Pokémon trainers around the world have been peeved with Niantic and the sluggish rate of Pokémon GO updates. Today, there's a new version rolling out with a number of tweaks and fixes, but unfortunately, the recently removed tracking feature is not among them. You'll get the right XP bonuses from Poké Balls assuming you can find any Pokémon, though.

Here's the full changelog for Pokémon GO v0.33.

  • Added a dialog to remind Trainers that they should not play while traveling above a certain speed. Trainers must confirm they are not driving in order to continue playing.
  • Made improvements to the accuracy of a curveball throw
  • Fixed a bug that prevented ”Nice,” ”Great,” and “Excellent” Poké Ball throws from awarding the appropriate XP bonuses.
  • Fixed achievements showing incorrect Medal icons.
  • Enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname one time. Please choose your new nickname wisely.
  • Resolved issues with the battery saver mode on iOS and re-enabled the feature. ಠ_ಠ
  • Added visuals of Team Leaders Candela, Blanche, and Spark.
  • We’re currently testing a variation of the “Nearby Pokémon” feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI.
  • Minor text fixes

So, it appears that Pokémon GO will now pop up a warning when you're moving at a certain speed, indicating that you're in a car. The game will still work, but you have to confirm that you are not the driver. The one notable big fix (other than that iOS one included in the changelog for some reason) is the bonus for nice, great, and excellent Poké Ball throws. If you chose your name poorly, you can change that now too (but only once).

This isn't in the changelog, but the nearby panel is called "Sightings" now and there's grass next to each Pokémon (see above). There's no hint of a new tracking feature yet. You can get the update from the Play Store, or grab it from APK Mirror right now.

UPDATE: Nearby test? BY

Nearby test?

Niantic's changelog on the official site lists an interesting item that wasn't in the Play Store:

"We’re currently testing a variation of the “Nearby Pokémon” feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI."

We're not sure what that variation is, and if it actually lets you track Pokémon. It might just be a visual tweak. We've got the fuller full changelog above. Let us know if you spot any changes to Nearby.

Pokémon GO Developer: Niantic, Inc.
Price: Free
4.3
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