In 2024, Pixel 6 and newer phones will get a new weather app with AI features but without the familiar frog icon, as reported by 9to5 Google.
Google has now suggested introducing a new weather app called “Weather” for Pixel 6 and newer phones running Android 15. The rollout started with the Pixel 9 models.
Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android 15 and Play Services to get it.
For a long time, Android phones didn’t have a proper weather app instead, there was a “Weather” widget that showed weather data with a cute frog illustration.
Despite the popular frog icon, it couldn’t compete with Apple’s detailed weather features. There are also various third-party weather apps available throughout however, they remained as odd choices for Google.
What Are The Main Features Of The Weather App?
- AI-Generated Weather Reports – The app checks the weather and includes AI summaries in familiar expressions like “Cold and rainy day, bring your umbrella!” and so on.
- Weather Radar – The weather radar shows radar maps and forecasted precipitation, wind, sunrise & sunset details with UV Index, air quality, humidity, etc.
- Customizable Widgets – The data widgets like UV index, humidity, sunrise/sunset, and wind conditions are customizable and one can rearrange them as per their preferences.
Limitations of the Weather App for Pixel Phones
- No Frog Icon – The app doesn’t feature the popular frog illustration.
- No Pollen Data – If you suffer from allergies, there’s no pollen data available unless you’re in the UK, Germany, France, or Italy.
- User Complaints -Some users are unhappy because they can’t see the weather for a location without adding it to their saved locations list.
Besides, other Google apps still send them to the Google app’s summary instead of this new app.
Some users found the app’s weather map appearance isn’t appealing and the app only appears as a widget and not in the phone’s app list.