Streaming Weather Forecasts with WeatherBug

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=1369' target='_blank'>http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=1369</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Get LIVE streaming local weather data, severe weather alerts, detailed forecasts, local radar, live weather cameras, photos and more. Choose from US or World weather conditions. Always be prepared and informed with the only live wireless weather application for Windows Mobile™ Smartphone."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20050407-WeatherBug.gif" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />WeatherBug allows you to view live streaming weather forecasts on your Smartphone from over 8000 different tracking stations in the US. It features 7 day forecasts, severe weather alerts, local radar and live cameras. Unfortunately, there is no trial version available. You can purchase a copy for $14.95 from our <a href="http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=1369">affiliate store.</a><br /><br /><b>Update:</b> The guys at WeatherBug have updated the listing and there is now a trial version available from the link above. :)

[HailStorm]

WeatherBug Blog seems to indicate there is a trial version available. I'm still hunting.

http://blog.weatherbug.com/index.php?/corporate/my_smartphone_can_beat_up_your_pda/

[Jerry Raia]

Handango has the trial version. Just downloaded it.

[Mike Temporale]

alright, sorry guys. I hate it when the developer doesn't upload a trial version on Smartphone.net, but they make it available from other sources. I just don't understand why it's so difficult? :evil:

[Bacco]

I used to have their PC app a few years ago and found it buggy as you know what.

Anyone have issues with the app?

[Dlogan]

I seem to recall the PC Version of this software loaded tons of SpyWare type crap on your machine as well. It did not take long for me to wipe it clean. I may give this one a try though.

[gmumford]

The Free Trial is available now for WeatherBug, I set it up this morning. You can try it here:
http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=1369

Greg Mumford
Product Manager, WeatherBug

- Updated link to affiliate ;) -- MT

[xultar]

The Free Trial is available now for WeatherBug, I set it up this morning. You can try it here:
http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=1369

Greg Mumford
Product Manager, WeatherBug

While you're here, are their spyware gifts in the SP release? I'm sort of excited about the product but I'm concerned about the extra 'stuff' like with the pc version. I suppose since this one isn't free there isn't any extra 'stuff'.

Just asking...I think it is an honest question.

[Jerry Raia]

It's a great question. I got rid of the PC version because of all the junk that came with it.

[cBrozenick]

I’m the guy heading up the wireless efforts here at WeatherBug, and I noticed your reference to our app and spyware. I had to come to our defense! The app is not spyware and isn’t bundled with any. Here’s a recent article http://nwc.desktoppipeline.com/159907756 that talks about us or you can read what we have to say on our blog http://blog.weatherbug.com/index.php?/corporate/C9/.

There is not a single program out there among the top 35-40 spyware/adware detectors (according to download.com) that identifies our app as spyware.

Our company serves over 100 TV stations, many govt. installations including the US Naval Academy and 14 Coast Guard stations, energy companies, 8000 schools, about 5 dozen major US Universities, and 19 million unique monthly users. They would never use our program if it was, or came with, spyware.

Additionally, our wireless offerings have been accepted by all major US wireless carriers in various forms and have undergone significant testing and certification as well.

I would love to talk with anyone who has questions and suggestions about our wireless or other products anytime. You can reach me at [email protected].

Thanks

[cBrozenick]

While you're here, are their spyware gifts in the SP release? I'm sort of excited about the product but I'm concerned about the extra 'stuff' like with the pc version. I suppose since this one isn't free there isn't any extra 'stuff'.

Just asking...I think it is an honest question.

No - we don't bundle anything with our paid wireless products. - CB

[mbranscum]

Mike,

You may want to change that on the front page about no trial version since tehre is one now. :wink:

[Santa Fe]

Is this better than the free and good Connected Bits (http://www.connectedbits.com/) which is US only or Fizz Traveler 2.1? Would having all be overkill? Has anyone tried them all?

I'm glad to hear that Weatherbug say that they have eliminated their pop-ups and spyware. The desktop version drove me crazy and was very hard to get rid of. It did damage their reputation.

[Jerry Raia]

Is this better than the free and good Connected Bits (http://www.connectedbits.com/) which is US only or Fizz Traveler 2.1? Would having all be overkill? Has anyone tried them all?

I'm glad to hear that Weatherbug say that they have eliminated their pop-ups and spyware. The desktop version drove me crazy and was very hard to get rid of. It did damage their reputation.

I use Connected Bits and Fizz Traveler 2.1 and also accuweather which is free and has mobile web pages. Those 3 are plenty. I had the same trouble you did with the free version of Weatherbug.

