Niantic has posted a video on YouTube showing off some new technology they are working on for use in their upcoming games. The technical demo video showcases Pikachu and Eevee running around and weaving around real world objects.

Codename: Niantic Occlusion - Real World AR Occlusion featuring Pikachu and Eevee

The recently acquired Matrix Mill team at Niantic has spent years building and perfecting deep neural networks that can infer information about the surrounding world from one or more cameras. This technology redefines how machines see and understand the 3D world and more importantly, how digital objects can interact with the real elements of it. Using computer vision and deep learning we are able to develop techniques to understand 3D space enabling much more realistic Augmented Reality (AR) interactions than are currently possible. In the above AR experience of Codename: Niantic Occlusion, you can see Pikachu and Eevee weaving through and around different objects in the real world, dodging feet and hiding behind planters. This level of integration into the environment around us is a proof-of-concept that excites us about the future of AR.

YouTube Clip - Real World AR Occlusion featuring Pikachu and Eevee

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZrmPTPgY3I

From June 21st, 2018 until July 19th, 2018, players of Pokémon GO will be able to battle Regice in Raid Battles. Regirock and Registeel will be available later in the summer.

The Legendary Pokémon Regice Is Ready for Bone-Chilling Raid Battles!

Trainers, Pokémon’s legendary year continues with three Legendary Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region harnessing their power to take over Raid Battles in Pokémon GO, starting with Regice on June 21!

Regice, the Iceberg Pokémon, has awakened from its slumber and will be the first to appear in Raid Battles across the world until July 19. This Ice-type Legendary Pokémon has a strong defense, but is weak to Fire-, Fighting-, Rock-, and Steel-type attacks.

The presence of this defensive powerhouse kicks off a summer of earth-shattering events, as Regirock and Registeel will also roar into Gyms worldwide!

Don’t miss this chance to catch this Legendary Pokémon before it returns to another long slumber! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

Source: https://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/legendary-regice/

Niantic has announced that new features will be coming to Pokémon GO and they include: Friends, Trading, and Gifting. Further details are below in the press release.

Make Way for Friends, Trading, and Gifting in Pokémon GO!

Trainers, We’re excited to share brand-new ways to interact with your friends in Pokémon GO! The Friends feature will start rolling out to Trainers later this week, allowing you to connect with your real-life friends and keep track of their adventures in Pokémon GO. You’ll be able to send them items, earn bonuses—and even trade Pokémon!

In order to add a friend in Pokémon GO, you must first ask them to share their Trainer Code with you. To invite a Trainer to become your friend, simply enter their Trainer Code and then send them a request. If they accept, you’ll become friends, and you’ll see them in your Friends List.


When you spin a Photo Disc at a PokéStop or Gym, you have a chance of receiving a special Gift. Although you can’t open the Gifts you receive from PokéStops, you can send them to a friend on your Friend List. Inside the Gift will be a stash of helpful items, which your friend will receive along with a postcard showing where you picked up your Gift. Gifts can also include a special surprise: an Egg that, when hatched, will contain an Alolan form of a Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region!


When you send a Gift to a friend or participate in a raid or Gym battle with them, you can increase your Friendship Level. As your Friendship Level builds, you’ll then unlock bonuses when you play together. For example, when you and a Great Friend participate in a Gym battle or Raid Battle together, you can earn an Attack bonus to give your Pokémon an edge! You can increase your Friendship Level once per day per friend.


You can also build your Friendship Level by trading Pokémon with a friend. If you’re near a friend and have a Trainer Level of 10 or higher, you can trade Pokémon you’ve caught with that friend. Completing a trade earns a bonus Candy for the Pokémon you’ve traded away, and that bonus can increase if the Pokémon you traded were caught in locations far apart from each other! All trades are powered by Stardust, and some trades require more Stardust than others. As you build your Friendship Level with the friend you are trading with, you’ll find that you can complete the trade with much less Stardust.


Certain Pokémon, such as a Legendary Pokémon, a Shiny Pokémon, or a Pokémon not currently in your Pokédex, require a Special Trade to complete, so keep that in mind before trading away that golden Magikarp! Special Trades can only occur once per day with a Great Friend or Best Friend, and it often requires a lot of Stardust to complete a Special Trade. Special Trades are a great way to show a friend how much you care!


Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/friendsandtrading/

Niantic has announced some more details of the upcoming Pokémon GO events that are part of the 2018 Summer Tour. Below are the unlock rewards.

