A team that developed the weather app Dark Sky has introduced a new forecasting app, Acme Weather, TechCrunch reported on Sunday.

The team sold Dark Sky to Apple in March 2020 and later became independent again to develop a new app.

Acme Weather is designed to improve accuracy by offering a range of alternative predictions unlike existing forecasts, the report said. Dark Sky co-founder Adam Grossman (애덤 그로스먼) said, "Typical weather apps provide only the best prediction, but we show several possibilities together."

The app uses not only its own forecasts but also other weather models, satellite data, ground observations and radar information to improve reliability. It also offers multiple scenarios in volatile weather such as winter storms to help users prepare.

Acme Weather will launch as a subscription app costing $25 a year and will offer a two-week free trial. It has not yet been decided whether it will provide an API for developers as Dark Sky did, but the company is focusing on building its own forecasting system to maintain independence.

The app offers various maps showing precipitation, lightning, wind, temperature, humidity, clouds and hurricane tracks in real time. It also provides a "Community Reports" feature that lets users share current weather. Experimental features such as rainbow forecasts and alerts for beautiful sunsets will also be added.

Grossman said, "At big companies like Apple, it is hard to try experimental features, but it is possible in an independent app." Acme Weather is available on iOS, and an Android version is also planned.