Google's finally getting its act together with a brand new weather app. It's about time, right? Officially though, it will only be available for the new Pixel 9.
For years, surprisingly, Google hasn't had an official weather app. Apple has had one since the beginning and it is one of the best weather apps for a smartphone. Google is fairly late to the game. But, alas, it is here.
A Long-Awaited Upgrade
First things first, the new Pixel Weather app is a significant improvement. It finally has its own icon, which is a welcome change. You can easily find it on your home screen instead of fumbling through the Google app. This alone makes it feel more functional and user-friendly.
The app covers all the essential features you’d expect from a weather app: current temperature, daily forecasts, and hourly breakdowns.
But what sets it apart are some of the additional features that make it more comprehensive than its predecessors.
- AI Weather Insights: AI is making its way everywhere. The new Pixel weather app uses AI to provide weather reports. Instead of just spitting out numbers, it gives you a more contextual understanding of the weather.
- Interactive Weather Map: This is a solid feature. You can visually see rain forecasts and track weather patterns in nearby areas. It’s useful for planning trips or just figuring out if you need an umbrella.
- Customizable Layout: You can tailor the app to show the information that matters most to you. If humidity isn’t your thing, you can push it down the list.
- Detailed Weather Metrics: It includes metrics like UV index and air pressure, which can be useful for those who care about more than just the temperature.
Material You in action
This is one of the most under-rated UI features from the app. The weather metrics for UV Index, Pressure, Visibility, Wind etc. beautifully bring in UI elements to provide additional information.
The new app also comes with weather widgets, which is a plus. However, there are only two options available right now. While it’s a start, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. You can stretch one of the widgets to show a two-day forecast, but it would be nice to see more variety in the future.
Dark Sky Vibes
If you were a fan of Dark Sky before it was acquired by Apple, you might find some nostalgia in this app. The new Pixel Weather app channels some of Dark Sky's functionality, especially with its rain notifications. It’s a feature that many users will appreciate, especially if you want to avoid getting caught in the rain.
The Weather Map feature is a nice addition, but it has its limitations. While you can check the weather in nearby cities, it doesn’t allow for extensive geographical exploration. If you want to see the weather in a city that’s too far away, you’re out of luck. It feels like the app is still figuring out its boundaries.
No Pixel 9? No problem.
Here’s the kicker: you don’t have to wait for the Pixel 9 to try this app. If you have Android 14 or later, you can download the app from APKMirror. But, be cautious, as it might have some bugs since it’s still in the early stages. But if you’re curious, it’s worth checking out.