Pokémon GO Safari Zone Dortmund- June 30th to July 1st - Rewards run from July 2nd to 9th
Safari Zone - Complete 100,000 Research Tasks - Catch EXP Increase
Europe - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Raid EXP Increase
Americas - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Hatch EXP Increase
Asia Pacific - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Lucky Eggs last 1 hour

Pokémon GO Fest 2018 Chicago- July 14th and 15th = Rewards run from July 16th to 23rd
GO Fest - Complete 100,000 Research Tasks - Catch Candy Increase
Europe - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Hatch Candy Increase
Americas - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Egg distance decrease
Asia Pacific - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Raid Candy Increase

Pokémon GO Safari Zone Yokosuka - Late Summer
Yokosuka Safari Zone - Complete 100,000 Research Tasks - Catch Stardust Increase
Europe - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Star Piece Last 1 Hour
Americas - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Hatch Stardust Increase
Asia Pacific - Complete 5,000,000 Research Tasks - Raid Stardust Increase

Global Research, Pokémon Sightings, and More Coming During Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018!

As Trainers from all over the world participate in live events during Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018, we’re happy to bring amazing in-game opportunities for Trainers everywhere!

Take a look at some of the exciting things coming up on our calendar.

Professor Willow’s Global Challenge

Professor Willow needs your help! On the weekends of our special live events, Trainers from all over the world will be tasked to complete Professor Willow’s Global Challenge! The challenge is simple: complete Field Research tasks!

For the purposes of this challenge, the global community will be split into four parts: The Americas; Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; the Asia-Pacific region; and the main research site itself. Each area will have to complete a set number of Field Research tasks, and if the goals are met, Trainers everywhere will be able to enjoy some amazing bonuses.

There will be three opportunities to complete these Field Research goals throughout the summer, so get ready to work together! At the end of each event, if all goals are met for each area, an even bigger bonus will be unlocked, so stay tuned for more information on this exciting reward!

We’ll let the Professor explain it in his own words:

Thanks so much for your help in gathering important Field Research. Your amazing contributions have already furthered my work, and I have a feeling that at the end of this challenge, something amazing will happen! I wonder what it could be...

I’ve put together this handy chart to help track your progress:


So best of luck, Trainers, and I hope you enjoy my challenge! I can’t wait to see what you’ll find. Time to get up and GO!

—Prof. W.

Thanks, Professor! Trainers, we can’t wait to see you out in the field. Get ready to do some research!

Get Ready for Pokémon GO Safari Zone at Dortmund!

The first event in Professor Willow’s Research Challenge will occur in Dortmund, Germany, during the Safari Zone event. While there is plenty to do in the Dortmund area during this free event, such as encountering Unown and Corsola throughout beautiful Westfalenpark and exciting Raid Battles happening around the city, Trainers worldwide will be able to join in the fun!

In addition to completing Field Research tasks provided by Professor Willow, Trainers all over the world will see increased appearances of the Grass- and Poison-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region, Roselia! Perhaps you’ll have a chance at catching a Shiny Roselia sprouting purple flowers.

So mark your calendars for June 30 and July 1 to take advantage of this cool celebration!

Celebrate Pokémon GO Fest around the World!

Pokémon GO Fest 2018 on July 14 and 15 will be the next stop for fun! Trainers without a ticket to the event won’t be able to see any Pokémon or PokéStops in Lincoln Park, but Trapinch, Feebas, and other Pokémon featured in the habitats of Pokémon GO Fest will appear more frequently all over the world during that weekend.

The Cheering Pokémon, Plusle and Minun, will also appear more frequently worldwide as Trainers complete themed Field Research tasks. Catching Plusle and Minun will result in bonus Stardust, and lucky Trainers might even discover their Shiny versions!

The Alolan forms of Diglett and Geodude will be in on the fun, too. Beginning that weekend Alolan Diglett and Alolan Geodude will be appearing globally for the first time in Pokémon GO. Don’t miss the chance to encounter the unique forms of these Pokémon.

There will be so much to do on the weekend of Pokémon GO Fest, you won’t want to miss it!

Even More Awaits…

Trainers, even more surprises are coming. Keep an eye out for news as we get closer to each event and stay tuned as we continue to announce late-summer events and more!

So get out there and GO!

Source: https://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/summergameplay2018/

Niantic has announced details for the Pokémon GO - Water Festival 2018 which takes place from June 7th, 2018 until June 21st, 2018.

Soak Up Special Bonuses during Water Festival 2018!

Trainers, It’s time to make a splash! Our Water Festival returns June 7 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, with Water-type Pokémon such as Magikarp and Wailmer appearing more frequently in the wild. Some lucky Trainers may even encounter a rare Shiny Shellder for the very first time during the event! Plus, enjoy Field Research tasks highlighting Water-type Pokémon until June 21 at 1:00 p.m. PDT.

Alongside increased appearance of Water-type Pokémon appearing all over the world, you’ll be able to earn 3× Stardust for catching Water-type Pokémon. Plus, 2 km Eggs will hatch exciting Pokémon such as Totodile, Mudkip, and Corphish—earn Double Candy and Stardust for every Egg hatched!

