Niantic Labs has released a new update for Pokemon GO on both iOS and Android platforms, bringing the game up to Android version 0.333.0 and iOS version 1.3.0. In addition to minor bug fixes and tweaks, the update also brings back the previously disabled battery saver option and marks the beginning of a region-by-region rollout for the game’s new and improved Nearby Pokemon feature. As you can see in the official Pokemon GO update notes over on the Pokemon GO website, the return of the battery saver and Nearby Pokemon features aren't the only things included in the update.
The game will now automatically suspend itself if it detects the player is moving faster than a certain speed (i.e. the speed of a moving car), though players can manually cancel the suspension and continue playing if they’re not physically driving the vehicle in question. Players can also give themselves a new in-game nickname if they want, but Niantic warns that the nickname change is a one-time deal, so players should choose their new nickname wisely. The full patch notes are as follows:
- Added a dialogue to remind Trainers that they should not play while traveling above a certain speed. Trainers must confirm they are not driving in order to continue playing.
- Made improvements to the accuracy of curveball
throws . - Fixed a bug that prevented Nice, Great, and Excellent Poké Ball throws from awarding the appropriate XP bonuses. Fixed achievements showing incorrect Medal icons.
- Enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname (only once).
- Resolved issues with the battery saver mode on iOS and re-enabled the feature.
- Added visuals of Team Leaders Candela, Blanche, and Spark.
- Added a new variation of the Nearby Pokémon feature for testing among a subset of users.
- Minor text fixes.
The new Nearby Pokemon feature is currently unavailable for all players, but according to a thread posted on Reddit from users who do have access to it, the feature now displays all nearby Pokemon located within a 200-meter radius of the player. Furthermore, the new Nearby Pokemon feature will update much more frequently so that players can get a clearer read on whether or not they’re actually getting closer to a particular Pokemon, as well as if there are any Pokemon near a given PokeStop. The new Nearby Pokemon feature is expected to become available for more and more users in future updates as long as it remains stable.
For more on Pokemon GO and other Indie Obscura news, be sure to read our coverage of Niantic’s official stance on third-party Pokemon GO apps and why it disabled support for them as well the patch notes for the No Man’s Sky's first major update, and how Rocket League's upcoming Rumble game mode is projected to turn the game on its head!