[Mike Temporale]

Mike,

You may want to change that on the front page about no trial version since tehre is one now. :wink:

Good idea, Done! And thanks to the guys at WeatherBug for updating the listing. :)

[cBrozenick]

Is this better than the free and good Connected Bits (http://www.connectedbits.com/) which is US only or Fizz Traveler 2.1? Would having all be overkill? Has anyone tried them all?

I'm glad to hear that Weatherbug say that they have eliminated their pop-ups and spyware. The desktop version drove me crazy and was very hard to get rid of. It did damage their reputation.

I use Connected Bits and Fizz Traveler 2.1 and also accuweather which is free and has mobile web pages. Those 3 are plenty. I had the same trouble you did with the free version of Weatherbug.

Hey guys, I appreciate the discussion. Certainly there are some good Weather apps. out there that you mention. However, what really sets WeatherBug apart is our network of over 8,000 live local stations. When you use any other weather app., you are looking at data from the National Weather Service (NWS) stations which number about 1100 and are at airports. These stations also update about once per hour vs. live.

We also have the live cameras that you can view on the Smartphone and other cool features such as the community photos, etc.

Our experience has show that this type of content and accuracy of data is pretty important to people. What do you think?

[Santa Fe]

I think we should give it a try - if you promise that it is unlike the free desktop version of years gone past. Sorry I'll try.

[Jerry Raia]

You may very well have a good application out there now, but you left a bad taste in some folks mouths, mine for one with the free version of desktop WeatherBug. Yes I know it was free and there was a paid version (which I did use use for a while) but I recall it took me quite a bit of messing around to get the free version off my machine back then. We tend to be kind of jaded here because of the stuff we have to go through sometimes to get the simple things to work right. When you win this group over, you have done a pretty good job :)

[cBrozenick]

You may very well have a good application out there now, but you left a bad taste in some folks mouths, mine for one with the free version of desktop WeatherBug. Yes I know it was free and there was a paid version (which I did use use for a while) but I recall it took me quite a bit of messing around to get the free version off my machine back then. We tend to be kind of jaded here because of the stuff we have to go through sometimes to get the simple things to work right. When you win this group over, you have done a pretty good job :)

Jerry,

I understand your past perceptions and concerns. Perception is a hard thing to change, but I hope you are willing to give us a chance. All of us here at WeatherBug are committed to non-spyware, non-ad ware products and we have worked very hard to insure this perception is changed. I joined the company a year ago to build the wireless business and have seen nothing but honest, hardworking folks who want to provide educators, government, broadcasters and consumers with valuable information.

In any event - today we aren't any of those negative things, we don't bundle without your choice and we are getting high marks from all the anti-spyware/adware software out there (over 40).

To your point - I want to win you, the entire Smartphone and Wireless community and more over! I think the best way to do this is to be as open and honest as possible. That's why I'm here every few days to answer your questions and concerns. I provide my e-mail: (cbrozenick [at] weatherbug [dot] com) and would be happy to answer questions or comments from anyone directly who e-mails me or on the phone. I would also invite you for a tour of our facilities in the Washington DC area if you come out this way. I am also on the West Coast frequently and would be happy to meet with you there.

I appreciate your comments and hope you can review our new application and let me know what you think.

-Chris Brozenick, Director of Wireless Business Development, WeatherBug

[Mike Temporale]

In any event - today we aren't any of those negative things, we don't bundle without your choice and we are getting high marks from all the anti-spyware/adware software out there (over 40).

To your point - I want to win you, the entire Smartphone and Wireless community and more over! I think the best way to do this is to be as open and honest as possible. That's why I'm here every few days to answer your questions and concerns. I provide my e-mail: (cbrozenick [at] weatherbug [dot] com) and would be happy to answer questions or comments from anyone directly who e-mails me or on the phone. I would also invite you for a tour of our facilities in the Washington DC area if you come out this way. I am also on the West Coast frequently and would be happy to meet with you there.

Chris, I just updated your post and changed your email address just a little - in hopes of saving you some spam. ;)

Do you have weather coverage in Canada or other places outside the US?

[cBrozenick]

Do you have weather coverage in Canada or other places outside the US?

Mike,

Thanks. I guess I have to be careful not to be too open with my e-mail!

Yes, we do have coverage outside the USA including Canada. This is not from our network, but rather other networks we use. In the USA we have our own 8,000 stations of course. However, you should find the content from outside the USA to be just as good as any other Weather Source. The Smartphone application has all of these countries/cities listed.

You can see a complete list of all countries/stations we severe here: http://ww5.weatherbug.com/Pages/Esi/WorldWxSearch.html?webwx_zip=20874&amp;referrer_id=1

Chris