Google brings new Gemini features to Waze, plus a motorcycle mode

Google has just announced new Gemini-based features for the Waze app, alongside a motorcycle mode that tailors what is shown on the map for riders.

Google is now weaving Gemini’s artificial intelligence across its products and services, and Google Maps and Waze are no exception. This Monday, the company revealed a major Waze update that brings several notable additions, including new Gemini integrations. Since 2024, Waze has relied on Gemini for voice reports. This already allows drivers to speak naturally to the AI when reporting incidents on the road. With this update, those same voice reports can now also be used to suggest a map update.

“Just say ‘The road is closed here’ and Waze will pass that information to local mapping teams, who will review the suggestion and update the map. Conversational road update reporting is rolling out globally on Android and iOS,” Google says. In other words, Gemini makes it easier for Waze users to contribute useful updates.

Finding destinations faster with Gemini in Waze

Gemini is also meant to help Waze users reach a destination more quickly. You will be able to talk naturally with the assistant to locate an open café, a parking space, or even the cheapest nearby petrol station. Compared with Google’s previous assistant (Google Assistant), the key advantage of Gemini is its use of large language models, which should make conversations smoother and more natural.

Waze also launches a “motorcycle mode”

Alongside its Gemini-related changes, Waze is introducing a new motorcycle-optimised experience. Google acknowledges that “motorcycles take different routes than cars; they can access narrower streets and are more sensitive to road surface conditions.” As a result, Waze’s motorcycle mode uses artificial intelligence to incorporate more rider-specific information, such as shortcuts.

In motorcycle mode, Waze also highlights hazards that matter more on two wheels, including potholes, speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, hard shoulders and narrow bridges. Unfortunately, this motorcycle mode is currently only available in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Google says it will roll the feature out to other countries later.

Personalised routes and a “less chatty” option

Google has also created a personalised mode that suggests routes based on a driver’s preferences and habits. Offered as an optional feature, it can, for example, take into account that a driver prefers using the motorway when generating route suggestions.

In addition, for people who drive while listening to music or a podcast, Waze is gaining a mode called “less chatty”, designed to reduce interruptions during playback.