Waze pulls major reporting tool from iOS app and plans to replace it with new voice interaction solution
Waze users are familiar with how the app's directions are improved by real-time data shared by the Waze community while driving. This shared data includes information about accidents, road conditions, traffic, police activity, and weather, which can prompt Waze to suggest alternative routes based on the updated information.
There are different ways for Waze users to report such information. Many users rely on touch input, tapping on the screen to report hazards. However, this can be challenging while driving. To address this issue, Waze introduced touch input functionality that allows users to tap a button on the screen when they spot a hazard and complete the submission when the vehicle is stationary.
Google Assistant Integration
Another reporting option for Waze users is Google Assistant, which enables users to quickly set up navigation by simply asking the Assistant to navigate to their destination. However, Google Assistant integration has not functioned seamlessly on the iOS version of Waze, prompting Google to remove this feature from the app.
Last week, a Waze staff member announced on the Waze discuss website that Google Assistant integration would be phased out on the iOS version of the app. The staff member mentioned, "We’ve decided to phase out Google Assistant on iOS and replace it with an enhanced voice interaction solution in the near future. As always, we are committed to keeping you informed and will share more details as we progress."
While Google has not yet revealed details about the new voice interaction solution, Waze intends to leverage Google's Gemini AI for conversational reporting of hazards. This new feature will enable users to report issues in a more conversational manner, reducing distractions for drivers.
Enhanced Reporting Functionality
With the new voice interaction solution, users can report incidents more naturally. For example, if a user spots an accident on the road, they can press the reporting button and say, "So this crash is why traffic is such a nightmare." This single sentence can report two issues: the accident itself and the resulting traffic congestion.
