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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Belo launches iPad weather app


TV station company Belo Corp., which owns Texas stations WFAA Dallas/Fort Worth, KHOU Houston, KENS San Antonio and KVUE Austin, just launched a new free weather iPad app.

Called WeatherCaster, the app offers:

- 10 layers of nationwide weather data
- Forecasting features
- Weather alerts
- Animated radars
- Interactive maps
- Customizable forecast dashboards
- Watches and warnings
- Community photo galleries in social setting
- Weather glossary with over 200 weather terms

I actually tracked Hurricane Isaac using the app's weather data. One thing I thought really stood out was the way the hourly forecast is presented. It uses a scrolling bar that animates the temperature...etc. as you move it. There is also a lot of customization available.

The one thing I wish I could change is the city. For example, my wife is travelling and I would like to be able to check out the weather for where she is.

If you live in one of the Belo TV markets, then your app will be branded with that station's look. Your local Belo station will also contribute forecasts, news and video.

"The app satisfies the lifestyle needs of consumers nationwide with the ability to present customizable national and hyper-local weather information," said Joe Weir, Belo's vice president/Digital. "Belo provides audiences news and information that makes their lives easier. WeatherCaster is another way to offer convenience to a national audience on the go."

When I went to download the app, I noticed an iPhone app that was branded as the KVUE WeatherCaster. So maybe that is a sign that the other Belo stations will follow.

weathercasterapp.com


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