Snow App

Highly-secure, portable devices to collect and process data at the edge, and migrate data into and out of AWS

Applications are moving to the cloud faster today than ever before. A new category of applications requires increased capabilities and performance at the edge of the cloud, or even beyond the edge of the network.
AWS provides edge infrastructure and software that moves data processing and analysis as close as necessary to where data is created in order to deliver intelligent, real-time responsiveness and streamline the amount of data transferred. This includes deploying AWS managed hardware and software to locations outside AWS Regions and even beyond AWS Outposts.
The AWS Snow Family helps customers that need to run operations in austere, non-data center environments, and in locations where there's lack of consistent network connectivity. The Snow Family, comprised of AWS Snowcone, AWS Snowball, and AWS Snowmobile, offers a number of physical devices and capacity points, most with built-in computing capabilities. These services help physically transport up to exabytes of data into and out of AWS. Snow Family devices are owned and managed by AWS and integrate with AWS security, monitoring, storage management, and computing capabilities.

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Meet the newest, smallest member of the AWS Snow Family: AWS Snowcone, a portable, rugged, and secure edge computing and data transfer device

AWS News Blog: Introducing AWS Snowcone »

Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 Team (Surface Hub), HoloLens, Xbox One. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Snow Selfie. Dec 14, 2020 About the Weather app and icons on your iPhone and iPod touch Learn how to use the Weather app on your iPhone to check the weather for your current location and other cities. With the Weather app, you can look up the weather by city name, postal or zip code, and airport code.

AWS Snowcone

AWS Snowcone is the smallest member of the AWS Snow Family of edge computing and data transfer devices. Snowcone is portable, rugged, and secure. You can use Snowcone to collect, process, and move data to AWS, either offline by shipping the device, or online with AWS DataSync.

Running applications in disconnected environments and connected edge locations can be challenging because these locations often lack the space, power, and cooling needed for data center IT equipment. AWS Snowcone stores data securely in edge locations, and can run edge computing workloads that use AWS IoT Greengrass or Amazon EC2 instances. Snowcone devices are small and weigh 4.5 lbs. (2.1 kg), so you can carry one in a backpack or fit it in tight spaces for IoT, vehicular, or even drone use cases.


Learn more about Snowcone »

AWS Snowball

AWS Snowball is a data migration and edge computing device that comes in two device options: Compute Optimized and Storage Optimized.
Snowball Edge Storage Optimized devices provide 40 vCPUs of compute capacity coupled with 80 terabytes of usable block or Amazon S3-compatible object storage. It is well-suited for local storage and large-scale data transfer. Snowball Edge Compute Optimized devices provide 52 vCPUs, 42 terabytes of usable block or object storage, and an optional GPU for use cases such as advanced machine learning and full motion video analysis in disconnected environments. Customers can use these two options for data collection, machine learning and processing, and storage in environments with intermittent connectivity (such as manufacturing, industrial, and transportation) or in extremely remote locations (such as military or maritime operations) before shipping it back to AWS. These devices may also be rack mounted and clustered together to build larger, temporary installations.

Learn more about Snowball »

AWS Snowmobile

AWS Snowmobile moves up to 100 PB of data in a 45-foot long ruggedized shipping container and is ideal for multi-petabyte or Exabyte-scale digital media migrations and data center shutdowns. A Snowmobile arrives at the customer site and appears as a network-attached data store for more secure, high-speed data transfer. After data is transferred to Snowmobile, it is driven back to an AWS Region where the data is loaded into Amazon S3.
Snowmobile is tamper-resistant, waterproof, and temperature controlled with multiple layers of logical and physical security -- including encryption, fire suppression, dedicated security personnel, GPS tracking, alarm monitoring, 24/7 video surveillance, and an escort security vehicle during transit.

Learn more about Snowmobile »

