Many a complaint has been lodged in vain against the robotic or eerily calm voices of GPS systems and virtual assistants, but users can now take control of their Waze routes for better or for worse. The Google-owned navigation app has recently released an update that lets users narrate Waze routes directly into the app, so if they still find it insufferable, they'll need to take a look in the mirror.
The feature is currently available for Waze on Android. To use it, users go to settings, then sound and voice, and then voice commands. Tapping through, they'll then be prompted to speak all 39 of Waze's directional phrases, including "All set, let's go!" "Turn left here." and "Turn right." Those narrated phrases will then be used when the app gives directions.
What's Driving This Trend
- Self-narrated GPS
- Users can now personalize their navigation experience and humanize their GPS system with their own voice.
- Voice Recognition Technology
- Voice recognition technology is evolving and disrupting navigation apps, making them more user-friendly and personal.
- Individual Empowerment
- This trend represents a shift towards giving users more control over their technology, with the ability to customize and personalize their experiences.
Who This Affects Most
- Navigation/mapping
- Innovations in voice technology in GPS and navigation apps could lead to a more intuitive, natural, and user-friendly way to get around.
- Technology
- Advancements in voice recognition technology will continue to disrupt various industries and create new opportunities for companies to personalize their user experiences.
- Automotive
- Self-narrated GPS apps could potentially revolutionize the automotive industry by making driving safer and easier, especially for long commutes or road trips.
