Story by
Rachel Kaser
Internet Culture WriterRachel is a writer and former game critic from Central Texas. She enjoys gaming, writing mystery stories, streaming on Twitch, and horseback Rachel is a writer and former game critic from Central Texas. She enjoys gaming, writing mystery stories, streaming on Twitch, and horseback riding. Check her Twitter for curmudgeonly criticisms.
Ever heard the flat intonations of pre-recorded GPS voices and thought “I could do better?” Waze is giving you the chance to prove that.
With the latest update to the navigation app on Android, users can record navigational directions in their own voices. It’s not terribly comprehensive: mostly you just say variations on “Turn right,” or “Stop,” or “Let’s go!” There are 39 phrases you can record in total.
There is a major downside: if you use this feature, you won’t hear street names spoken aloud. The recorded phrases don’t cover anything that specific.
This sounds like a gimmick, or the setup for a kickass prank, but it could have some practical applications. Maybe you’re an anxious driver and the voice of a parent or loved one gives you comfort. Or maybe you have a disability and the programmed voices on Waze are hard for you to understand. Or it might be that Waze isn’t supported in your preferred language.
Considering Waze already lets you get directions from Terry Crews, Keith Morrison, and Mister T, we really can’t judge any of its users for who they choose to listen to anymore.
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