Pokémon GO has been all over the news this week with the public launch of the game in some countries. Niantic is currently addressing a few issues that have arisen before the game will be pushed to further countries. Below are a few of the news and issues that players should be aware of.

iOS version of Pokémon Go requests full access permission for the user's Google account

"We recently discovered that the Pokémon Go account creation process on iOS erroneously requests full access permission for the user's Google account. However, Pokémon Go only accesses basic Google profile information (specifically, your user ID and e-mail address) and no other Google account information is or has been accessed or collected. Once we became aware of this error, we began working on a client-side fix to request permission for only basic Google account information, in line with the data we actually access. Google has verified that no other information has been received or accessed by Pokémon Go or Niantic. Google will soon reduce Pokémon Go's permission to only the basic profile data that Pokémon Go needs, and users do not need to take any actions themselves." (Niantic)


Source: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/pokemon-go-on-ios-gets-full-access-to-your-google-account/

Servers Overloaded causes a pause on the International Rollout of Pokémon Go

Niantic CEO John Hanke told Business Insider that they are aware of the problem many users are having with server availability and working hard on fixing the problem. While they fix the server capacity, the international rollout of the game to countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands is “paused until we’re comfortable”.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/pokemon-go-international-rollout-paused-2016-7

Pokémon GO sends Nintendo's Stock Soaring up 25%

Nintendo shares surged 25% in Tokyo on Monday, July 11th, 2016 as a result of the launch of the game a few days earlier and it's stock continued to rise on Tuesday up 34%. It has also boosted the market value of Nintendo Co. by over $9 billion.




Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/pokemon-chasing-investors-send-nintendo-shares-soaring-1468228206

Infected Pokémon GO APK carries dangerous Android backdoor

While users maybe waiting for the game to launch in their country, some players may attempt to bypass the Google Play store and manually install Pokémon GO via a downloaded APK. Players may download an infected version of the game by not downloading it from an official source.

Proofpoint researchers discovered an infected Android version of the newly released mobile game Pokemon GO. This specific APK was modified to include the malicious remote access tool (RAT) called DroidJack (also known as SandroRAT), which would virtually give an attacker full control over a victim’s phone. The DroidJack RAT has been described in the past, including by Symantec and Kaspersky.

Source: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/droidjack-uses-side-load-backdoored-pokemon-go-android-app

Pokémon GO has now left beta and is now available in many countries around the world. People with compatible devices can download the app from the Android's Google Play store or Apple's App Store.

Launch Trailer - Pokémon GO - Get Up and Go!

Download Links

Android's Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticlabs.pokemongo
Apple's iOS App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345?mt=8

Press Release - Get Up and GO! Pokémon GO Available Soon on iPhone and Android Devices

The Pokémon Company International and Niantic, Inc. are excited to announce the launch of the long-awaited mobile game Pokémon GO, which is now available for download at no cost on the App Store and Google Play. Pokémon GO is currently available in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and will be coming soon to Canada, Europe and South America.

In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in their midst. Some wild Pokémon appear in their native environments—for example, Water-type Pokémon may appear near lakes and oceans. Once players have encountered a Pokémon, they can catch it by using their smartphone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.

Pokémon GO’s features include:

· Catch Pokémon: Pokémon GO invites players to step outside, walk around and catch wild Pokémon. As players increase in level, they’ll be able to catch more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more-powerful items. While working to complete the Pokédex, players will be able to evolve Pokémon by catching multiples of the same species and can even find Pokémon Eggs which hatch after a player walks a specific distance. Players are encouraged to keep exploring and encountering the many different Pokémon needed to complete the Pokédex!

· Join a Team and Battle: Players can join one of three teams, Mystic, Instinct or Valor and assign Pokémon they have caught to an open Pokémon Gym location or to a Gym claimed by a fellow team member. Teams must battle against the defending Pokémon in their rival teams’ Gyms to lower a Gym’s Prestige and claim the Gym for their own team. Cooperation amongst team members is important in securing as many Gyms as possible.

· Share the Fun: Activate the camera feature to take photos of Pokémon encountered in the world. With their real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for these photos, players will be able to share these memorable moments with their friends.

· Customise the Trainer Avatar: Players can choose from a range of apparel and accessories to match their in-game avatar with their personal style. The customised avatar will appear on the map as players move around, as well as on their profile page. Trainer’s avatars will also appear in Gyms under their team’s control.

· Soundtrack by Junichi Masuda: Pokémon GO will feature all-new music composed by GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda. Mr. Masuda has worked on Pokémon video games since the very first games and has composed many of the classic and memorable songs that have inspired fans for decades. In-app purchases will be available for players who would like to enhance their

Pokémon GO experience. Players can purchase PokéCoins, the in-game currency of Pokémon GO, which can then be exchanged for power-ups and extra items.

The Pokémon GO Plus device is a portable accessory that will enable Pokémon GO players to enjoy the game even while they’re not looking at their smartphones. This optional device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and notifies the player about events in the game using an LED and vibration. In addition, players can catch Pokémon or perform other simple actions by pressing the button on the device.

Source: http://www.pokemongo.com/

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online is now publically available for Android tablet users. Screenshots from the press release have been added to an imageboard thread.

