Waze launches personalized navigation and integrates new Gemini-based features

Navigation service Waze is rolling out new features to personalize trips and expand its Gemini AI integration.

Waze reported this in the Waze blog.

Users will get tools to adapt routes to their habits, a dedicated motorcycle mode, and conversational location search.

Route personalization and ‘less chatty’ mode

Waze developers are implementing a personalized navigation system that will operate on Android and iOS worldwide.

Now the app will suggest routes not only based on current city traffic but also taking into account the driver’s past trips. For example, if a user tends to choose highways instead of local streets with many stops, the service will show those options first. This feature can be turned off in settings.

Also globally available is the “less chatty” mode (less chatty mode). It minimizes the number and length of voice prompts so the driver can focus on music or podcasts. The app still notifies about critical hazards, turns, and lane changes, but it does so less frequently.

Dedicated motorcycle mode

For riders of two-wheeled vehicles, Waze is launching a motorcycle mode (motorcycle mode). The AI takes into account specific shortcuts and restrictions for motorcycles that can pass through narrow streets, and it also calculates accurate arrival times.

Additionally, the map will show sections dangerous for motorcyclists: potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, the end of shoulders, and narrow bridges. The feature is populated in real time with the help of specialized map editors.

The mode is currently being rolled out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with more countries to be added later.

More about the Gemini-based updates

Gemini technologies have expanded the capabilities of the Conversational Reporting feature. Previously drivers could report traffic jams by voice, and now, using natural language, they can propose map updates — for example, reporting road closures or outdated addresses.

The request is automatically sent to local map editors for verification. The feature is already available globally.

Additionally, the Gemini integration enables searching for destinations via a quick chat. Users can ask voice queries like “find an open coffee shop right now” or “find the nearest gas station with the lowest prices.” The app returns a list of options, after which navigation can be started. 

What is Waze

Waze is a GPS navigation app for mobile devices and a social network for drivers.

It plots optimal routes in real time based on users’ speeds and alerts about traffic jams, accidents, police checkpoints, and speed cameras.

Read also: Meta turned off an Instagram feature that allowed creating AI images based on public accounts