Waze is getting four significant updates today, anchored by Gemini-powered voice search and an enhancement to its Motorcycle Mode, rolling out globally across iOS and Android. The changes represent Google’s push to make navigation more conversational and contextual, while addressing a vehicle class that most navigation apps treat as an afterthought.
The headline feature is a Gemini-based search tool that lets drivers ask Waze for nearby places without typing. Tap the search voice icon and ask “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 responds with a list you can navigate using voice commands. This feature is rolling out now to the Waze beta community globally on Android and iOS.
This is the natural result of Google’s shift away from Google Assistant in Waze. Last year, the Assistant integration on iOS became so buggy that Google eventually removed it; Gemini replaces it with a conversational layer built specifically for navigation context. Assistant was generic; Gemini knows you’re driving and understands location-specific questions without forcing you out of the app, and that distinction shapes the entire experience.
Motorcycle Mode gets smarter routing
Waze has supported motorcycles as a vehicle type for years, but today’s update enhances that mode with improved optimization for two-wheeled shortcuts and more accurate ETAs. The app will route riders based on roads that work better for motorcycles: lighter traffic, better surfaces, safer turns. The smarter Waze’s algorithm becomes with rider data, the more refined these routes will be.
Voice gets quieter; routes get smarter
Two smaller but useful additions address long-standing friction:
- Less Chatty Mode: Waze is adding an option to reduce voice prompt verbosity so navigation doesn’t drown out your music or podcast.
- Suggested Routes: Waze will now surface routes based on your previous trips, learning whether you prefer highways over local streets. This is optional and toggleable. It’s rolling out first in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines on both iOS and Android, with more countries to follow.
Conversational Reporting Update
Using Gemini further, Waze will not allow users to report map updates such as road closures or outdated addresses, to allow users to share updates while driving. This is a big improvement as it ensures that drivers don’t get distracted while driving and reporting incidents using a touchscreen. This adds to the existing conversational reporting feature which lets users report traffic slowdowns. This feature is rolling out now to all Waze users worldwide.
For regular Waze users, these are welcome updates, specially for motorcyclists. You can download the app from the App Store to try out the new features.
