After months of glitches, the integration of Google Assistant into the Waze app on iOS is coming to an end. Instead, Google has decided to introduce a new conversational assistant powered by Gemini, its artificial intelligence model.
Waze buries Google Assistant on iOS after a difficult year
For over a year, users of Waze on iPhone have been complaining about the sluggish, even unusable, integration of Google Assistant. Bugged, unpredictable, or downright ineffective, the voice assistant meant to facilitate hands-free driving was becoming a source of frustration for its users. Rather than attempt yet another patch, the Waze team decided to simply remove this feature.
Starting this week, Google Assistant will begin disappearing from the iOS app, even though it remains perfectly functional on Android. A deliberate choice, probably dictated by the technical limitations of integration between iOS and Google voice services. The message is clear: Waze wants to start afresh, with a voice solution better suited to drivers' expectations.
Make way for Gemini
The next generation is already ready, or almost. Currently being tested by some users, Waze's new voice mode is based on Gemini, Google's artificial intelligence model. The app now understands natural phrases like "There's an accident a little further ahead." and can even initiate a short exchange to refine the report.
A more conversational approach that should eliminate the need to juggle the screen or remember specific syntax. The goal is clearly to facilitate reporting as if you were talking to a passenger. All while ensuring that the driver keeps their eyes on the road. Lately, Waze has been multiplying new features such as the update GPS update that improves its interface on CarPlay, school zone alerts, optimized route suggestions, and even dashboard navigation for certain vehicles.
With this voice overhaul and the integration of Gemini, Google is taking advantage of the problems encountered by iOS users to push its new assistant. If you want to see what Gemini is capable of on Waze, the video above demonstrates the feature, which is currently still in beta.
Source: Tech Issues Today
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