Waze, the community navigation app owned by Google, has just announced a new AI-powered feature: “Conversational Reporting”. With it, you will soon be able to report incidents and obstacles on the road simply using voice commands and natural language.
A more intuitive way to contribute to the Waze community
Waze has always relied on contributions from its user community to keep its maps updated in real time. But until now, reporting an incident required several manipulations on the screen, which were not always practical while driving.
With Conversational Reporting, all you have to do is tap the “report” button and then describe what you see, as you would when talking to a friend. For example: “There is a mattress on the road” or “There is a traffic jam ahead”. Waze’s AI is able to understand context and everyday language, without the need for specific sentences or commands. If more details are needed, the app will ask you follow-up questions like “Can you describe what you see?” Waze belongs to Google, it is obviously Gemini who is behind the application’s AI.
Once validated, the information from Conversational Reporting will feed the Waze maps in real time to inform other road users.
A gradual deployment of the functionality
Conversational Reporting is launching in beta on the Waze app for Android and iOS worldwide. But for now, it is only available in English. Support for more languages is planned in the coming months.
At the same time, Waze also adds school zones to its maps, with the possibility for users to modify them. When you approach a school, you will receive additional instructions to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other users. This feature will roll out to Android and iOS later this year.