Pokémon Fans Can Now Hone Their Trading Card Game Strategies on Android Tablet

London, 11th May, 2016. Android tablet owners can now enjoy the fun of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. Players can compete against friends and opponents from around the world, learning from the in-game tutorial, building decks from their digital card collection, entering online tournaments, and much more!

The digital experience begins by downloading the app at no cost from the Pokémon page on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pokemon.pokemontcg. Players can then progress from more casual play—competing against 12 computer-controlled opponents—to the full, player-versus-player challenge of the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game. Not only that, but they can also compete using every recent expansion of the Pokémon TCG, from HeartGold & SoulSilver to the most recent release, XY—Fates Collide.

All new Pokémon TCG Online players receive four free digital decks so they can get started right away. They can then go on to earn additional cards through both player-versus-computer and player-versus-player battles. Fans who purchase physical theme decks, booster packs and other Pokémon TCG products will receive a code card that unlocks digital cards for their Pokémon TCG Online game. These digital cards can then be included in decks, used to enhance individual collections, or even traded with other players online.

The Pokémon TCG Online, also available as a downloadable game client for PC and Mac® and as an app for iPad and iPad mini devices, allows fans with an Internet connection to play the game whenever they like, wherever Wi-Fi access is available or by using the device’s data plan. The Android app requires an operating system of Android 4.0 or later. The game is available in 12 languages, and this broad accessibility is enhanced by the fact that players using the Android version can battle against others regardless of their chosen platform.

The Pokémon Company has announced that the Pokémon Jukebox app will be discontinued on Google Play as of June 30th, 2016. No official reason for the app being discontinued was revealed but the high cost per track seems to be the main cause. The app was free but tracks cost $0.99 for single tracks and $1.99 for medleys. The Pokémon music is significantly cheaper on CD's or via iTunes. The app only lasted approximately a year on Google Play.

Press Release

As of May 31, 2016, the Pokémon Jukebox app will no longer be available for download via Google Play, and new music will not be available for purchase. This includes re-downloading the app if you have deleted it or have changed devices.

Then, as of June 30, 2016, all other service for the app will end. You will still be able to launch the app and listen to any music you have already purchased and downloaded. However, you will not be able to download any music, including music you have erased.

Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/app/pokemon-jukebox/ and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/04/160428_pc01.html

Pokémon Company International has announced that the Pokémon TV app has relaunched with new features. It is available for free for Apple iOS, Android and Kindle Fire users.

Press Release - Pokémon TV application relaunches with brand-new on-the-go features

Download functionality and notifications ensure that fans never miss their favourite movies, episodes, and special animated features Pokémon TV, available for download at no cost on iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire and Android devices, relaunches today with all-new features. The app includes up to 60 episodes of Pokémon animation available to stream, updated weekly, and regular showings of feature-length Pokémon movies. Plus, anyone using the application will now also be able to download one episode or movie to enjoy offline when network access is not available.

Content currently available includes episodes from the first season, Pokémon: Indigo League, through to the latest, Pokémon the Series: XY.

The update includes a revised range of features, including:

• My Channel: When fans start watching a video, it is automatically saved to their channel, making it easy to resume viewing. Recently completed videos will also stay in their channel, and another episode will play automatically at the conclusion of the previous one.
• Downloadable Content: Fans without network access can still enjoy their favourite Pokémon content. With the updated app, viewers can mark one episode or movie for offline viewing at their convenience. The video will be stored on their device for one week before it is automatically removed.
• Rate Videos: With this fun feature, Pokémon fans can rate each video after they’ve finished watching it. Their score will then contribute to an average rating for that video.
• Push Notifications: Viewers can now find out when new movies and episodes have been added to the Pokémon TV app with convenient push notifications.

This latest update is part of the ongoing programme of multi-channel animation screenings running throughout 2016. Right now, Pokémon the Movie 2000, featuring the iconic Legendary Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres, is currently available on Pokémon TV, with much more animation content to come throughout the year.

The Pokémon Camp is now available worldwide on Android devices. It was previously released only on compatible Apple iOS devices. The app requires Android 2.3 or higher and 170MB of space to download.

Pokémon Camp now available worldwide on Android devices

The popular Pokémon Camp application is now officially available on Android devices. In Pokémon Camp, younger fans can head off to explore an island whilst interacting with different Pokémon and activities as they learn what it takes to become a Pokémon Trainer! App features include:

• Pokémon Theater – Watch exciting videos that are fun for Pokémon fans of all ages. Different videos are regularly added the Pokémon Theater, so make sure to stop by often.
• Pokémon TCG – Take part in Pokémon TCG Match, a fun way to discover and test your knowledge of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. You can even earn special Energy pins for your Pin Book!
• Pokémon Activities - Play fun activities that teach the basics of Pokémon, such as Poké Ball Throw or the Battle Matchups quiz.
• Collect Pins - Earn pins as you progress through Pokémon Camp, then check out the pins you've collected in your Pin Book.
• Create awesome pictures - Collect stickers and use them to decorate photos.

