Google adds a weather widget to iPhone and Android search

Google launched a new weather search feature for iOS and Android browsers. When you navigate to google.com and search for "weather," you will be presented with a widget-like interface that shows your current conditions and immediate forecast. A slider will let you view a detailed hour-by-hour forecast for the upcoming 12 hours.

The new feature is available only in English and uses your location information to pull down the forecast. For iPod touch users that lack a dedicated GPS, this forecast information could be hit or miss depending on the accuracy of the Wi-Fi triangulation information. You can also set your location manually, but that takes some of the fun out of it.

The new search experience also works better with Google Instant turned on in the mobile browser. The settings for Google Instant appear underneath the search box when you open google.com. If you have Google Instant turned off, only the search terms will appear under the search box. You must manually search for weather to view the full widget. If Google Instant is enabled, the full weather widget appears below your search as you type the term "weather."

While convenient, you should remember to turn off this Instant feature if you are on a limited data plan. With Google Instant enabled, you are pulling down new search results with each letter you type into the search box.

If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, check it out and let us know what you think. Will it replace Weatherbug on your handset, or is it just a novelty?

[Via Download Squad]
Share