“Pokemon GO is now officially available to be installed from Google Play or iTunes”. It marks a turning point for augmented reality, or technology that superimposes a digital facade on the real world.
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Pokémon Go launched in Australia and New Zealand on 5 July, and became an overnight sensation with its USA launch the following day. The game is now the biggest app ever in the USA, with 21 million active daily users, edging past Candy Crush Saga’s 20 million peak active user count in the US. Every part of the world has been hit with the news, but people are going insane on how they can play it on their phones too. About 20% of players are buying loot, compared with 3% for many mobile games.
The big draw to the game are gyms, which are at similar places. But it’s also inspired a marketing frenzy, with Uber drivers, event organizers and other entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the game’s success.
While it all sounds like harmless fun, authorities are beginning to urge users to be more careful.
It was short-lived, however, as Nianticbegan locking access to the servers for players here, which meant that Pokemon simply did not show up. They are in competition with all other uses of the app to catch the pesky creatures before someone else does, and they are going to great lengths to do it. In it, players were tasked with capturing what the game termed as portals, not critters.
It’s already gotten so bad that authorities have begun issuing reminders about how to enjoy the game safely.
The windfall from what Kubota dubs “Pokenomics” could help reverse Nintendo’s fortunes, although some analysts think its impact on the company’s revenues will be limited because the game is free apart from certain revenue-earning features, he said. A lure can only be placed on a Pokestop, but is beneficial to other area users.
However, Pokemon Go has also demonstrated some of the potential pitfalls of AR (besides data privacy concerns).
Nintendo hopes to maintain engagement by giving players a way to take a break from staring at their phones. Distracted driving and walking is a bad combination. Put your phone down while behind the wheel. One day soon, McDonald’s might ask you that question. With you, not at you, we swear. You might even make a new friend.
Nintendo Co. was at the nexus of the efforts to introduce Pokemon Go. The app, called Pokewalk, describes itself like the popular taxi service Lyft, but with a twist.
The game literally spans the globe, so it’s only fitting that Hanke got the idea from Google Maps. Unfortunately, Pokemon Go players who use a Pokemon Trainers Club account immediately noticed that the update actually made it impossible to log-in.
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Pokemon has a long history with fast food, although it’s not all good: anyone who grew up in the late ’90s will remember the much sought-after Burger King Pokémon toys that became quite controversial when a 13-year-old girl choked to death on one of the plastic Pokéballs, and the chain was forced to go through an expensive recall. “If there’s buyers then go for it …”
