the real thing. The Majority of reviews on this app seem to be very positive, though many do mention the tedious calibration process that involves comparing it to a real anemometer. Once calibrated Wind Meter will provide a reasonably accurate measurement for any wind speed; however, it really excels if you calibrate it at each different wind range. The best way to do this would probably be to have a mate drive round at varying speeds on a still day while you hang out the window calibrating (editors note: please be advised that this may cause some problems should anything be passing the other way, so we at Boards cannot be held responsible should you try this)!
Once calibrated Wind Meter is unbelievably easy to use, however the necessary calibration is a bit of a pain, especially considering as you need to borrow a real anemometer first. The attention to detail in this app is pretty darn high, there’s a lot of mathematical spectrum analysis that goes towards giving you an accurate reading. It looks okay, the developer has tried to trick you into thinking you’re holding an actual anemometer, it kind of reminds me of the Quorn selling vegetarian chicken. For best results turn your phone upside down!!
Android
Ease of Use: 6/10
Functionality: 10/10
Looks: 8/10
Score: 8/10
Price: £2.49
Wind Meter —- iPhone
This app is completely separate to the Android “Wind Meter” anemometer app and is therefore being reviewed separately. It has a nice simple interface, not at all like an anemometer. It’s not particularly pretty, but it seems to do the job. It’s very easy to use; the optional calibration is also very simple. I don’t feel it’s as accurate as the Android Wind Meter but it is useable. It doesn’t measure over about 24knots either which makes it redundant for the most fun sessions. It’s only 69p, it does work and it’s super easy to use. It doesn’t have a particularly reliable look to it either, which does little to install confidence in its readings.
iPhone
Ease of Use: 10/10
Functionality: 6/10
Looks: 5/10
Score: 6/10
Price: £0.69
WeatherBug —- Android
This app is pretty good; it basically gets live data and forecast data from all over the globe. The forecast data is not really optimised for windsurfers, but the live data is great, and offers options to go into great detail, it also offers a feature that gets the nearest live weather from any point on the map. It looks ok, it’s functionality is great, and even better in the “elite version” I’d recommend this for anyone wanting to get live data from public weather stations (seems to be the best solution for this on Android), has a couple of widgets, but they’re aimed at your average Joe and show only temperature and cloud information. You can add multiple locations.
Android
Ease of Use: 8/10
Functionality: 8/10
Looks: 6/10
Score: 7/10
Price: FREE or £1.24 for “Elite version”