Raid Battles will also feature powerful Water-type Pokémon for the duration of the celebration, including the exciting return of the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre. And, if you challenge Kyogre during the event and come out victorious, there is a chance you’ll encounter its Shiny form!

So Trainers, dive on in to this water-focused event before it ends on June 21!

Source: https://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/waterfestival2018/

The Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference took place in Tokyo, Japan on May 30th, 2018. Announced were a few new games as well as news that an all-new core series Pokémon RPG title is in development for the second half of 2019.

Pokémon Quest

Pokémon Quest is a Nintendo Switch game where players befriend Pokémon, uncover hidden treasures and explore a brand-new land. The Pokémon in Pokémon Quest were originally discovered in the Kanto region—but this time, they have a boxy, cube-like appearance!


Trainers of all ages to get in on the action! In this free-to-start game, you can face off against wild Pokémon and embark on many exciting expeditions. You get to decide which characteristics your Pokémon will have! You can use special items called Power Stones to strengthen your team. The kind of Pokémon they become is completely up to you!


The game takes place on the mysterious Tumblecube Island, which is known to be filled with hidden treasures and special items. With a team of up to three Pokémon, you can explore the secrets of Tumblecube Island. Battle wild Pokémon, gather treasure, and even befriend new Pokémon—if you have the right ingredients, that is! Pokémon Quest puts the power in your hands.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

Return to the Kanto region and experience a classic Pokémon journey in a whole new way with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch! Coming November 16th, 2018.


Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are based on Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, which first launched in Japan in 1998!


Pikachu or Eevee—which will you set out on your journey with? Depending on the title you choose, Pikachu or Eevee will be with you wherever you go, either hanging on your shoulder or riding on your head!


With the Nintendo Switch, you can swing your Joy-Con to toss a Poké Ball and catch the wild Pokémon that appear before you.


Two players can adventure at the same time in Pokémon Let's Go! Explore, catch Pokémon, and battle together in-game!


You can use the all new as Poké Ball Plus as a Joy-Con in Pokémon Let's Go!Good things may happen if you place one of your favorite Pokémon into the device and walk around with it in the real world. It will be able to connect to Pokémon GO as well!

Say Alola to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! with Alolan Exeggutor

Trainers, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! are coming to the Nintendo Switch in November 2018! Once released, Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region that you have caught in Pokémon GO can be brought into these two new Nintendo Switch games. In celebration of this announcement, Alolan Exeggutor will now appear all over the world in Pokémon GO! This is the first Alolan form of a Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region to arrive in Pokémon GO. Keep an eye out for this Pokémon’s tall and stately presence all over the world, where it will appear more often for a limited time. Enjoy, Trainers, and stay tuned for more news about Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! soon.

Press Release - New Pokémon™ Experiences Announced for Nintendo Switch

Last night, Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK and Niantic announced several fun new Pokémon experiences coming to the Nintendo Switch system in 2018, including one that is available right now!
 
The entire video presentation can be viewed here, but below is a summary of key announcements:

• Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!: Taking place in the diverse and vibrant Kanto region, this new pair of games is packed with adventure for Pokémon Trainers of all ages. In the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games, you will partner up with either Pikachu or Eevee and embark on an exciting adventure where you’ll catch and battle Pokémon, meet other Trainers and discover the region of Kanto. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 16, 2018. Watch the trailer.
• Poké Ball^™ Plus: This controller was specially designed by Nintendo to enhance the gameplay experience for aspiring Pokémon Trainers by replicating the look and feel of an actual Poké Ball. Poké Ball Plus allows players to control their journey in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, combining motion controls, a pressable Control Stick and Top Button to create a truly immersive Pokémon adventure. In addition to motion controls, Poké Ball Plus also lights up with a variety of colors, vibrates and plays sounds. Players can even send one Pokémon at a time from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! to Poké Ball Plus and bring it along for a stroll in the real world. Poké Ball Plus is also compatible with the Pokémon GO app*, providing the same functionality as Pokémon GO Plus. Poké Ball Plus will launch alongside Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on Nov. 16, 2018.
• Connect to Pokémon GO*: By wirelessly connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, players can transfer Kanto region Pokémon into the Nintendo Switch games.
• Catch and Battle with a Friend: Play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! cooperatively anytime, anywhere on one system. Each player can use a single Joy-Con controller or Poké Ball Plus (sold separately) to catch and battle together.
• Pokémon Quest: Set off on an adventure in the Pokémon Quest game. Venture out with your Pokémon buddies on expeditions across Tumblecube Island in search of loot in this free-to-start action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch system. Modify your Pokémon buddies with discovered Power Stones to make your expedition team. With a cube-shaped art style, Pokémon Quest is unlike any Pokémon game you’ve seen before. The simple gameplay makes it easy to hop into expeditions and start exploring Tumblecube Island with the help of your Pokémon buddies. Afterward, head back to your base camp where you can use the loot you found during your adventure to befriend more Pokémon. Attract various Kanto Region Pokémon to your base camp by cooking up dishes made with collected ingredients. You can even decorate your base camp with fun items that provide helpful bonuses that make your expeditions more beneficial.

