The Weather Channel has enhanced its Android app with a new user interface, international language support and integration of its iWitness Weather resource.

The app will offer additional new features, including TruPoint maps and near-HD quality videos through the end of 2011 exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers with 4G LTE smartphones. The enhanced app is available in Google?s Android Market and V Cast apps from Verizon Wireless.

?With all of our apps, no matter the platform, we continue to update and improve while responding to consumer feedback,? said Scott Jensen, vice president of digital product and applications at The Weather Channel.

?We take that feedback very seriously in order to provide the best user experience and continue to be the market leading, most trusted weather resource available,? he said. ?With this app, our goal was to improve the user interface to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. 

?Another feature that goes along with a broader strategy is continued integration of social and user-generated content. Weather affects us all, and TWC enables people to share their own weather stories.?

Mobile weather
Based on consumer feedback, the new user interface includes easier navigation between main weather screens and maps, new search with a less imposing search bar.

Additionally, there is a new user interface for landscape mode, and deletion of the confirmation box on app exit.

The app also integrates iWitness Weather and lets users tell their own weather story by uploading photos and videos as weather happens or to peruse others.

The company also has a global product strategy with international growth in mind, so the addition of Spanish and French is the latest in what will be a full range of language support. 

?Our goal is to bring the best weather experience to every screen,? Mr. Jensen said. ?To continue to do so certainly includes Android, which is clearly such a strong platform with amazing growth.

?We continue to promote the Android app across our television and digital properties, and we want to be sure our Android users know there is a new app available to them,? he said.

?With this version, The Weather Channel is also working in partnership with Verizon Wireless to offer exclusive new features to Verizon Wireless customers with 4G LTE devices through the end of the year, so this app will also be available through V CAST Apps mobile storefront.?

Verizon consumers
Verizon Wireless customers with select 4G LTE smartphones ? currently Thunderbolt by HTC and Samsung Droid Charge ? who download the app from V Cast Apps will receive two additional new features such as near-HD quality videos and animated TruPoint maps.

?The Weather Channel was among the first in the mobile space, and we continue to leverage the explosive growth of mobile within our cross-platform strategy,? Mr. Jensen said.

?As a essential part of that strategy, mobile helps us provide the best weather experience to all consumers across the board, no matter what screen they use,? he said.

Final Take
Rimma Kats is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York