Waze rolls out new AI features

**Paris Hilton** (0:00)
Hey babes, it's Paris Hilton. So I was checking my points balance in the Hilton Honors app the other day. And yeah, I've got about a billion, which feels excessive, even for me. Just kidding, you can never have too many Hilton Honors points. And I want to do something iconic this summer, so I'm giving away all my Paris points. Just find somewhere you've always wanted to stay, then go to my socials or Hilton's and tell me about it. Just make sure you're a Hilton Honors member, and I might be sending you Paris points, because when you want points that make your summer even hotter, it matters where you stay.

**Imran Shaikh** (0:30)
Waze rolls out new AI features. More on that coming up, but first. It's been nearly three years since Apple introduced its Refresh Stylist with a USB-C port, and two years since the more premium Apple Pencil Pro. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple reportedly has two new Apple Pencil models in store for the first half of 2027 to go along with the expected release of its updated iPad models. Gurman reported that one model with the codename B582 will be an update to the entry-level Apple Pencil that charges with a USB-C port. The second refresh, currently codenamed B632, will refresh the Apple Pencil Pro. While the existing Apple Pencil Pro model introduced a new sensor that can sense a user squeezing on the barrel, Gurman said that the upcoming design could see some improvements to repairability. According to Gurman, Apple is hard at work trying to conform to the new European Union Regulations calling for more easily replaceable batteries within consumer electronics, which could lead to more repairable Apple Pencil models. For Apple customers, it would be a welcome change. Since iFixit has deemed all Apple Pencil models repairability failed due to the inability to replace the internal batteries after they die. It wouldn't be the first time that European Union Regulations had some impact on Apple's product designs, considering the momentous shift to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup. Remember, you can find the latest Gadget News, reviews, price drops, and more right now at engadget.com.

**SPEAKER_3** (2:04)
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**Imran Shaikh** (2:32)
Waze, Google's other navigation app, is getting a collection of new AI-powered features that make it easier to navigate on a motorcycle and less annoying to receive directions. The app's new motorcycle mode uses AI to consider the specific needs of two-wheeled vehicles, according to Google. Those include specific shortcuts that might only be available to motorcycles and hazards that are tricky for riders, like potholes, speed bumps, raised crosswalks, shoulder endings, and narrow bridges. While using AI might raise some questions about the accuracy of Waze's motorcycle directions, the app's insights are at least still powered by a real-time traffic map and a group of human, motorcycle-focused editors who keep things up-to-date with hazards. Waze is also getting some new personalization features as part of this update. The app will now suggest routes based on previous trips, along with Waze's normal traffic-focused recommendations. The app will now suggest routes based on previous trips, along with Waze's normal traffic-focused recommendations. These personalized suggested routes can be disabled, but Google thinks they might better anticipate your driving preferences. A now less chatty mode also tweaks how Waze communicates. If you hate constantly being interrupted by your next turn or an upcoming hazard, toggling voice guidance to less chatty minimizes the app's voice prompts and focuses them on critical directions and reminders. Of course, if you want to talk to Waze, the app's growing Gemini integration is making that possible in some new ways. Waze began testing what it calls conversational reporting in October 2024
That's a way to use natural language to report traffic incidents. As of these updates, conversational reporting can now also be used to suggest map updates. Via Waze's voice search, Gemini integration also lets you ask questions like, Find me a gas station nearby with the lowest prices and receive a page of custom results. Waze's personalization features, less chatty mode and conversational reporting are rolling out globally on Android and iOS.
Gemini-powered voice searches, meanwhile, are rolling out to Waze's beta community globally. And motorcycle mode is specifically coming online for users in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines.