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Take a drive through decades past.
GPS map navigation for cars, particularly through smartphones, has only really been a thing for the last 15 years or so, but it’s become so ingrained in modern society, it’s hard to remember a time before it. Nobody’s pulling giant paper maps out of the glove compartment anymore, that’s for certain. But if you’re feeling nostalgic for the aesthetics of those years gone by (if not for their means of navigation), the Google-owned Waze app has a fun new mode for you.
Starting today, the Waze navigation app is featuring a new Retro Mode that changes the app’s aesthetics based on the 70s, 80s, or 90s. Each era comes with a different time-appropriate car model, music from that particular period, and some other little visual effects.
“Set your vibe on Waze to ‘70s peace, love and happiness with an eccentric radio DJ as your host and navigator, a flower-power ‘El Vanarino’ as your vehicle and a groovy lava lamp Mood,” Google explained in a blog post.
“If Jazzercise is more your speed, break a sweat with an ‘80s aerobics instructor to guide your journey, while you maneuver in a Rad Racer sports car with a ‘Pumped!’ boombox Mood.”
“Or you can head back to the ‘90s in your classic two-door ‘SUV4EVA’ while a pop star helps you avoid traffic and the paparazzi. Set your Mood to ‘Dialed Up,’ a classic desktop PC, but without the pain of waiting for your crush to sign online.”
New Waze ‘Retro Mode’ Lets Drivers Celebrate the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s https://t.co/hYsKz4yO5W
— iPhone in Canada (@iPhoneinCanada) April 12, 2022
In addition to these visual touches, Waze has teamed up with TuneIn to offer tailored radio stations for each theme, featuring hit tracks from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. All of this can be accessed directly from the Waze app. The Retro Modes will only be available for a limited time, though Google didn’t clarify precisely when they will be removed.
