The new iPhone generation makes a leap forward in the field of “Augmented Reality.” What does the head of the Augmented Reality hit Pokemon GO say about it?
Recently, the new generation of Apple’s smartphone, the iPhone, was presented. The new generation with the models 8, 8+ and X masters, among other things, an improved Augmented Reality technology. Many apps and games can make use of this technology and thus provide a good gameplay experience.
Pokémon GO is currently the most successful AR game on the mobile market. The Pokémon GO head “John Hanke” now shared his thoughts on the new AR technology and explained that we are still at the beginning. The new AR is an important step for the future. However, this future is still a long way off.
Pokémon GO and Augmented Reality
One of the core functions of the mobile app “Pokémon GO” is Augmented Reality (AR). In Pokémon GO, this means that you cannot catch the little monsters on imaginary maps, but see them in your immediate surroundings with the help of the camera function. For example, a Squirtle may appear next to you on the shore, or a Pidgey might flutter right in front of your face.
Now Apple presented the new devices iPhone 8, 8+ and X at a presentation. Improved AR technology is an important feature of the new devices.
With improved Augmented Reality technology, there are entirely new possibilities for games on these mobile devices. This topic was addressed by the Pokémon GO head.
Improved iPhone X AR is cool, but …
In a post on Medium, Niantic CEO John Hanke writes about the problems that Augmented Reality is still facing. “So … have we seen the future today? Yes and no,” he writes about Apple’s presentation. There, the new AR technology of the iPhone 8 and X devices was introduced.
“AR on smartphones is an important step toward full Augmented Reality. However, this step should also be viewed with its limitations in the current development stage.”
What Hanke means: “Many understand Augmented Reality as the visual effect that one experiences when an object or application is displayed with the help of the camera display on a screen. But in our opinion, that is not what it’s all about. What AR really means is: to connect digital information, objects, and experiences with the physical world immediately when one perceives them.
Niantic wants to utilize at least the current technology
Hanke says the new iPhones are a cool step forward, but AR needs more than that. It’s an important step and Niantic will try to fully utilize this system on current devices. However, apps that can only place an object on a kitchen table don’t qualify as “AR” in Niantic’s eyes.
You can read the full writing of John Hanke on the Medium website. Here are our suggestions for the regional Pokémon of the 3rd Gen
In the future, there will also be more new Pokémon. We are already looking forward to the 3rd generation and have thought about which monsters could be regionally limited. Our suggestions for the regional Pokémon of the 3rd Gen can be found here