AWS SnowconeAWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized
AWS Snowball Edge Compute OptimizedAWS Snowmobile
Usage Scenario
Edge computing,
Data transfer,
Edge storage
Data transfer,
Edge storage
Edge computing,
Data transfer
Data transfer
Usable HDD Storage8 TB80 TB42 TB100 PB
Usable SSD Storage14 TB1 TB7.68 TBNo
Usable vCPUs4 vCPUs40 vCPUs52 vCPUsN/A
Usable Memory4 GB 80 GB208 GBN/A
GPUNoNonVidia V100 (optional)No
Onboard Computing OptionsAWS IoT Greengrass
Amazon EC2 AMIs
AWS IoT Greengrass
Amazon EC2 AMIs
AWS IoT Greengrass
Amazon EC2 AMIs
N/A
DataSync YesNoNoNo
Transfers via NFS
YesYesYesYes
Transfers via S3 APINoYesYesNo
Network Interfaces2x 1/10 Gbit - RJ452x 10 Gbit – RJ45
1x 25 Gbit – SFP+
1x 100 Gbit – QSFP28
2x 10 Gbit – RJ45
1x 25 Gbit – SFP+
1x 100 Gbit – QSFP28
6x 40 Gbit
Device Size9 inches long,
6 inches wide,
and 3 inches tall
(227 mm x 148.6 mm x 82.65 mm)
28.3 inches long,
10.6 inches wide,
and 15.5 inches tall
(548 mm x 320 mm x 501 mm)
28.3 inches long,
10.6 inches wide,
and 15.5 inches tall
(548 mm x 320 mm x 501 mm)
N/A
Device Weight4.5 lbs. (2.1 kg)49.7 lbs. (22.3 kg)49.7 lbs. (22.3 kg) N/A
Encryption
Yes, 256-bitYes, 256-bit
Yes, 256-bitYes, 256-bit
PortabilityBattery-based OperationNoNoNo
WirelessWi-FiNoNoNo
Storage Clustering
NoYes, 5-10 nodes
Yes, 5-10 nodesN/A
HIPAA CompliantNoYes, eligibleYes, eligibleYes, eligible
Typical Job Lifetime

Offline or Online Data Transfer:
Days-Weeks

Edge Compute:
Weeks-Years

Offline Data Transfer:
Days-Weeks
Edge Compute:
Weeks-Years
Data Migration:
Months

Snow Family devices and vehicles are owned and managed by AWS, so customers do not need to invest in new hardware. Customers pay varying startup fees plus shipping per device. Multiple devices can be requested in parallel if more capacity is needed. AWS monitors the health and utilization of Snowcones and Snowballs, and provides replacement devices when needed. For region availability, view the Regional Service Availability page for more information.

Learn more about each member of the AWS Snow Family

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You don’t need to install all nine, but we’re certain there’s one here that you’ll love.

'It looks like it's gonna... Hold on. Let me check.'. Todd Trapani/Unsplash

Among the many hats our smartphones now wear, “meteorologist” is one that’s donned frequently. With the tap of a finger, our little pocket computers can make sure we’re never caught without an umbrella or sunscreen as the weather changes.

The best weather apps on Android and iOS will provide all manner of weather forecasts and meteorological data for you, but not all are created equal.

Get one or more of these nine on your handset, and you’ll be able to stay on top of weather conditions in your immediate area or anywhere else in the world.

1. AccuWeather

AccuWeather prides itself on the accuracy of its forecasts, and the global weather monitoring company’s free mobile app manages to pack a lot into each screen. It has everything from instant readings on what the weather’s doing now, to more detailed radar scans showing precipitation and clouds over a wider area.

And if you’re looking for up-to-the-minute information on when the skies may open up, it’s got MinuteCast: a circular, clock-like forecasting tool that shows whether or not you can expect precipitation in the next 60 minutes. It’s Dark Sky-esque and worth a look if you’re an Android user mourning the loss of that app.

Beyond sunshine and rain, AccuWeather can give details on wind speed, solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels, humidity, cloud cover, visibility, and more. It’s undoubtedly one of the best weather apps out there for the depth and precision of its data.

AccuWeather is free for Android and iOS.

2. Weather Underground

Weather Underground offers a bright and intuitive interface, easy access to weather forecasts wherever you need them, and enough other features to put it ahead of most of the weather apps available for your phone.

From telling you how long a current rain shower is going to last, to forecasting the wind speed in your area next week, Weather Underground is packed with useful data and features. These include a radar map, severe weather alerts, ski resort reports, and sunrise and sunset times.

One of the app’s best features is a “smart forecast” tool for running, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. To use it, describe the weather you’d prefer for your excursion (a sunny afternoon, perhaps), and Weather Underground will tell you when that forecast is expected next.

Weather Underground is free for Android and iOS.

3. Dark Sky

Dark Sky became one of the top weather apps by predicting imminent local weather conditions using current data readings and clever algorithms, but it also offers longer-term forecasts and can cover a range of geographic areas.

Flicking between radar views, daily and weekly forecasts, temperature and wind levels, and other meteorological data is straightforward, and we really like the time machine feature that lets you explore weather conditions at a specific point in time in either the past or future.

