An interesting case of Android 15 Beta 1 and “Pixel Weather”

In line with the Android 12 push and material user, Google has introduced two weather widgets for Pixel in 2021. The Android 15 beta has enhanced the Pixel-exclusive nature of these weather widgets.

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In Android 15 Beta 1, if you go to the widget picker, you’ll notice that the general “Weather” section has been renamed to “Pixel Weather.” The two home screen objects have not changed and are still served by the Google app, but the icons have been updated to those used by the weather app/service introduced in Android 14 QPR1 in December and are now the clock. It only provides app functionality.

Specifically, this one depicts the sun on a bright blue background reminiscent of the sky, unlike the dedicated “Weather” shortcut that was released in limited release late last year (the sun covered in clouds on a white background). Masu. This icon is also different from the shortcut you can place on your home screen from within the Weather app.

The Play Store description for this background service is: “An integrated and personalized weather app for Pixel.” Clock integration of weather and saved city temperatures after an alarm is triggered does not constitute a “weather app” in any way.

The name change “Pixel Weather” has no practical purpose unless it’s a hint of what’s to come.

I’ve long wanted the Pixel team to create a first-party weather experience instead of ceding the experience to Google Search. Last year’s redesign, which debuted on Pixel before expanding to all Android devices, was very good, but it wasn’t perfect. For example, tapping a weather notification sent by the Google app will open a new search instead of the weather experience.

Legacy Android apps exclusive to Pixel devices may receive faster, more intensive updates. The precedent here is Samsung and Nothing going their own way. Additional widget styles and radars would be helpful. Google has the data/technology to rival Apple’s Dark Sky, and the Pixel team needs to really leverage it.