- Google has announced five new features for its turn-by-turn navigation app, Waze.
- The features include “Motorcycle Mode,” personalized navigation, a “Less Chatty” mode, conversational reporting, and integration with Google’s AI, “Gemini.”
- Except for “Motorcycle Mode,” all features are currently rolling out globally.
On Monday, July 13, 2026 (local time), Google announced five new features being rolled out for its turn-by-turn navigation app, Waze.
The newly announced Waze features are: “Motorcycle Mode,” personalized navigation, a mode to reduce voice guidance, conversational reporting, and Google AI “Gemini” integration. Aside from “Motorcycle Mode,” the rollout for these features has already begun globally.
Motorcycle Mode
“Motorcycle Mode” is a new feature designed specifically to provide routes for motorcyclists.
The AI calculates optimal routes and accurate arrival times by considering motorcycle-specific needs, such as navigating narrow lanes or accounting for vehicle-specific traffic restrictions. Furthermore, it displays hazardous conditions that require extra caution for riders, such as potholes, speed bumps, pavement drop-offs, and narrow bridges.
“Motorcycle Mode” is supported by Waze’s real-time traffic data and a dedicated community of motorcycle map editors who continuously add information about road hazards. It is now available on Android and iOS in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, with plans to expand to more regions in the future.
Personalized Navigation
Personalized navigation is a new feature that suggests routes based on individual driving preferences.
In addition to having a deep understanding of urban traffic patterns, Waze will now offer route suggestions based on your past driving history. For example, if you prefer highways over local roads with frequent stops, those routes will be prioritized for you.
If you prefer not to use personalized navigation, you can manually select a different route from the settings or turn off personalization entirely. Personalized navigation is now rolling out globally for Android and iOS users.
Less Chatty Mode
“Less Chatty Mode” is a convenient new feature for times when you want to focus on music or podcasts.
When enabled, “Less Chatty Mode” reduces the number of voice instructions from Waze and makes the guidance more concise. While you will still receive critical alerts—such as warnings about road hazards, upcoming turns, and lane changes—the reduced frequency allows for less interruption, making it easier to enjoy audio content.
“Less Chatty Mode” is now rolling out globally for Android and iOS.
Conversational Reporting
The “Conversational Reporting” feature, which allows users to report traffic conditions like congestion using natural language, has been updated to include map update suggestions.
By simply speaking to Waze—for example, saying “This road is closed”—you can suggest updates regarding road closures or outdated addresses. This information is sent to local map editors, who verify the details before reflecting them on the map. This conversational reporting feature is now rolling out globally for Android and iOS.
Google AI “Gemini” Integration
Waze has integrated Google’s AI, “Gemini,” enabling users to get navigation suggestions and start trips through natural conversation.
When searching for a destination, you can tap the voice search icon and speak naturally—such as, “Find me a coffee shop that’s open right now,” “Find parking near Grand Mall,” or “Find the cheapest gas station.” Waze will then present a list of candidates, allowing you to select one and immediately start navigation via voice command. The Waze integration with Gemini is currently rolling out globally to users in the “Waze Beta community” on Android and iOS.
Waze App Links
Source: Google (https://blog.google/waze/waze-updates-gemini-motorcycle-mode/)