The ability to run 'Pokémon Go' is going away for older iPhones

It's getting tougher to own an older iPhone. If it isn't slowing down because of the necessary battery throttling, it is no longer capable of running the most popular apps and games. This is the case with Pokemon GO which will no longer work on iPhones that don't support iOS 11.

Niantic, who makes Pokemon GO, says that the popular monster hunting and collecting app will not be playable on iPhones from 2013 or earlier. That means iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c (and earlier). Reason for discontinuation is the addition of new features such as enhanced AR (augmented reality) and improvements which the older hardware just can't handle, yikes.

Source: Engadget

Niantic’s ‘Pokémon GO’ gets exclusive experience on iPhone and iPad with new AR+ Mode

Niantic Inc. and The Pokémon Company are taking full advantage of Apple’s augmented reality capabilities courtesy of the ARKit framework with a new feature they’re introducing into Pokémon GO. A new AR+ Mode is coming to iOS 11 devices that include the iPhone 6s and newer, iPad 5^th generation, and all iPad Pro models. If you activate AR+ feature in encounter mode, this puts the individual Pokémon you encounter more accurately positioned within your surroundings. With the help of ARKit’s 3D AR scaling, its size will also be more accurately based with perspective and size changing depending on whether you move closer or further away from the creature.

Speaking of moving closer, those who do get closer have a chance to get special capture bonus but you also must know that the Pokémon will be aware of your proximity so it might flee if you come too close too quickly. But some of the benefits of being in AR+ Mode include being awarded things like Expert Handler bonus, which gives you more XP and Stardust.

As interest for Pokemon Go wanes, Niantic looks to bring AR-enabled Harry Potter game

Niantic took mobile users by storm with Pokemon GO which brought the first real example of AR (augmented reality) to the masses. While that game became one of the biggest and most downloaded titles, interest from the general publick has been waning for some time now and the company is looking for the next big hit.

What's bigger the the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? 

"We're incredibly excited to announce this next step in the evolution of AR mobile entertainment. With Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, players that have been dreaming of becoming real life Wizards will finally get the chance to experience J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Players will learn spells, explore their real world neighborhoods and cities to discover & fight legendary beasts and team up with others to take down powerful enemies." Death eaters, Dementors, legendary wizards and witches are all going to be served up in muggle neighbourhoods as Niantic blends magic and high technology. The game is coming 2018.

Legendary Pokemon getting unlocked in Pokemon GO this weekend

To celebrate its first year of success, Pokemon GO is going to bring some legendary Pokemon to the game via Raid battles starting with special events then around the world.

On July 22, thousands of Trainers in Grant Park for Pokémon GO Fest and the millions of others around the world will be working together to unlock in-game bonuses for the entire Pokémon GO community. If they manage to catch enough Pokémon during the Pokémon GO Fest Challenge Windows, the first Legendary Pokémon will be revealed in Grant Park. If the Trainers in Chicago succeed in defeating the Legendary Pokémon, that Pokémon will start appearing in Raid Battles around the world, after Pokémon GO Fest. The video above teases some of the epic and rare Pokemon that will be making an appearance via special eggs during specific raid battls. We see you Mew!