WunderMap, Weather Underground and their differences
It seems like just yesterday that I was writing about Weather Underground’s WunderMap iOS app.
Now the new universal free app also provides weather maps to iPhone and iPod touch users.
For many users of the app, it’s enough of an update to celebrate, but there’s more to come; in fact, in testing the day before the app went live, I was downright surprised at what Weather Underground had in store.
WunderMap vs Weather Underground
In its day WunderMap was already an excellent weather APP but its update, Weather Underground is even better, and in fact it is among the best weather APPs.
Let’s see what the differences are:
First, the app now has a new iOS-compatible design that’s easier to use and navigate.
In addition, the downloads of satellite and radar images are much faster, so much so that there is practically no waiting time to consult the data.
I was pleasantly impressed by how quickly the animations showing clouds and precipitation entering my area loaded.
Another thing I like about WunderMap as a weather site is the availability of webcam data so you can do a “close” check on reported weather conditions.
Weather Underground now provides full screen webcam footage and, if possible, access to traffic cameras.
Last but not least, I am really impressed with the new app icon.
Instead of the typical boring flat icons of iOS 7, WunderMap developers have created a very descriptive and colorful icon that shows a PWS (Personal Weather Station) that you can display on one of the map layers, one of the gauges.
These layers (default maps showing weather stations, radar, precipitation, temperature, infrared satellite, webcam, wind, US front, visible satellite, area temperature, severe weather, hurricanes, active fires, and fire risk) they can be viewed individually or layered.
Animations over time are available with a single click at the bottom right of the app screen, and legends showing the meaning of colors on layers are now easier to see as well.
The new Weather Underground update also fixes several issues that were making the app feel bad.
Visual fixes, contextual sharing, and critical alert icons in the Favorites list are also thrown into the mix.
Additionally, the update makes the app natively compatible with the huge screen of the iPad Pro.
How much does it cost?
The app is free to download, but you will see ads when you change or edit layers.
An in-app purchase disables ads for one year for $1.99.
Although if you are a Weather Underground supporter by providing your personal weather station data, ads are turned off by default.
For weather fans or just curious about what’s going on locally or around the world, the Weather Underground app is definitely one that every iPhone, iPad or iPod touch user should have.
