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The new Pokemon Go update includes a work-in-progress tracking system

Brenna Hillier avatar
News by Brenna Hillier Contributor
Published on

Pokemon Go has been updated with an experimental new system for finding Pokemon in your vicinity.

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Pokemon Go has been updated to version 0.33.0 on Android, with version 1.3.0 rolling out on iOS "soon".

There's a lot going on in this one but the first highlight is a new Nearby system. It's currently in testing so not every Pokemon Go player will have access to it.

According to Eurogamer, the system is called "Sightings" rather than "Nearby" and sounds pretty limited. But hey - it's a work in progress, and at least it shows Niantic is trying to find a solution to Pokemon Go's divisive issue: not being able to find a damn thing without third-party apps.

Other highlights include the return of battery saving mode on iOS, the ability to change your Pokemon Go trainer name just once, and key art of the three Pokemon Go team leaders.

The update also adds a warning to Pokemon Go players travelling at speed asking them to confirm they're a passenger rather than driving and playing (don't do that) and squashes the XP bug on Pokeball throws, among other minor changes.

Here are the full patch notes for Pokemon Go 0.33.0 (Android) and 1.3.0 (ioS), directly from Facebook:

  • Added a dialog 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 a curveball throw.
  • 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 one time. Please choose your new nickname wisely.
  • Resolved issues with the battery saver mode on iOS and re-enabled the feature.
  • Added visuals of Team Leaders Candela, Blanche, and Spark.
  • 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.
  • Minor text fixes

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