Waze’s latest update to Android Auto finally brought support for “Coolwalk,” but it also broke some key features, including voice commands. As it turns out, it was broken on purpose.
Like Google Maps and other services, Waze has long supported Google Assistant commands to handle certain tasks, like setting a navigation destination. Activating the Assistant and issuing a command like “Go to Times Square” will send you to that location. They are really very basic functions, so it is surprising that these commands are now broken for many.
As we reported last week, updates to Waze on Android Auto have made voice commands a bummer for many users, with most commands to specific addresses not working.
In response to some customers, Waze says this is intentional, and that “at the moment,” the ability to get preset directions to home or work locations are the only supported voice commands. The statement is released below, and variations similar to it Many users of Waze during the past week through customer support channels.
Hi Weezer,
I looked at your report and found that what you described is actually how Google Assistant works in Waze on Android Auto currently.
“Drive home” and “Drive to work” are the only voice commands available in Waze on Android Auto at this time. Our developers are working to implement full Google Assistant functionality.
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve Waze, and we value your feedback.
We reached out to Waze a week ago about this change, but the company hasn’t got back to us.
It looks like the “full” functionality is returning, but Waze doesn’t provide any timeline for when it’s coming back.
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