic patterns. For example, if a user prefers driving on highways over local streets, they will see those suggested first. If users don’t want personalized routes, they can choose alternate routes or turn off personalization altogether in their settings. Personalized navigation is rolling out now globally on Android and iOS.
Users can now also use Gemini to find their destination through a quick chat when they know what they need but aren’t sure exactly where to go. Users can tap the search voice icon to ask questions like “Find me a coffee shop that’s open right now,” “Find me parking close to Grand Mall,” or “Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices.” Waze will then respond with a list of options.
