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Waze just inherited one of the best features of Google Maps

Published Jun 10th, 2019 9:03PM EDT
Waze vs. Google Maps
Image: Shutterstock

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Over the past few years, Google has been adding a ton of features to Google Maps that make its other navigation app, Waze, so popular. But that doesn’t mean Waze is getting overlooked, as the company just announced a brand new feature for Waze, one that could further improve your navigation experience: Google Assistant.

Waze is so popular with drivers because of its crowd-sourced traffic information that can make a massive difference while driving. Now, with Google Assistant support built into Waze, you’ll be able to do a lot more without touching the screen. You’ll be able to search for places along your route and add stops along the way with nothing but your voice, Google explained in a blog post.

Image source: Google

You’ll also be able to play music, message friends and make calls, all by issuing the proper command to the Assistant. What’s even more exciting is that Google Assistant works with Waze’s crowd-sourced features. You can report traffic and potholes by voice, or search for additional routes:

Just say “Hey Google, report traffic” or “Hey Google, avoid tolls” when navigating with Waze and your Google Assistant will help keep you connected, informed and minimize distractions while you’re on the go, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Maybe the best thing about seeing the Assistant make its way over to Waze is a confirmation that Google isn’t going to drop Waze anytime soon, especially now that some of the things you love in Waze are available in Google Maps as well. The Assistant starts rolling out in Waze on Monday in America on Android phones. It’s likely that support for other markets and languages, as well as support for iPhone, will be available down the road.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.