Unlike iPhones, Google’s Pixel phones usually leak out days before release. The leaks see hands-on images, renders, and wallpapers for the upcoming phones surface online. Recently, the tech community was buzzing about the upcoming Pixel 9 series, which will house a brand-new Weather app. Android Authority’s Kamila Wojciechowska broke the news and shared the very first screenshots of this exciting update.
As someone eager to see what’s new, I decided to sideload the new Pixel Weather app on my OnePlus 11R to get a firsthand look at the features and improvements. With just a week to go before the official launch, I was curious to see how the new app would differ from its predecessor. Here’s what I discovered.
Streamlined Design for a Better Experience
One of the first things I noticed about the new Pixel Weather app is how streamlined and simplified it is compared to the older version. Over the years, Google’s Weather app had accumulated unnecessary clutter, which often made it overwhelming. The new app focuses on presenting essential information without the distractions, allowing users to quickly grasp the weather conditions.
Right from the start, the app greets you with a much bigger font for the temperature, occupying a significant portion of the top section. Interestingly, the degree symbol has been removed, which felt a bit strange at first but quickly became something I appreciated. All the essential details, such as the day's highs, lows, and general weather status, are now easy to see at a glance, making it a more user-friendly experience.
Aesthetic Changes and Functionality Improvements
The new Pixel Weather app features a gradient background that changes according to current weather conditions, which is a refreshing change from the solid colors of the older app. This visual update is not just about aesthetics; it enhances the overall user experience by providing a more dynamic feel. The previous interface required users to scan back and forth to gather information, but the new app’s layout allows for a much smoother experience.
In addition to the aesthetic changes, the app has revamped the way it displays forecasts. The Hourly forecast, 10-day forecast, and Current conditions sections remain but have been enlarged and redesigned for clarity. I particularly liked the new horizontal layout of the 10-day forecast, which eliminates the need for excessive scrolling.
Enhanced Customization and User Interaction
Another exciting feature of the new app is the ability to customize the layout. Users can long-press on weather cards and move them around to adjust them according to personal preferences, adding a layer of interactivity that wasn't present before. The previous version's hourly details have been omitted, but I found that I rarely used that feature anyway, so its absence did not impact my overall experience.
The Current conditions label has also been removed, with only weather cards displayed in more circular and squircle designs. This change contributes to the app's minimalistic approach, allowing users to focus on what truly matters: the weather!
The Missing Froggy: A Nostalgic Absence
One aspect of the old Weather app that many users, including myself, enjoyed was the charming Weather Frog, or Froggy, who would animate according to the weather. Unfortunately, this beloved feature is missing in the new version. It’s a bit disappointing, as Froggy added a fun element to checking the weather. While Wojciechowska referred to this release as a “non-final” version, I can't help but wonder if we will see Froggy make a comeback.
Even though I understand the need for a more straightforward and functional app, I can’t shake off the nostalgia for Froggy. His absence makes the app feel somewhat less lively. However, I recognize that the primary purpose of a weather app is to provide accurate and timely weather updates rather than entertainment.
Functionality Over Form: A Practical Approach
The new Pixel Weather app has made significant strides in making it easier to save and access locations. Previously, saving locations was a tedious task, but now it’s as simple as tapping the plus icon on the main screen. This improvement streamlines the user experience and enhances accessibility.
Overall, the new Pixel 9 Weather app is a big leap forward. With its focus on user experience, simplified design, and enhanced functionality, it positions itself as one of the top weather apps available. While I hope Google considers adding Froggy back into the mix, I still find the app to be a significant improvement.
So, what do you think about the new Pixel Weather app? I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you miss Froggy or appreciate the new design!
