[Updated] Waze bug where 'Kate keeps switching or changing between old & new voice' gets acknowledged, fix in the works

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on May 17, 2022) follows:

Owned by Google, Waze is a GPS-based app that offers turn-by-turn navigation. It was originally designed by Waze Mobile and acquired by Google in 2013 for $1.15 billion.

As of August last year, the app has more than 140 million active users spread across 185 countries.

But in the last few months, users have faced issues such as the broken Waze speed alert audio tone warning and Waze Carplay getting stuck in light mode despite enabling dark theme.

While Waze developers fixed the aforementioned issues, users are now saying the voice assistant — Kate — keeps changing between her new and old voice (1,2,3,4,5).

Many say the problem is distracting them while driving with some getting confused at times since Kate is giving them directions in different voices at the same time.

The issue seems to have surfaced in the last few weeks. Below are some reports from Waze users complaining about Kate changing her voice in between sentences.

Apparently there is to be a new female English voice to replace the current one. Now I get the established ‘person’ making some announcements that will then be completed by a different, much younger voice, sometimes in the middle of a sentence. VERY irritating. Anyone know what that is about?
(Source)

Voice changing by itself? The voice in my Waze app has started to change constantly throughout the journey. It is switching by itself between two different female English (UK) voices, often back-to-back when on a roundabout etc. It’s pretty distracting when driving. I’ve tried reinstalling the app and changing to a difference voice and back but the problem keeps happening. I only started experiencing this since the last few updates – has anyone else had this and have you found a fix if so?
(Source)

Fortunately, Waze developers have acknowledged the matter and said they are already working on a fix. However, there is no ETA for when the patch will be out.

Hi Neil. This is actually an ongoing issue that our team is aware of and working to fix. We ask that you update your phone software and app, reboot your device, then submit debug logs here: https://tinyurl.com/5n9ads4y If you have any questions or concerns please DM us. -Fitz
(Source)

We hope the developers fix the problem in an upcoming update. If and when they do, we will be updating this space to reflect the same so make sure you stay tuned to PiunikaWeb.

10:56 am (IST): Fresh user reports (1, 2, 3) suggest that the issue where Kate keeps switching between old & new voice has resurfaced again.

Luckily, Waze support has acknowledged the problem and said that they are working on a fix.

Hey Dave! We appreciate you alerting us to this issue with this female voice changing in the app. We are aware of this bug and working on a resolution. (Source)

06:30 pm (IST): A product expert on the Google support page has confirmed that the Waze voice assistant switching voice is a known bug. However, they haven’t shared any ETA for a fix.

06:56 pm (IST): A Redditor has suggested a solution that you can try until this issue gets resolved.

Sarah also seems to work okay for me. Jane (my preferred voice) is definitely affected though. So, for now, I’ll deal with Sarah; at least she’s better than the random demonic possessions of Jane. (Source)

06:26 pm (IST): Earlier it seemed that the issue is limited to the ‘Kate’ voice assistant. However, fresh reports suggest that the problem occurs even when users select ‘Jane’ (1,2).

03:25 pm (IST): To help resolve the bug faster, the Waze team is asking affected users to share the debug log.

Hi there Dena. Thanks for sharing feedback about the voice changing. We are currently working towards a solution. To help with this, please submit debug logs by following these steps here: https://support.google.com/waze/answer/6270063?hl=en
Source

The process for submit debug logs is as follows:

Tap Search

In the Search bar, search for 2##2, and then tap the magnifying glass

A Debug Mode message appears. Tap OK.

Close and re-open Waze

Do the same thing in the app that didn’t work for you. Take a screenshot if you can.

Tap the orange Report button in the bottom right, and then Debug

Tap Yes and wait for a confirmation message

To exit Debug Mode:

Tap Search

In the search bar, type 2##2, and then tap the magnifying glass

Tap OK

06:05 pm (IST): Waze support is presently advising users to update their phones and reboot them as a potential troubleshooting procedure:

Hi Kent. Thank you for sharing this feedback! We are aware of this ongoing issue and working to get it resolved. In the meantime please be sure your phone’s software is up to date and rebooted.
Source

06:23 pm (IST): Users have shared a positive response (1, 2, 3) for the Santa voice and they aren’t complaining about it changing mid-way. So, using it could be a temporary workaround.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apps Section so be sure to follow them as well.

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