By: Gai Berkovich, GM, Waze
Waze has one of the most passionate mapping communities in the world, with drivers who actively report road incidents and editors who add critical local information to the map, like new roads and sharp curves.
Over the years, we’ve launched updates to help drivers get around more safely and confidently — and today, we’re adding two new features to keep drivers up to date on their journeys.
Speak naturally to report road incidents
On Waze, you can already report a range of incidents, including traffic, potholes, construction and more. Now we’re introducing a new Conversational Reporting feature to make this safer and easier. Say you’re cruising down the highway and spot a sudden slowdown. All you need to do is tap the reporting button and speak naturally, as if you’re chatting with a friend: “Looks like there are cars jammed up ahead!” With the help of Gemini capabilities, Waze will understand what you’re saying and quickly add a real-time report to the map for you — no need to use a specific voice command or tap extra buttons.
Waze will even ask you a follow-up question when it needs more information or details. If you let Waze know there’s something up ahead, it may ask “Can you describe what you see?” After sharing more information – like that you see a trash can on the road – Waze can categorize the report, helping other drivers be aware and avoid the hazard.
Conversational Reporting launches in beta to Waze trusted testers globally this week in English on Android and iOS, with plans to expand to more users and languages in the coming months.
See school zones on the map
To help keep students, pedestrians and drivers safer when they’re near these busy areas, we’re making it easy for Waze map editors to add school zones to the map. This means that when you’re driving near a school when it’s open and we have information for that school zone available, you’ll receive an alert that reminds you to be extra cautious.
School Zones start rolling out on Android and iOS globally later this year.
Waze combines the power of community and technology to bring you features that keep you informed and safe on the road. Download the latest version of Waze to check them out.
