yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Initial post has been changed.

Link to the video review from WMExperts was added - "Weather4me Review" -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_vwXNDELEc

It shows how app works on the real device.

P.S. "Weather4me WP7" update to the newest version coming soon.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] RoboDad:
There are no stupid questions (except those that are never asked ;)).

About the font sizes, there are two different issues I was trying to outline. The first is perhaps the easiest to explain. On the Favorites page, when you have the user search fro a new city, the matches are formatted into a list. But the font on the list is going to be too small for many people to be able to tap on a city with their finger. In the emulator it may appear to work fine, but the mouse cursor does not accurately simulate real fingers :).

The other issue I mentioned was purely an aesthetic one. As an example, I will use the "Current" page of the pivot. By modifying your current design to make better use of the space, and to use color to distinguish live data from text labels, I would find it much more visually appealing. Here is a (very quick) mock-up of the type of change I was suggesting - not necessarily these exact colors, sizes or layout, but it gives you an idea of what you might do:

Similar changes could be made to the other pages to improve their visual appeal.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Fully agree :D

Hmm, I'm using standard listbox style on that page with its default font. I was sure that there is no problem with items selection. Thanks, I'll think about it and maybe suggest something reasonable. It's not as easy as it may seem, because many controls should appear on that page.

Some aesthetic features in my far plans, when I finish the main functionality.

Your idea is consonant with my own, but I'm not ready to speak about it.

Today I've submitted current app update and waiting for approvement from the Microsoft team...

The info about this update will be published some later.

Thanks for your time, for your friendly and constructive criticism.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Revaric:
The speed was awesome!

The look, not so much.

This app reminds me of Microsofts own attempt at a quick weather app, but their shortcoming was still the lack of LT functionality. It's also worth pointing out that while your page transitions are fast, the app doesn't really keep to the full metro experience (for clarification, when swiping to a new page, you don't see the page until you land).

Great stuff all in all!
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Metro or not Metro that is a question ;)

"Weather4Me WP7" main window based on the pivot control, which is a part of Metro UI style. Sometimes people associate Metro UI with the panorama based application.

Both panorama and pivot controls are related to the Metro UI.

Here you can read the article with a good short demos, which describes differences between these two app styles http://winpho7.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/pivot-vs-panorama/

Thanks for your feedback.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] SeanX:
I really like it but I would vote for a live tile. You don't need to use push notifications, you can get the os to do a scheduled update by downloading an image.

See the msdn docs here.

Also see here which specifically covers weather apps :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] SeanX:
Also see here and here.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thank you for your willingness to help me. :)

My current app update status in Microsoft -> Testing in progress

After their approvement I'll publish info about this update on my site and other public places, like this forum. It takes some time.

After that I'll start my research for Live Tile implementation. I hope that Live Tile support will be included in the next app update.

Thanks for your live interest in my work.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Sorry for the delay with the app update.

Microsoft twice rejected my program during certification because they have not seen the privacy policy in its description. :mad:

Probably they believe that my submission is the April 1 joke.

====

(Edited 4 Apr 2011)

It was my mistake. Privacy Policy should be available from the application itself.

The update will be released this week.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Weather4Me WP7 update to the version 1.5

"Weather4Me WP7" has been updated to the version 1.5 and published on the WP7 Marketplace.

Weather by GPS location and other option are available for users. More details you can read in the initial post.

Also some changes in the FAQ.

Application still compact, fast and informative.

Try It! :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Weather4Me WP7 version 1.5 "Settings"

"Settings" page with better resolution than other screenshots has been attached to the initial post.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
Location by GPS works great. While waiting for Live Tile support, any chances for hourly temp forecast to be added?

BTW, updated my review of your app on MarketPlace from 3 to 4 and added comments similar to the above. Thanks.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
The rating system should not be used as an instrument of pressure on the developer. It is pointless and only harms the development of the project, and It does not matter commercial or freeware project. The user can evaluate only the

current app release

with its current

functionality

and its

quality

, also can offer to add any new features or ask the developer if something he does not understand. But often it turns out that the user evaluates what does not exist in reality and it is wrong and, as I said earlier, this hinders the development of the project.

This is a serious subject for discussion, and I'm talking to Microsoft team about this, how to improve their rating/review system to make it more useful and informative both for users and developers.

