While it's not particularly clear what Google wants to do in the long run with its two immensely popular web mapping and navigation services, Waze and Google Maps are becoming more and more alike. The search giant is practically transferring features from one app to the other every few weeks or so, which could eventually lead to the death of the slightly less prevalent product.
Until that happens (if it ever does happen), Waze is today officially borrowing yet another convenient functionality from its sister Google-owned app, at least on Android. We're talking about Google Assistant integration, which was unveiled for Google Maps on both Android and iOS back in January.
The idea is pretty simple, as commanding Maps or Waze using just your voice can vastly improve the safety of your driving and those around you. Your virtual assistant is capable of performing many tasks without requiring you ever touch your phone, including traffic reports, route changes, and pothole warnings. You can also do plenty of Waze-unrelated stuff without leaving the navigation screen, like playing music and podcasts, sending messages, and making hands-free calls.
To get started, you'll obviously need the latest app version (rolling out now in the US) and an Android device set to English. The voice assistant can be summoned by, well, voice using the "Hey Google" or "Ok Google" hotwords followed by whatever you need help with. Although the company remains committed to "making your driving experience even better with help from the Google Assistant" in the future, there are no words on when to expect this feature expanded to other regions, as well as iPhones.
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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