Waze just gave me 5 new reasons to switch from Apple Maps

Lance Whitney/ZDNET

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Waze is adding five new features to the iOS and Android apps.
• You'll get personalized directions and fewer audio interruptions.
• You can suggest map changes by voice and get motorcycle routes.

As an iPhone user, I typically turn to Apple Maps for directions when I'm driving. Though it had a rough start, Apple's navigation app has become a reliable and helpful tool and integrates nicely with iOS. But my wife tends to use Waze, as she likes the features and flexibility. And after the latest update, I may be joining her, at least for certain trips.

On Monday, Waze rolled out five cool new options, from motorcycle mode to personalized navigation to fewer interruptions. None of these are offered in Apple Maps, at least not to the extent they're popping up in Waze. And though I may not use all five features, I'd certainly tap into enough of them to tempt me to fire up Waze on my next trip.

1. Motorcycle mode

First up is the new motorcycle mode. I don't ride a motorcycle, so this one is of no personal interest to me. But I naturally share the road with motorcyclists, so any feature that can benefit them benefits all drivers.

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With this mode enabled, Waze's AI will account for specific shortcuts and restrictions when mapping out directions. Motorcyclists will receive the routes best designed for them and get a more accurate ETA to boot. Waze will even display challenging hazards, including potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges.

For now, motorcycle mode is rolling out only in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, on both Android and iOS. But Waze promises that more countries are on the list to receive it.

2. Personalized navigation

When I'm driving in or out of New York City, I always try to avoid the George Washington Bridge, even if it means the trip might take longer. But with that goal in mind, I have to trick Apple Maps by giving it the wrong destination just to skirt around the bridge. Now, with Waze, I shouldn't have to do that.

Thanks to the new personalized navigation, Waze will suggest routes based on your previous trips as well as its analysis of local traffic patterns. If you'd rather drive on highways versus local streets, or vice versa, your preferred routes will appear first. You can then choose which route you want to take.

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To enable or disable personalized navigation, go to Settings in the Waze app for iOS or Android. Select General, tap Personalization, and select Personalized Navigation. You can then turn the switches on or off for "Get personalized ETA" and "Get personalized routes."

3. Fewer interruptions to your audio

I always listen to something while I drive--music, a podcast, an audiobook, or just the radio. But when a navigation app is guiding me by voice, it often interrupts whatever audio is playing. On a trip with frequent direction changes, those interruptions get annoying.

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With the new less chatty mode, Waze will minimize the number of directions it gives you by voice and make them shorter than usual. Naturally, you'll still get reminded about hazards, upcoming turns, and other changes. But now they'll come less frequently, so that your favorite song or podcast won't continually be interrupted. This new mode is now rolling out around the world to the Waze iOS and Android apps.

4. Voice any map updates

Waze already provides a conversational reporting feature through which you can report slowdowns and other traffic changes by voice. Now you'll also be able to speak any suggested updates to the overall map of an area.

Run into a road closure, an outdated address, or some other item? Just speak what you've found to Waze. The app will report your suggestion to local map editors, who will confirm your discovery and update the map. This feature is now rolling out to the iOS and Android apps.

5. Find your destination by chatting

Sometimes I know the name and address of the specific place I want to visit. Other times, I'm looking for a general category and need help finding the best nearby options. Now you'll be able to chat with Waze to get that kind of help.

Just tap the search voice icon on the dashboard, and you can give requests like "Find me a coffee shop that's open right now," "Find me parking close to South Street Seaport," or "Find me a nearby gas station with the lowest prices." Waze will give you a list of options, and you can then tell it which one you prefer. This feature is currently rolling out to Waze beta testers on both Android and iOS.

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Certain features, such as personalized navigation, are already accessible. For others, you may need to wait a while before they reach you. But once all these features are available, I look forward to trying Waze on my next journey.