Developer Niantic Labs has pushed out the latest update to augmented reality mobile game Pokémon GO, taking the app to version 0.33 for Android and version 1.3 for iOS.
The update is considered a minor one compared with the first major one that Niantic Labs pushed out just over a week ago. However, it contains new features and fixes that could appease players who were enraged by some of the recent changes that have come to the game.
Warnings For Drivers
Once gamers install the latest update, the app will display a dialog to remind players that they should not go hunting for Pokémon while driving. The dialog will inform players that they are going too fast, which most likely means that they are in a moving vehicle as opposed to walking. Players can keep playing by tapping on the option that says that they are not the driver of the vehicle but rather a passenger.
Pokéball Throw Fixes
The update fixed the bug that prevented players from receiving bonus XP when completing "Nice," Great" and "Excellent" Pokéball throws to catch Pokémon. Niantic Labs also made improvements to the accuracy of curveball throws, and with these changes, players will be able to once again rack up XP through masterful throws.
Trainer Name Change
The update will also grant players the ability to change their nickname. The option is only accessible once, though, so users looking to avail it should definitely think things through before making the change.
Battery Saver For iOS Returns
iOS device users will be welcoming back the battery saver option with the latest update, which will allow them to save the battery of their devices by tilting them upside down. The game will still be functioning, but the screen will be turned off to maximize battery power.
Nearby Feature Changed To Sightings
Perhaps the most controversial change included in the first major update for Pokémon GO is the removal of the Nearby feature. The feature, which supposedly tells players how near or far Pokémon are, ran into a glitch, and instead of Niantic Labs fixing the feature with the update, the developer removed it by eliminating the icons that tell the approximate distance of the Pokémon to the player.
In the latest update, Niantic Labs reveals that it is testing a variation to the feature named Sightings with a certain set of users. While testing, gamers might see changes in the user interface of the Nearby feature. The Pokémon GO Reddit community is still trying to figure out how Sightings works, but it seems that the feature is much more helpful compared to the previous Nearby feature.
With Sightings, the list of Pokémon around the player is aggressively updated, with the expired Pokémon or those already too far away immediately removed from the list. This means that all the Pokémon under Sightings are within about 200 meters of the player, as the list will not include the Pokémon that ventured into the player's vicinity 30 minutes ago or 10 kilometers back.
Other Minor Changes
Pokémon trainers who have seen incorrect Medal icons being shown for their achievements should no longer see the mistakes, as the update also fixed this bug. The update also added visuals for the leaders of the three teams, namely Candela for Team Valor, Blanche for Team Mystic and Spark for Team Instinct, along with minor text fixes.
Download Now
The update is now available on the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Gamers should update their apps as soon as possible to improve their Pokémon GO playing experience.
