I downloaded the app with a little trepidation because of the numerous negative comments on the AppStore. I became more worried when I ran the app and the GPS located me in a nearby city about 40km away. Not an auspicious beginning. I then manually entered the name of my location and was amazed that it was recognized!
When the app starts, the start-up screen displays TWC logo and a weather related photograph for about 7 seconds. A small map of your location then appears in the center of the screen with a toolbar below and after a few seconds the weather is displayed in the map. Tapping on the map enlages it full screen. On this screen there is an unobtrusive banner ad displayed at the top and the bottom has a floating toolbar to allow the type of imagery: precipitation, cloud coverage, UV etc. to be chosen and animated.
The second icon in the main toolbar is for local long-range forecasts. Two-thirds of the screen displays the forecast with animated icons and the bottom third displays a scrollable list of buttons for video forecasts and traffic-camera access. The forecast can be toggled between hourly or 7-day.
The third icon is for accessing The Weather Channel Videos. You have to watch a video ad for the sponsor (Sears).
The fourth icon is for severe weather alerts and storm watches.
The remaining two icons are labeled Social and TV.
The Weather Channel app has replaced the previous app (Weatherbug) I was using for weather. It is a very useful app, pleasant to use and well thought out. I do not understand the negative reviews on the AppStore.
Score
I would rate the The Weather Channel app 4 out of 4 stars. It is my current weather forecasting app.
1. Usability: 1
2. Usefulness: 1
3. Looks: 1
4. Enjoyability: 1
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