Google has finally introduced a default weather app to compete with Apple and Samsung. While previous Pixel phones were able to display the current weather in widgets, tapping on those widgets only launched a basic screen with limited information. It felt more like a web page than a fully-featured weather app.
With the launch of the Pixel Tablet, Google has addressed this issue. The new weather app, accessed through the same widgets as before, now offers a much nicer design without compromising the playful experience of the older version. It provides 10-day and 24-hour forecasts, as well as reports on wind, humidity, barometric pressure, and UV index. The app also shows current sun position and sunrise/sunset times. Moreover, it displays detailed precipitation, wind, and humidity breakdowns on an easy-to-parse single screen, accompanied by fun animations for the current conditions.
One of the app’s standout features is its ability to provide immediate upcoming precipitation information. It can accurately predict the intensity and duration of upcoming rain showers or storms up to 12 hours in advance. This forecast is made possible by the integration of data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other reliable sources. Importantly, this precipitation data is only displayed in the app when it is relevant. If there is no anticipated precipitation in your area, the app won’t show this information.
However, despite its many improvements, the new weather app lacks a radar view. It’s unclear whether this feature exists but is difficult to find within the app or if it’s absent altogether. Additionally, users can currently only access the weather app through widgets; it lacks its own icon for direct access. Although the app still relies on the Google app, it feels more native and less like a rudimentary website compared to its predecessor.
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It’s worth noting that the new weather app is currently limited to tablets, including the Pixel Tablet and the upcoming Pixel Fold. According to 9to5Google, Google intends to expand its availability to other devices in the future. However, there is no specific timeline for when this expansion will occur. Android Police has previewed how the app appears on phone-sized screens based on developer activations of the app on their devices.
While Samsung devices already come with a comprehensive preinstalled weather app, it is hoped that Google will make its new weather app available to a wider range of devices beyond the Pixel line. Google has a history of extending Pixel-specific software to other devices, as seen with Google Photos’ availability on non-Pixel devices.
In conclusion, Google’s new weather app offers a significant improvement over its predecessor, providing a more visually appealing design and a broader range of weather information. Despite some missing features like a radar view and a dedicated app icon, the new app enhances the weather experience on Pixel tablets and shows promise for future availability on other devices.