Campers can begin their adventure now by downloading the free Pokémon Camp Android app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pokemon.camppokemon&hl=gb

Niantic has posted a new blog post and has announced that Pokémon GO field testing will expand to Australia and New Zealand later in April 2016. Below is the press release from that blog post.

Pokémon GO field testing expands to Australia and New Zealand

April 7, 2016 - The Pokémon Company and Niantic invite users to field test Pokémon GO in Australia and New Zealand. Users can visit http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com to sign up. Please note that sign up doesn’t guarantee access to the field test. The Pokémon GO field test will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the Pokémon GO experience.

Thank you for your interest in Pokémon GO.

— The Pokémon GO Development Team

Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-fieldtest-au-nz/ and https://twitter.com/NianticLabs/status/718212114842841088

Niantic has posted the first official screenshots and further details for the upcoming mobile game Pokémon GO on their blog. Below is the press release from that blog post.

A first look at Pokémon GO

We’re thrilled to provide a peek into Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World Gaming” platform. This platform combines mobile location technology and augmented reality to create a unique game experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.

Players will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon. Certain wild Pokémon only appear in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans.


Zoomed out view of the Pokémon GO Game Map / Zoomed in view of player with a Squirtle that just appeared / Squirtle encounter screen

Players will walk to hatch previously-acquired eggs that might reveal new Pokémon. Eggs and other special items such as Poké Balls can be acquired at PokéStops - located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers, museums and monuments.

Yes, there will be battles. Players will be encouraged to join one of three teams in order to compete over the ownership and prestige of Gyms. They will do this by placing their captured Pokémon in a friendly Gym or by battling with an opponent’s Pokémon in another team’s Gym. Gyms - just like PokéStops - are also found at real world locations.

As previously shared with you here, an early user field test will soon begin in Japan while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design and overall appearance are not final.

We’re excited to reveal more in the days to come.

— The Pokémon GO Development Team

Source: http://nianticlabs.com/blog/pokemon-go-first-look/

Press Release - NEW POKÉMON GO FEATURES ANNOUNCED

Gameplay Details Unveiled for Highly Anticipated Mobile Title
The Pokémon Company and Niantic Inc. today revealed new features for their upcoming mobile release, Pokémon GO. The much-anticipated mobile game launching later this year on the App Store and Google Play will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. An early user test limited to Japan only is planned for Pokémon GO while the game is still in active development. Features, available languages, design, and overall appearance are not finalized.

In Pokémon GO, players around the globe will explore their surroundings to find and catch wild Pokémon hiding in our midst. Some wild Pokémon appear only in their native environments; for example, Water-type Pokémon may only appear near lakes and oceans. As players explore the world around them, their phones will vibrate to let them know a Pokémon is nearby. Once they have encountered a Pokémon, it can be caught by using the phone’s touch screen to throw a Poké Ball. Poké Balls and other special items can be found at PokéStops located at interesting places such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments.

As players progress through Pokémon GO, their Trainer level will increase, enabling them to capture more-powerful Pokémon and gain access to more items. Some Pokémon can be evolved if the same species is caught on multiple occasions. Pokémon Eggs, which can be found at PokéStops, will hatch after players walk a certain distance. Players will be able to impress their friends by unlocking achievement medals that are earned by completing a variety of challenges.

During gameplay, Pokémon GO players will be encouraged to join one of three teams and engage in Gym battles with other teams. Once they have joined a team, players will have the ability to assign their Pokémon to empty Gyms. Like PokéStops, Gyms can be found at real locations in the world, and because only one Pokémon per player can be placed at a given Gym, team members will need to work together to build a strong defense. A Gym claimed by one team can be challenged by the other two teams.

With real-life surroundings providing a backdrop for encounters with wild Pokémon, this unique Pokémon game represents the next generation of Niantic’s “Real World” gaming platform, which combines mobile location technology and Augmented Reality to create a gaming experience that motivates players to go outside and explore the world around them.

The Pokémon Company in association with HEROZ have announced a new smartphone game for Android and iOS devices called Pokémon Komaster (ポケモンコマスター) which combines Pokémon and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI has been adapted from the company's smartphone app "Shogi Wars". The single player online game is Free-to-Start but includes microtransactions.


It is a strategy battle board game similar in style to Shogi where players collect Pokémon figure with different features to combine them to make decks to fight with. The purpose of the game is for players to alternatively move figures and be the first to arrive at the the opposition players goal.

Trailer

Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/03/160310_pc01.html and http://heroz.co.jp/press/20160310pokemon/160310_pokemon.pdf

Niantic has updated their site to announced that field testing for Pokémon GO will begin in late March 2016 in Japan only for now. The app is still in development but Android Version 4.3 or higher or an iPhone 5 or higher will be required. Testers that wish to apply will need a Google Account and/or Gmail address and applicants will be chosen via a lottery. The number of testers on iOS though will be greatly limited.

Pokémon GO Field Testing Will Begin in Japan

The Pokémon Company and Niantic will be inviting users to field test Pokémon GO in Japan later this month. The Pokémon GO field test program will give users the opportunity to share early feedback and help improve the Pokémon GO experience. Please stay tuned for information about expansion of the field test to other markets.

Sources: http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/ and http://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/