Gaithersburg, MD - AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc.
, the world leader in delivering hyper-local convergence products for broadcast television and the Internet,
is pleased to announce that its award-winning PC desktop tool, WeatherBug, has amassed more than 60,000 user
downloads in just two short months. Shortly after reaching this milestone, ZDNet honored WeatherBug with a
highest-possible 5-star rating (http://aws.com/reviews/zdnet/).
WeatherBug delivers real-time neighborhood weather conditions, personalized forecasts, camera images, radar,
weather by Zip Code, local zone forecasts and storm alerts to PC desktops by utilizing AWS' exclusive network of
school weather stations and the Internet. A component of AWS' suite of convergence products for television and
the Internet, the technology enables AWS' exclusive broadcast partners to distribute live hyper-local weather
information on-air and online to extend their weather brands, drive traffic to their Web sites, increase viewer
loyalty and develop non-traditional revenue.
"The demand for live, local weather -- both on-air and online -- has never been greater.
The WeatherBug is quickly gaining popularity because it simultaneously addresses the viewer's
demand for sophisticated, personally relevant weather content that is easy to access," said Robert Marshall,
President and CEO of AWS.
WeatherBug's unobtrusive format gives users instant access to local weather information when and where
they want it - even at work. Users download the WeatherBug off the Web, select the closest WeatherNet station
and watch as the current temperature appears as a Bug in their Windows™ System tray. Clicking the Bug triggers
a full screen display of current conditions in a colorful graphic format that is easy to read. The Bug blinks
and sounds to notify users when local weather warnings, watches or alerts are issued.
WeatherBug is the second WeatherNet component to receive a ZDNet five star rating. The other was AWS' Wireless WeatherNet -
specialized Web sites and PQAs that allow users of Internet-ready cell phone and Personal Digital Assistants like the Palm
Pilot© or Pocket PC to access live weather data and custom forecasts. WeatherBug was also selected as a Television Broadcast Editors'
Pick of Show at NAB 2000, featured in a New York Times technology cover story, and in Lockergnome Daily Dispatch, one of the most influential
Web sites and e-zines, according to Fortune Magazine.
Anyone may download the FREE WeatherBug via participating broadcast partner Web sites or at http://weatherbug.com.
