Using celebrity voices has been a popular trend for Amazon and its Echo devices. Now, Google has jumped on the bandwagon by partnering with famous athlete Roger Federer for Waze maps. Interestingly, this comes just one day after Amazon officially stopped offering celebrity voices for Echo devices. Previously, Amazon had celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Samuel L Jackson as voice options.
To access Federer’s voice in Waze, Google has introduced a new feature called “Team up with Roger Federer.” According to a blog post by Google, users can now have the tennis superstar’s voice as their navigation guide. This feature is available in English, French, or German. We tested this feature on the iOS version of the Waze app and it is indeed available.
The Roger Federer experience extends beyond simple navigation directions. The voice will also provide information about any hazards on the road. Google explains, “If the momentum of your drive starts to turn as traffic slows you down, he’ll keep your head in the game with words of encouragement like: ‘Make a U-Turn. Hey, even champions can mess up’ or ‘Heavy traffic reported ahead. Let’s treat this like a change-of-ends break. I might even put on a fresh shirt.'”
Additionally, there is a feature to update your mood. For example, you can change your mood to “Victorious” to embrace the champion lifestyle.
This experience is available globally, with voice navigation options in English, French, and German. To access the Roger Federer voice, make sure you have the latest version of the Waze app. Once you’re in the app, go to the left menu and look for the Roger Federer banner. Tap on the banner and follow the on-screen instructions to enjoy the Roger Federer experience.
