The Weather Channel Launches Ad-Supported Version of their Weather App for Android

The folks at the Weather Channel have launched a new (and free), ad-supported version of their wildly popular weather app for Android. The new version brings many new features to the table, including animated radar maps, traffic cameras, and more. Of course, all of the features that made the original version so popular are still included… But now the ad support will mean you have some ads to deal with. Hopefully you don’t find them obtrusive.

One of the cooler features of this update is the incorporation of a new Weather Channel widget. Turn it on, and you can view current weather data and alerts right on your Android device’s home screen. Groovy.

The Weather Channel app has been ranked as the #1 downloaded weather application in the Android Market for some time now… So me thinks this update may very well be worth a look.

Press release included after the jump for more details!

THE WEATHER CHANNEL LAUNCHES FREE, AD-SUPPORTED APPLICATION FOR ANDROID PLATFORM

New Features Include Animated Radar Maps, Traffic Cameras and Notification Bar with Alerts

ATLANTA (Sept. 10, 2009) – The Weather Channel Mobile today announced a new free, ad-supported version of its popular weather application for the Android Platform. The Weather Channel for Android adds new features – animated radar maps and traffic cameras for select cities – while still encompassing the enhanced features of its original version, including the ability to view fully customized weather maps, detailed conditions and forecasts, local video and severe weather alerts.  Other additions include expandable banner advertisements and a notification bar with the current temperature and severe weather alert indicator.

Ranked as the number one, most downloaded weather application available on the Android Market, The Weather Channel for Android application is best known for its “find me” function that allows customers to get weather forecasts for their pinpointed location or search by city, ZIP code, street address or landmark. Location-based video forecasts with The Weather Channel on-air talent include conditions and forecasts for your current location or other U.S. locations. The application also includes interactive maps that are fully customizable and feature the functionality of Google Maps. Customers can decide to display layers such as radar, clouds, UV index, rainfall and more.

The new weather application allows customers to click on interactive, expandable banner ads to link to a WAP site or click to call, to video or to locations – all without closing the weather application.  This creative execution offers advertisers a high profile, exclusive ownership opportunity and premier brand alignment with the leading application available on the Android market. ??In addition, the application incorporates The Weather Channel widget for Android, so customers can opt to view current weather data and severe weather alert indicators on the device home screen.

The Weather Channel for Android application is available at the Android Market on any G1 and G2 devices. For more information about The Weather Channel Mobile and its complete lineup of products and services, please visit www.weather.com/mobile.

Thanks Colleen!