Waze is testing a new feature that will allow users to report traffic incidents/incidents on the road, via simple voice messages. With the new feature, users will be able to tap the “report button” within the app and say what they see on the road (e.g., “It looks like there’s a traffic jam ahead”).
The app, owned by Google, will then use the Gemini AI model to “understand” what the user said and create a report. If a vague report is made, like “There’s something on the road,” Waze may ask more questions, like “Can you describe what you see?”, to learn more details. Depending on your answer, the app will then use that information to categorize the report.
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Currently, you can report incidents on Waze by tapping on the app’s options, which isn’t always convenient while driving. The ability to report incidents using voice commands offers numerous benefits for drivers. First, it eliminates the need to physically interact with the phone while driving, reducing distractions and promoting safer driving practices. It also allows for faster incident reporting, as drivers no longer need to type out a detailed message or use the app. This can save valuable time and improve overall traffic flow for everyone on the road.
Waze will release “voice reporting” in beta to “trusted testers” (Android and iOS) this week. It’s currently only available in English. Waze plans to expand it to more users and languages in the “coming months.”
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The introduction of voice commands to report incidents on Waze marks another step towards safer and more efficient driving. It not only benefits individual drivers, but also helps create a more connected and informed community on the road.
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Alongside this update, Waze will also start showing school zones on the map, alerting users to drive more safely in these areas. This feature will be released later this year.
Source: www.theverge.com
