Waze
Waze for iOS has a new update that allows users to record voice prompts. Waze

Community-based traffic and navigation app Waze now enables users to come up with their own voice prompts on iOS through a feature that was previously exclusive to the Android app. In addition, the company intends to make this feature more popular by having YouTube creators record voice prompts that the general users can download for personal use.

Last Sunday, Waze released a new version of its iOS app. Version 4.26, which is clocking in at 99.0 MB, requires iOS 8.0 or later versions of Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Based on the release notes that the company published on iTunes, the new update comes with the Voice Recorder feature, which allows users to record their own voice directions.

The Voice Recorder feature first debuted on the Android platform last May, as pointed out by MacRumors. It appears the feature is getting good feedback from Android users that the company has now decided to expand it to the iOS platform. What’s good about the voice prompts users can record through the new feature is they can be shared with family and friends.

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“Waze, the free, real-time crowdsourced traffic and navigation app, has provided custom voice prompts that have thrilled and delighted Wazers on their daily drives for years. Now, Waze is happy to announce the new Voice Recorder feature, which lets you record all your voice prompts any way you like. Add some character, pizazz, some je ne sais quoi - channel your most commanding or playful mood and let your voice guide the way,” a statement from the company reads.

Celebrities are entitled to record their custom voice prompts and share them with their fans. Tapping the potential of YouTube creators in spreading the news about the Voice Recorder feature of its app, Waze reportedly plans to work with several creators and come up with voice packs that can be distributed to their fans, TechCrunch has learned.

When using the updated app for the first time, the Voice Recorder feature will walk users through the different steps they have to take when creating their custom voice packs. The feature will provide a list of prompts and the time limit for each. One can record over 40 commands and use them when driving to their destination. The voice prompts will be there to give turn-by-turn directions.

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As mentioned earlier, the voice prompts can be shared with other people. To do this, users simply need to forward a download link via text or using other means or apps to send the link to another user. The receiver then only needs to download the file by clicking the link to access the custom voice prompt made by the sender.

The Voice Recorder feature is what sets Waze apart from other navigation apps, according to 9to5Mac. This perhaps explains why the company is serious in making the feature more known to many users. In the past, the company offered users downloadable voice prompts by celebrities. And now it’s next effort involves YouTube creators who have millions of subscribers.

For the full release notes of version 4.26, read below:

  • There’s a brand new Waze voice… and it’s yours! Record your own voice directions to guide you on the road
  • Easily share your voice directions with friends and family
  • Minor bug fixes and improvements
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