Of course, all of the above written - is my point of view, which is based on many years of experience in software development and communications with my users.

I hope you understand me correctly. I'm for the friendly and positive relations between developers and users. Only in this case programs will become better.

Thanks for your feedback & Good luck! :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
No pressure intended but rather just wanted to show my appreciation. I don't' know how the rating will affect you but my hope is to share my experience of your app and others who reads it will try it. My feedbacks to you is for your considerations and hopefully you will agree and implement it. Thanks.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
This my post is not against you personally. :)

It is addressed to people who have rated app with low rating without any kind of explanation (or with fictive review), sometimes with review which contains the false information to other users. Also some people have using rating system to put pressure on the developer. Unfortunately I'm watching these things since the first publication. Even in this thread you can find similar incidents. :)

You can see the most complete reviews set by countries here http://www.windowsphoneapplist.com/weather4me_wp7-a9729.html

It is not related to your feedback.

I've read it. Thanks. :)

P.S. Rating is very important, especially for young project.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
On the "AccuWeather" page you can find link

Hourly Forecast

at the bottom of the their web page.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] diboze:
so i will use this post to say what I would like...now that I can contact the developer directly :P

There are lots of weather apps out there...but most people buy WP7 because of its UI.

Therefore it would be cool, if the page showing the weather would be totally black (or if the theme is white, white) to stick to the Metro theme.

Then the Livetile. Most apps show the current temp in the livetile...that is of no use for me...atleast I know how the weather is right now...I want a livetile to make some broadcast of the next day or so...so if you implement livetile, please think of an option to that :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
There are different approaches to the design of app UI.

IMO UI should reflect the meaning and essence of the application, which is not impossible with Metro themes, because very poor choice.

As I've said in my earlier post, graphics improvement in my far plans after the implementation of the main functionality.

About Live Tile some later...

Sorry, I have no time for detailed answers.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
Noted. How's the update coming?

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Actual weather info will be included.

What kind of forecasting you want to see on the Live Tile?
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
I think forecasting of the weather in the next 2 to 3 hours in the form of graphics would be good. E.g., storm, raining, sunny etc.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Unfortunately hourly forecast is not available for me. You can see it by this way only.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I'm working with the Live Tile implementation...
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
Great. Sent you a pm. Hope it will be useful to you.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thanks for useful info with tech details. :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Initial post update

Initial post has been updated.

1. Position on the WP7 marketplace was refreshed.

2. Link to the good review by George Ponder on "WPCentral" with the own video was added:

http://www.wpcentral.com/weather4me-review
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
A message to users from the UK

Recently I've read users reviews from the UK on the WP7 Marketplace, where they write that the program does not find the cities. It is very strange, because AccuWeather has the great coverage for UK in their database. Moreover, they have part of the site is fully devoted to the UK and Ireland http://www.accuweather.com/ukie/index.asp

Could you please provide your opinion about program functionality in your region?

Thanks.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Anghirrim:
Looks like a great app. Thanks!
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] DioNNiS:
Looks like this app not working for Russia
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I'm using AccuWeather web service many years. This application based on my

earlier popular program designed for Windows Mobile (see in my signature).

It works for Russia and other xUSSR regions.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
You are welcome :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] dbb:
great app - i gave it 4 stars.

for me, these changes make a BIG difference.

i like the app (i have onlt been using it since 1.5) it is pretty fast.

the changes above (larger graphics and inclusion of colour) improve readability and overall presentation and just looks better IMHO.

i also would like to see a live tile and i would expect to see an icon that represents today's forecast and the actual temp.

the link to accuweather is good because i can get more detail if required. it would be nice if when i press the back button from the accuweather page that it goes back to the weather4me app and not back to the home screen.

i would expect to be able to scroll favourites (vertical scroll) from the current screen? (am i missing how to scroll favourites?)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] aragel78:
A cool addition would be a switch between F and C scales in the settings menu. I'm in Russia but I prefer English locale and it does not make much sense to change entire global setting of the phone to make the program display the forecast in proper units.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
AccuWeather page is not a separate page like "settings" or "favorites". It is a part of the main window as "current", "today" or "5 days" pages. So, if you press back button you will exit from the app. For switching between these pages you can use swiping or taping on the header labels.

