Bright outlook for user-generated SMS weather updates

17 Sep 2009

An Irish mobile software company has introduced a new localised weather reporting system that uses SMS messages compiled by the general public.

Go2Mobile’s SMSWeather aims to bring weather reporting to every Irish location via SMS updates.

The system will enable anybody travelling to an area for an outdoor activity or even, for example, to know exactly what they are heading into.

The system will be free to use, just the natural cost of the SMS sender’s text message via their network operator.

“An example of its use – say you were hosting a marathon in the Burren – the organiser could post the weather in the exact location as they see it that morning, and night before, so people travelling will know exactly what it is like,” explained John Ahern of Go2Mobile.

“The system also allows people to send in video snapshots and photographs of weather-related items from their MMS phones.

It is simple to do:

  • Send Weather Updates To 353866055506 Include In SMS “SMSWEATHER” and your area.
  • eg. SMSWEATHER Sun shining, 1.1 swells, gentle breeze – Fenit.

By John Kennedy

Photo: Go2Mobile’s homepage.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com