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Pokémon Go Nearby tracking and battery saver back

Manny Pham
August 9, 2016

Pokémon Go updates Nearby-tracking, finally bringing back the popular feature to help players find their desired pocket monsters. 

Ever since Niantic removed nearby-tracking, the experience of Pokémon hunting has been similar to relieving yourself in the wind. It could be argued that by aimlessly wandering around your local park is a purer Pokémon experience, as you had to do so in the video games. But Pokémon Go is a casual game, for casual gamers, convenience is key.

The re-introduction of nearby-tracking is most welcomed by all players of the popular augmented reality game. Niantic wrote in a Facebook post, “We’re currently testing a variation of the ‘Nearby Pokémon’ feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI.”

Pokémon Go updates Nearby tracking for some players

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Players who are lucky enough to trial the new update will see two new sections in the Pokémon tracking section, called Nearby and Sightings.

Nearby is now a section revealing Pokémon that have appeared at nearby Pokéstops, by other trainers. By selecting the Pokémon you can see which stop they were last spotted, and then walk in a furious manner, with the hope it’s still there.

Niantic offered no explanation on Sightings, but it seems Sightings is what Nearby used to be, telling players what is currently in the wild of your local area.

Hopefully the full update will be made available for all players soon, as there was a massive outcry when nearby-tracking proved to be flawed at launch, and popular third-party tracking apps were neutered. For now players can update the app to enjoy some notable changes.

Nicknames can now be changed, but one time only, so pick something that will stand the test of time, nothing like ‘jamie2016.’

Battery saver mode bugs have been fixed and is re-introduced on iOS and Android. It now only works when holding your device upside down, not sideways as it did previously.

Curveball throws will be more accurate, minor text fixes, battery saver mode bug fixes for iOS and experience bonuses will be properly awarded to “nice, “great” and “excellent” pokéball throws. The full list is right here.

For more news, visit What Mobile’s dedicated news page.

Image via NeoGaf.

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