Thanks for your friendly review and adequate evaluation of my program on the WP7 Marketplace. :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Regional formats is not related to the Phone display language or System locale settings. This affects on the specific things for the selected region: date and time formats, currency, numeric data representation, of course, metric or US units, etc.

How to change regional formats in details you can read in the Weather4Me WP7 FAQ published on my site or here, in the initial post.

Screenshots with the region&language settings in my attachment.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] kasapoglu:
does anyone know that to change fahrenheit to celsius ?? or we need to change from region settings ?
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Answer on your question already published in the Weather4Me WP7 FAQ.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Saux64:
imho you should go with a metro design.. or at least remove that background, reminds me of windows 98.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
How's the Live Tile going?

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Very interesting UI design solution, thanks :)

Do you want to take part in the UI design for my app?

Only original artwork could be accepted to avoid copyright violation.

If you interesting on this work, please, contact me via contact form at http://support.softexpanse.com

After the Live Tile implementation I'll start work with UI improvement.

==========

What can I suggest?

1. On my site: Reference and special thanks to you as an author of the particular theme(s) for app and deep link to your site (portfolio)

2. Also inside app your name will appear near the app theme name in the themes list.

... ?
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Saux64:
Hi.. i have no problem in helping you but i'm not a designer, just a coder with some ps knowledge, so i wont be able to create original artwork or high quality designs, btw i got those icons from accuweather.

either way, i can still do this kind of designs.. takes me a few minutes and you can add your own artwork later or use it for inspiration.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Unfortunately those icons are the property of accuweather. I'm unable to use them.

In any case thank you for your visual ideas and for your interest on my work. :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Saux64:
have you asked them? I have seen those icons in so many places.. maybe they let you use it on a free app.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Just only one option in the settings "Live Tile", but what is behind it, invisible to end users? :)

Shortly, without details

1. Two web services, written on different languages (PHP, C#) for better reliability and security...

2. Data base design for automatic users registration and images caching...

3. I've found free windows hosting with strict limits on traffic and disk space usage. So, automatic monitoring consumed resources will be included.

BTW some statistics about this service usage you can see on my site after the app update publication.

4...

5...

6...

...

Development still in progress.

And ahead - a many hours of testing. :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
I can help you to test. Just send me a PM.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] polyq:
One Small Suggestion

I like it. One suggestion: being able to select the search result by clicking on it rather than using the app bar would make the UI experience a little more straight-forward,
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I'll ask them some later. I'm not sure that they share these icons to other developers (even for freeware), because they have using this graphics in their own products, for example in iPhone app http://www.accuweather.com/downloads.asp For developers they provide very simple graphics. I'm using their icon set in my app.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
OK, I'll let you know when app will be ready for beta testing.

===

I should pass single 3 phases of testing because distributed architecture.

1. Fully local testing on my PC

2. One web service on the real hosting.

3. All web services on the real different hostings

After that I can share special build for beta testing.

Thanks.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] evoga:
When you make the live tile would It be possible to have the option to not show todays weather as that information is pointless, I can look out the window to see how the weather is.

An option to show tomorrows weather or what the weather will be in x hours time would make more sense.

Great app, have give it 5 stars.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I'm using app bar button to prevent accidental selection, because search result list could contain many items with scrolling.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Weather4Me WP7 update to the version 2.0

Weather4Me WP7 has been updated to the version 2.0

Live Tile functionality was added.

I've made some corrections in the initial post.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] zard:
Congrats! Updated my review on marketplace.

Hope you can look into the 2 suggestions I sent you. Thanks.

Sent from my HD7 T9292 using Board Express
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] tsabasid:
Grats a lot better now and the live tile.implementation is very nice
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Please, write your short review or just vote for my app on the WP7 Marketplace.

Thanks.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] tsabasid:
Just did. Cheers :)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Version 2.0 "settings" page screen shot has been attached in the initial post.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Live Tile demos (two short parts) were added in the initial post

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR8yjE14d3A

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUZ3Zp9_Vno
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] dbb:
i have updated to version2 - but the live tile is not working for me.

i am on o2 (UK)

with HD7

weather by gps location is turned off

live tile on the start screen is turned on

message below this reads "service state: OK"
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
1. Please, send me simple message (just "hi from dbb"), button "support@..." on the app about page and don't remove nothing from the subject line. It helps me identify your device in my database.

