Waze is currently rolling out the biggest update ever for its iOS and Android apps. According to the company, the update brings some of the most requested features including support for motorcycle routes, “OK Waze” voice command, and more.
First up, the update now includes a Motorcycle vehicle type option, the third unique vehicle type supported by Waze. When you select motorcycle as your vehicle type, Waze will find alternative routes for you, so you can get to your destination quicker. The data is collected from other motorcyclists, so the more you use it, the smarter the routing will become.
Motorcycle vehicle type will also give you a more accurate ETA, which could be very different from ETA for cars. To Waze on a motorbike, go to Settings > Vehicle Type > Motorcycles in your app.
Next up, the update also brings a new Talk to Waze feature on board, making it safer for you to navigate while driving. Simply say “OK Waze”, and it will start listening out for your Waze Voice Commands. Tell it to take you home, to the nearest gas station, or even ask it when your next turn is. You can also use “OK Waze” to report traffic jam, accidents, and such.
Sadly though, Talk to Waze is only limited to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand only. Waze says that they will continually roll out in more languages soon, so fingers crossed that they will bring this feature to Malaysia.
Finally, the last new feature for this update may not be relevant for us, but it’s definitely very interesting one. Waze now has support for carpooling lanes, the first on all navigations apps at large. With this addition, Waze will be able to provide additional navigational options and arrival times based on high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV), or better known as carpooling lanes.
“Whether you’re riding with one passenger or more; in a hybrid, electric, or clean-fuel car; with a special pass; or a combination of all of the above, Waze will determine your optimal route. Major shoutout to our stellar Map Editor Community, who worked hard to bring HOV route support to life by adding the nuanced HOV info to the Waze Map.”
Check out Waze now for more information about its latest update.
