Waze gets Google Assistant support for voice commands

Waze users will now have another way to issue voice commands on the navigation app: the Google Assistant.

For now, it's only rolling out to Android phones in the U.S. But it will let Waze app users ask the navigation app to do things by uttering the prompt phrase: "Hey Google." For instance, say, "Hey Google, report traffic," or "Hey Google, avoid tolls," and the Waze app will respond.

"Many of your favorite Waze features, like reporting traffic, pinpointing a pothole or checking for alternate routes, can also be accessed simply by using your voice," Google said in a Monday blog post.

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Credit: waze

Waze, which Google acquired in 2013, already has voice commands. But to access them, you must turn on the feature and use the prompt "Ok Waze."

Google Assistant, on the other hand, has been designed as a voice assistant to control all kinds of features across a smartphone. This includes the ability to play music, make phone calls, send text messages, and pull up driving directions on the competing Google Maps app. So today's change should make it easier to use Waze alongside other Google services with only your voice.

"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," the company said.

The Google Assistant support is first coming to Android phones in English. No word on iOS availability. For more tips on how to get the most out of Waze, consult our guide.

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