But where Apple’s recent acquisition really impresses is with its short-term forecasts and alerts about approaching storms. Use it, and you’ll always know how long it’s going to be before the next bout of showers.

Dark Sky is $4 for iOS.

4. Carrot Weather

Carrot Weather might be best-suited for those who like their weather forecasts straightforward and honest. It focuses on the basics, but does them well, with attitude—mixing in sarcastic quips and film quotes alongside its weather predictions.

Snow App

As for the actual meteorological data the app spits out, you can dig in by week, day, or hour, checking out everything from temperatures to wind speed. The graphic at the top of the app screen is particularly useful, showing an at-a-glance representation of the weather for the next few hours.

Snow App Like Snapchat

You can get alerts about upcoming weather patterns and switch between a variety of data sources too, including The Weather Channel and AccuWeather. Overall, Carrot Weather is a good weather app, but if you pick it over some of the others on this list, it’ll be for the entertaining, no-nonsense interface.

Snow appleSnow app selfie motion

Carrot Weather is free for Android and $5 for iOS.

5. The Weather Channel

If you want the experience of watching TV weather on your phone, then the mobile apps from The Weather Channel are perfect. They’ll give you a quick summary of current and upcoming conditions, but you’ll also get a ton of short video forecasts, too.

However you like your weather prediction (either in static or video form), everything is elegantly laid out and easy to get around. So whether you want a quick update on what the weather’s going to do in the next 10 minutes or to take a deep dive into next week’s expected wind speeds and precipitation levels, The Weather Channel has you covered.

We also like the little flashcards that show key data (such as precipitation risk and sunset time) in a rotating carousel. For the sheer number of different ways you can get at weather information, The Weather Channel definitely earns a place on our list of best weather apps.

The Weather Channel is free for Android and iOS.

6. Flowx

Flowx packs a bunch of data into visualizations that manage to be both mesmerizing and, actually, pretty useful. If you want your weather forecast to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, it’s worth giving Flowx a go.

The app charts important information such as temperatures and precipitation levels in a variety of ways—pick the one you most like the look of—and also features the most detailed radar map we’ve seen so far. Sliding your finger across the screen while looking at the map lets you jump forward and backward in time, too.

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Snow Appa

It’s not quite as good at near-term forecasts and simple displays of information as some of the other apps we’ve mentioned, but Flowx excels at detailed looks at longer periods of time. There’s no iOS app at the time of writing, but one is planned.

Flowx is free for Android.

7. Geometric Weather

If you live in the Android ecosystem and value simplicity over vast amounts of data, take a look at Geometric Weather. It’ll give you the basics—the weather now and the hourly, daily, and weekly forecasts—in a pretty, stripped-down interface that won’t overwhelm you.

It can also use the background of your home and/or lock screen to display information at a glance. This feature consists of a clean, dynamic wallpaper with a geometric sun or cloud that changes depending on the forecast, and moves when you tilt your phone. There are no temperature indicators, no icons, no widget clutter—just an appealing illustration to indicate whether or not you’ll need an umbrella.

Geometric Weather is free for Android.

8. Weather on the Way

Certain weather conditions can be dangerous for driving, but many of the best weather apps won’t help you avoid them. Weather on the Way will. When you’re going on a trip, simply plug in a starting location, a destination, and a departure time, and the Apple Maps-powered app will show your route and… ahem… the weather along the way. As you drive, it’ll show your location (if you’ve allowed the app to see where you are).

There’s also a timeline feature, which shows the weather at regular points along your path. Tap any of the forecasts and it’ll show you more detailed data such as humidity, wind speed, visibility, precipitation, and what temperature it feels like outside.

Snow App

Weather on the Way is free for iOS.

9. RadarScope

If you’re after the most accurate weather app you can get, RadarScope could be the one for you. It has an almost bewildering array of high-resolution radar data for checking forecasts and keeping track of severe weather warnings.

The app describes itself as being “for weather enthusiasts and meteorologists” and has a price tag to match those lofty claims. What you see in this app is actual native radar data sourced from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s “next-generation radar” (NEXRAD) and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) locations in the United States. In other words, it’s the same data professional weather forecasters make use of.

Snow Apple

RadarScope is particularly good for tracking and chasing storms across the country, so could be worth the outlay if you’re in a tornado or flash flood hotspot. The learning curve is steeper here than it is with the other apps in this list, but RadarScope rewards the investment.

RadarScope is $10 for Android and iOS.

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