2. How many applications with push notification feature installed on your device? "There is a limit of one push notification channel per application. There is also a limit of 15 push notification channels per device." - quote from the official MS documentation http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff402558(v=vs.92).aspx
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Cumi:
I have to appreciate the author. The app is very nice, without ads and completely free. I have Omnia 7 and live tile is working without any problem.

I have three suggestions from my side.

1. Using of system font on live tile (may be little bit bigger). With rough matrix of Samsung's AMOLED display isn't easy to read a text.

2. Bigger weather icons on the live tile.

3. My last suggestion is implementation of a switch which disables the background picture in the application.

Thank you for your good work

Regards C.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Mestiphal:
I agree with Cumi, the app is great, but it feels too 3rd partish... would be nice if it would follow the default theme. Same with the picture, even if the text overlaps the picture, something more appealing.

other than that great app!
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thanks for your feedback.

Please clarify what kind of textual info on the Live Tile you want to see as more readable.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Cumi:
Hi

On my Omnia 7, I have a problem with the current weather text. Small serif font doesn't look so well on AMOLED display. The time and city are tiny but OK because they are not essential.

The tile itself is not that small. It can provide the same information with more readable text. And, can we have bigger weather icons please?:)

Thank you for your great app

Regards C.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I'm using Times New Roman font, not a Small Serif. Because it is more readable than other font types for particular selected font size.

Only one exclusion for weather observation time text - Tahoma font style.

For weather text I can try to use font with the same size as for city name not bigger because this text length is vary and could be long.

Tile dimension in pixels 173*173, some small space reserved for margins.

Weather image has fixed width 64 pixels, it occupies more than 1/3 of tile width. Its real visible content size also could be vary, dependent on weather state.

Thanks.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Purple11:
No adds? whats mc donalds oatmeal doing on my wp7?
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Once more :)

Application does not use any kinds of Ads API, so it is absolutely free from Ads.

AccuWather temporary page shows the content of the AccuWeather site for mobile device.

How app works you can read more in its description in the initial post or app homepage.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Cumi:
Hi

I mean bigger icons on the live tile like this preview I made. Current weather state is simply visible. There is no need for the text :) . On the preview I used icons from http://graphicriver.net/item/realistic-weather-icons-pack/36164 which costs 6 USD. I will be pleased to buy the icons for you if you will need them.

I have to thank you for your great app.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thank you for your willingness to help me.

I've found some issues related to the Live Tile implementation.

When I solve these problems, I will return to the discussion about UI improvement.

Thanks.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] V8Turbo:
Hey,

nice App. THX!

But can you add German as Language ?

If you need help in translating, write me ;)
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thanks for your suggestion.

I'm using a free developer account of the AccuWeather service.

Localization requires their Professional account and for Commercial usage option.

It is not free (expensive for single developer) and based on yearly subscription.

But I want to keep Weather4Me WP7 as freeware application.

So, I'm not planning translations.

Thanks again.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Message to my users

Currently Live Tile service in the maintenance mode.

I'm performing server side software upgrade and testing...
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Message to my users

Live Tile service has switched to the normal working state.

I've did some modification related to the service security.

Also fixed bug with my garbage collector, which remove unused images.

It should work OK now.

Live Tile service statistics shows more adequate values.

It is available here http://www.softexpanse.com/plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?185
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Good news!

Now I'm recognized developer on XDA :cool:
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] RoboDad:
Congrats!

...
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
Thanks.

=====

Last week I've spent more time with the server side software testing and upgrading.

Now thinking about graphics improvement...
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] s_v_l:
I looked at those icons, they very good but only 11 weather state.

There are 40 icons in the standard AccuWeather icon pack.

I'm talking with some icon designers about using their icons in my free app.

Unfortunately currently it is not possible to use more reach graphics for Live Tile, because traffic will increase significantly even for jpeg compressed images.

Thanks for your suggestion and LT visual idea.
[Windows Phone 7 Apps and Games] Cumi:
Hi

I did like to help. I do not have knowledge about the live tile implementation and its coding. I am expected that there is possibility for using local stored pictures (like the pictures hub). I can create some icons for you in future if you will need them.

Congrats to your developer status.

C.