Even though Pokémon GO is the most downloaded game of all time, the company still sees a decline in user data base everyday. Niantic Labs have taken note of the situation and they're implementing some changes to retain the number. The company is now adding some previously announced features like support for Pokémon GO Plus and Buddy Pokémon. Moreover, the update is not positive all around. See what's new in the details mentioned below.
Rooted And Jailbroken Devices Are No Longer Allowed To Load Pokémon GO
Apart from some of the aforesaid features that Niantic Labs has seen fit to add in Pokémon GO, it's also chopping down the game for rooted and jailbroken devices. The update is, hence, available for both, iOS and Android. Jailbroken iOS devices and rooted Android devices have been cut access to load the game up.
Here's the entire changelog of the update:
- Implemented Buddy Pokémon: Trainers will now be able to choose one of their Pokémon to be their buddy. A Trainer can earn Candy for their Buddy Pokémon by walking a certain distance.
- Made it easier to select smaller Pokémon on the screen.
- Fixed an issue where Eggs would sometimes hatch without displaying the animation.
- Improved performance reliability when a device switches networks to no longer cause the application to hang or stop updating.
- Pokémon GO Plus support.
- Minor text fixes.
Most probably, Niantic Labs has implemented the changes to do away with cheating users. While the cheating scenario is not limited to a single method, cutting them lose sounds like a wise decision. Other than removing support for rooted and jailbroken devices, Pokémon GO Plus support is also part of the update which will assist users in finding Pokémon and Pokéstops. The accessory was unveiled in June and will be available in most countries by September 16.
Buddy Pokémon is a recently announced feature which is pretty much self-explanatory. Buddy Pokémon are those Pokémon that you will chose to be your buddy. From the list, you will have the ability to choose any Pokémon to be by your side and then swap them at any moment in exchange for another Pokémon. As a reward, players will earn candy when they walk with their Buddy Pokémon.
While some features in the update will definitely hook users, it's too bad that a lot of those with a rooted device will not be able to play any more. Moreover, if you were considering to root or jailbreak your device, the update is definitely no good news.
What do you think about the new Pokémon GO update? How many users do you think will be forgone following the update? Share your thoughts in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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