"Also everyone seems fascinated by the fact that they can take readings of magnetic flux, probably because it's something unusual that they hadn't thought about before – but its definitely been surprising to see people enjoying that particular sensor reading so much!"
From basic predictions to actual collecting of data, then, there are a lot of apps out there. We take a look at the best ones to use on your GALAXY S4.
1. S Health
Samsung's built-in health and fitness app makes use of those extra sensor built in to the GALAXY S4 to provide an at-a-glance reading of the weather conditions in your precise location, so you can see easily if there is anything that could affect your health.
2. Met Office Weather Application
Free – get it here
The official Met Office weather app is packed with data and uses the very latest predictive models from the Met Office to show you what you can expect from the elements.
Unlike some commercial apps, the Met Office is very keen to only show you what can realistically be predicted with the current data. You can't zoom down to show the weather in your garden or predict precisely if it will rain in 10 minutes' time – although some rival apps will pretend that they can.
3. BBC Weather
Free – get it here
The BBC weather forecasts use Met Office data exclusively but this new app has a wonderful, clear presentation that is a pleasure to read, with a well thought out and responsive interface.
4. AccuWeather
Free – get it here
AccuWeather is a commercial weather forecasting company that uses its own data and predictive technology. It claims to be able to predict up to 15 days in advance in this free version and up to 25 days ahead in the paid app (£1.92).
If it is long-term weather predictions that you are after then we recommend that you give AccuWeather a try to see for yourself.
5. WeatherSignal
Free – get it here
WeatherSignal works on most Android phones but is designed specifically to take advantage of the advanced environmental sensors built into the GALAXY S4.
"We're really excited about the potential for using a network of mobile phones to map live weather conditions," says WeatherSignal's Samuel Johnson. "And so we only use data collected from our users – we don't supplement it in any way. There are already lots of services which use satellite or weather station information, we wanted to do something completely different."
6. Samsung Weather Widget
Possibly the easiest to open of any of the apps here as it comes built into the GALAXY S4.
Nevertheless, this great looking widget can provide a quick at-a-glance weather report on your homescreen, as well as the ability to tap through for more information. Some great animations too.
7. pressureNET
Free – get it here
Another crowdsourced weather app, pressureNET is focused on mapping and reporting areas of low and high pressure.
The app uses the GALAXY S4's built-in barometer to take local pressure readings and report back to its servers.
8. Pollen Forecast UK
Free – get it here
One of the season's hidden dangers is the release of pollen, which can cause misery for hay fever sufferers.
This clever app – also derived from Met Office data and sponsored by antihistamine brand Clarityn – maps the pollen levels across the country and highlights areas where you'll need an extra pack of tissues.
9. Weather Maps Beta
Free – get it here
This app is actually an overlay for Google Maps, allowing you to superimpose Weather, Satellite data, Temperature, Humidity or Wind direction on top of a Google Maps view.
The app is still in the beta stages and the data isn't that fine-grained yet, but it is useful for an overview and Weather Maps could well develop into something more interesting when it officially launches.
10. Weather Underground
Free – get it here
The first "internet weather service" operated from the University of Michigan, Weather Underground is now a commercial company. It uses data from various publicly available sources as well as crowdsourced data from enthusiasts' weather stations, plus its own predictive models, to create weather reports for across the world.
