Waze introduces Conversational Reporting

It'll be much easier to report incidents while using Waze. The app launches a beta version of Conversational Reporting, which allows you to speak naturally when reporting hazards you see on the road. All you need to do is tap the reporting button and speak as if you're talking to a friend. Gemini allows Waze to understand what you're saying and add the real-time report for you. It will ask follow-up questions when needed. Waze can then categorize the report for you.

Beta testers get access to this feature in English on both Android and iOS devices. Google plans to expand the feature to more users and languages in the coming months.

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Waze lets you tap into your zodiac sign with new navigation guide

Image: Waze

Waze is going to let your zodiac sign guide you through the roads with its new driving experience. Drive around in a vehicle and Mood outfitted for your sign and expect the navigation guide to be "well-versed in astrology," while also poking fun at the traits typically attributed to the different signs. The experience is now available in the app.

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Avoid unplowed streets with Waze's Snow Warning feature

The first big storm of the season is coming, so here's a quick reminder to take advantage of Waze's Snow Warning feature. It can let you know when you're approaching a road flagged as unplowed. It works similar to how other hazards are flagged on the crowd-sourced navigation app. You can report unplowed roads by tapping to update the map, then Hazards > Weather > Unplowed road.

During Toronto's last big storm in January 2022, weather hazards reported by Waze drivers went up 8.6%. That included unplowed roads, fog, hail, flood, and ice. And Toronto traffic tracked dropped 21.7% compared to the preceding days.

Google will bring its Waze and maps teams together to cut costs, reduce overlap

Google hopes to reduce overlap work in its mapping apps by merging the Waze and Maps teams. Waze's 500 employees will be part of Google's Geo organization, which oversees Maps, Earth, and Street View. There will be no layoffs as part of the reorganization, but Waze CEO Neha Parikh is expected to leave the role after the transition. Waze will continue to work as a separate app. The merge is expected to start today, December 9.

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