Google introduced a dedicated “Weather” icon on Pixel phones and tablets in December, but it has recently been removed. This shortcut appeared via a server-side update on most Pixel devices, representing the sun and a cloud without the Google app icon. It was also noticed on newly configured Pixel phones earlier this month. However, the icon has now disappeared from the app grid, with the Google app replacing it on the home screen.
This removal is disappointing as it could have signaled a move towards Google Weather becoming a standalone experience separate from Search. A separate app could offer faster updates and more features, such as additional home screen widgets. In 2023, Google revamped the weather experience, introducing a new design and 12-hour real-time precipitation forecasts called “Nowcasts,” powered by a MetNet-3 deep learning model. Additionally, a “Weather” service was added to Pixel devices to display forecasts within the Clock app.
Overall, the removal of the Google Weather shortcut on Pixel devices raises questions about the future of the weather experience on Google’s devices, especially in terms of offering a standalone app with more features and functionality. Users who were looking forward to a dedicated weather app separate from the Google app may be disappointed by this rollback. Google’s recent changes in weather forecasting and design have shown a commitment to enhancing the weather experience for users, and it remains to be seen how these developments will evolve in the future.
Article Source
https://9to5google.com/2024/05/27/google-weather-app-icon/
