Google is transitioning its weather service from the traditional Google Weather app to a new interface integrated within Google Search. This change, reported by 9to5Google, marks a significant shift in how users access weather information on Android devices.
Transition to Search-Based Interface
The previous Google Weather experience, accessible via a sun-and-cloud home-screen shortcut, provided a full-screen display of weather conditions, a 10-day forecast, and saved cities. This interface also featured Google's "Froggy" background. The new setup redirects users to a Search-based weather results page, maintaining forecasts and air quality data but presenting them in a format similar to typical Search results. This includes additional links and an AI-generated summary, alongside hourly and 10-day forecasts.
Impact on Android Users
While Pixel phone users remain largely unaffected due to their dedicated Pixel Weather app, non-Pixel Android users who relied on the previous shortcut may need to explore third-party weather apps. This update, now rolling out widely after extensive testing, underscores Google's strategy to centralize everyday information within its Search platform.
