# Waze adds 5 new features to challenge Apple Maps Personalized navigation and fewer interruptions enhance the driving experience. - **Source:** [Latest news](https://brifing.si/source/77d15218-219f-472d-bf40-31b5646d2942) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/50dce640-6766-4a45-9201-aa7dee423797 ## Waze's New Motorcycle Mode Waze introduces a special mode for motorcycle riders, offering optimized routes and hazard alerts. Currently available in select countries, this feature will soon expand to more regions, improving safety for two-wheeled commuters. ## Personalized Navigation Waze now suggests routes based on users' travel history. For instance, it offers alternatives for drivers who prefer avoiding specific bridges. This customizable feature can be easily enabled in the app's settings menu. ## Reduced Audio Interruptions The new 'less chatty mode' minimizes disruptions to music or podcasts during navigation. Only critical turn alerts and hazards will be announced, allowing for uninterrupted listening pleasure while driving. ## Voice-Activated Map Updates Users can now report road closures or outdated addresses via voice commands. These submissions will be verified by local map editors and updated system-wide, ensuring accurate information for all Waze community members. ## Chat-Based Destination Search Waze's beta feature enables voice-command searches for nearby businesses. Commands like 'find an open coffee shop now' generate a selectable list of options, streamlining the search process for drivers. ## A New Era in Navigation Wars This update intensifies competition among navigation apps. With personalized features and user-friendly design, Waze could become indispensable for urban drivers, particularly in heavy traffic conditions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.zdnet.com/article/waze-update-may-beat-apple-maps/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._