Waze announced several new customization and AI-powered navigation updates designed to give drivers and riders more control over their trips. The updates include a new motorcycle mode, personalized navigation, a “less chatty” voice guidance option, expanded Conversational Reporting for map updates, and new Gemini-powered search capabilities for finding destinations.
Waze said the features build on its community-powered navigation model while expanding the app from a helpful driving companion into a more intelligent travel partner.
The new motorcycle mode is designed for riders whose routing needs differ from car drivers. Motorcycles can use narrower roads and may be more affected by surface conditions, so the mode uses AI to incorporate two-wheeler shortcuts and restrictions for improved routing and ETA accuracy.
Motorcycle mode also highlights hazards that are especially relevant to riders, including potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges. The feature is powered by Waze’s real-time traffic data and input from motorcycle map editors who add rider-specific hazards to the map.
The motorcycle feature is rolling out now on Android and iOS in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with more countries expected to follow.
Waze is also rolling out personalized navigation globally on Android and iOS. The feature suggests routes based on previous trips and Waze’s hyperlocal understanding of city traffic patterns.
For example, if a driver tends to prefer highways over local streets with multiple stops, Waze may prioritize similar routes in future suggestions. Users can still choose alternate routes or turn off personalization in settings.
The new “less chatty” mode is also rolling out globally on Android and iOS. This feature reduces the number and length of voice prompts, giving drivers fewer interruptions while listening to music, podcasts, or other audio.
Waze said users will still receive critical reminders about hazards, turns, and lane changes, but the app will provide them less frequently and in a shorter format.
The company is also expanding Conversational Reporting, which uses Gemini capabilities to let users report traffic incidents by speaking naturally. Waze users can now use the feature to suggest map updates, such as road closures or outdated addresses.
For example, users can say that a road is closed, and Waze will send the details to local map editors for verification. Once verified, editors can update the map for the broader Waze community.
Waze is also adding Gemini-powered destination search for its beta community globally on Android and iOS. Before starting navigation, users can tap the search voice icon and ask natural-language questions such as where to find an open coffee shop, nearby parking, or a gas station with the lowest prices.
Waze will respond with a list of options, allowing users to start navigating by voice. The feature is designed to help users find destinations even when they know what they need but do not know exactly where to go.
Together, the updates show how Waze is combining community-sourced traffic intelligence with AI-powered personalization and conversational tools. The company said the goal is to give users more ways to customize trips, report updates, and navigate with more relevant real-time guidance.
