weather apps

AppWizard
June 8, 2025
Google overhauled its weather app, replacing the weather frog with a new Pixel Weather app for the Pixel 9, which can now be accessed through Google Search. Users expressed dissatisfaction with the need to search for the frog, leading to the emergence of a third-party app called Weather Master. In a poll, 59% of users reported using whatever weather app is pre-installed on their phone, 38% used a third-party app, and 3% did not use a weather app at all. Weather Master features an animated frog, displays current temperature and forecasts, offers a Quick Summary section, and provides clothing and activity suggestions. It allows for customization and includes a radar function, though it has limitations in depth of information and visual data transitions. Despite its flaws, Weather Master is considered user-friendly and has become a preferred choice for some users over Google's official offering.
BetaBeacon
May 29, 2025
New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.
AppWizard
May 25, 2025
Google introduced enhancements for Android Auto, including the Gemini assistant and a revamped Spotify app featuring Spotify Jam, which allows users to collaboratively control playlists. Users can join by tapping a "Jam" icon and scanning a QR code. Quick Share integration will enable adding stops to Google Maps routes, and passkey support is forthcoming. A new light mode theme is in development, and web browsers and video apps will soon be available, limited to use when parked. The browser feature is in beta for vehicles with Google built-in, while weather app support has transitioned out of beta.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Android Auto, launched in 2015, has primarily supported a limited range of applications. At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google announced plans to expand Android Auto by adding support for browser apps and video apps, including Chrome, Samsung Internet, Netflix, and YouTube, but this will only be available on devices running Android 16 or newer and compatible car models. Google aims to implement measures to prevent drivers from accessing these apps while driving to ensure safety. Additionally, the weather app support has moved from ‘In Beta’ to ‘Open,’ allowing more weather apps. Support for games and communication apps is currently ‘In Beta,’ indicating future integration into Android Auto.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Android Auto is enhancing its app ecosystem by allowing developers to publish weather apps that provide localized information, now that these apps have moved out of beta. Google has also introduced beta support for games and plans to add browser and video apps soon. Video apps will be available for devices running Android 16 in compatible vehicles, but playback will only be allowed when parked. Additionally, an audio-only mode for video apps will enable users to listen to content while driving.
BetaBeacon
May 21, 2025
Google introduced major updates to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS at Google I/O 2025, signaling a push into the connected car space. Gemini AI is making its in-car debut, offering natural voice controls and contextual awareness. Navigation apps can integrate Gemini for voice-driven navigation and search. App categories are expanding across platforms, with weather apps out of beta, games entering beta, and video apps on the roadmap. Google is providing new tools and templates for developers to streamline car app development. The roadmap includes features like audio-only playback for video apps while driving and Quick Share between phone and car. The Android-powered car is becoming a standard, inviting developers to build innovative experiences beyond navigation and playlists.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Google has expanded Android Auto by fully integrating weather applications, allowing developers to create and publish weather apps without additional approvals, provided they follow Google's quality guidelines. This change follows a revision to Google's developer guidelines in December 2024, which addressed the inclusion of weather apps in automotive environments. Users can expect a wider range of weather-related features in Android Auto.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Google is set to introduce video and browser applications to Android Auto, announced during Google I/O 2025. Video apps will only be operational when the vehicle is parked, and the connected smartphone must run Android 16. Additionally, there will be an increase in weather applications available on Android Auto, as developers can now publish these apps without beta restrictions, provided they meet Google's quality guidelines. Weather apps have been limited since early 2023, but the easing of developer requirements since December 2024 has led to a broader range of offerings. Over 250 million vehicles support Android Auto, with more than 50 car models featuring integrated Google software.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Google is expanding Android Auto by introducing new app categories, including browser apps and video apps, which will be compatible with phones running Android 16 in select vehicles while parked. Additionally, weather apps have graduated from beta status, allowing developers to publish them without extra approval, as long as they meet quality guidelines.
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