In addition to all of this exciting content, it was announced that GAME FREAK is simultaneously developing another core RPG entry in the Pokémon series, slated to be released for Nintendo Switch in late 2019.

Press Release - POKÉMON GAMES UNVEILED FOR NINTENDO SWITCH

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Arrive This November Featuring Interactivity with Pokémon GO

During a special Pokémon press conference in Tokyo today, The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo announced three new ways to play Pokémon for Nintendo Switch™—Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, and the free-to-start Pokémon Quest. With the addition of these new titles, Pokémon is broadening the scope of video game offerings from the franchise to appeal to its wide variety of fans at all player levels. Pokémon also announced that the next introduction to its popular core RPG series, which was teased last year at E3, will arrive in late 2019 on Nintendo Switch for the first time.

Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
With Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon is inviting fans on a new journey by taking them back to a familiar setting. Inspired by Pokémon Yellow, which was originally released in Japan on Nintendo’s Game Boy in 1998, these two new titles feature many of the intuitive gameplay functions offered to players in the hugely popular Pokémon GO and are designed for players taking their first steps into the Pokémon video game world. Trainers will embark on an epic adventure set in the iconic Kanto region joined by their trusty Pikachu in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Eevee in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! They feature brand new gameplay to make the most of the unique capabilities of Nintendo Switch, such as throwing Poké Balls to catch Pokémon by swinging Joy-Con™ controllers, as well as the opportunity for family and friends to battle and explore together in a new two-player mode. The games were unveiled in partnership with GAME FREAK, the games’ developers and original creators of the Pokémon video game franchise.

“With the launch of Pokémon GO in 2016 and the global sensation that ensued, millions of new players were introduced to the world of Pokémon,” said Junichi Masuda, director at GAME FREAK inc. “For many people, Pokémon GO was their first experience with the Pokémon brand, so we have crafted these two new titles to be an accessible entry point to our core RPG series while giving our longtime fans a new way to play Pokémon.”

The connection between these two new titles and Pokémon GO doesn’t end there - literally. GAME FREAK and The Pokémon Company teamed up with Niantic to bring next-level innovation by offering players the ability to connect their Pokémon GO to their Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! game. Players can catch Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region in Pokémon GO and then transfer them into their Nintendo Switch adventure. Something special will also be coming to the world of Pokémon GO, making the connection between both games even more appealing for Trainers. Details for this will be revealed in the near future.

The Poké Ball Plus* a device that can be used to play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! in place of a Joy-Con or alongside Pokémon GO instead of the Pokémon GO Plus, was also unveiled, continuing the innovative ways to connect the games. The Poké Ball Plus features motion controls, lights up with a variety of colors, vibrates, and plays sounds. When catching a Pokémon in the Nintendo Switch games, players will be able to feel it moving within the device. It also does more than function as a controller—using the Poké Ball Plus, players can bring one of their Pokémon from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! with them as they explore the real world, giving Trainers the opportunity to spend time with favorite Pokémon even when they’re not playing the game. Additionally, Trainers can receive a variety of rewards once Pokémon are returned to the Nintendo Switch games.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! will launch on 16 November 2018, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. The Poké Ball Plus will be available at participating retailers on the same day.

YouTube Trailer - Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jRtpMKLsts

YouTube Trailer - New Adventures Await in Pokémon Quest! Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0AEUmgGHRE

YouTube Trailer - Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ_qtyOa5Dg

From May 24th, 2018 until June 5th, 2018, players of Pokémon GO can participate in the 2018 Adventure Week. Players will be able to encounter Aerodactyl as a Raid Boss.


3 special boxes are on sale as part of this event:
Special Box - 480 Coins - 3 Incense, 3 Incubators, 5 Lucky Eggs
Great Box - 780 Coins - 6 Incense, 6 Super Incubators, 8 Lucky Eggs, 6 Lure Modules
Ultra Box - 1480 Coins - 12 Super Incubators, 15 Lucky Eggs, 8 Premium Raid Passes, 15 Lure Modules

Leave No Stone Unturned during This Adventurous Event!

Trainers, Adventurous new research is on tap during an exciting in-game celebration! Starting on May 24 at 1:00 P.M. PDT, unique Field Research will be available with some exciting rewards, including a Raid Battle appearance by Pokémon such as Aerodactyl.

Throughout the celebration, Rock-type Pokémon such as Geodude, Lileep, and Nosepass will appear more frequently in the wild. There are also incentives to trek around: your Buddy Pokémon will earn Candy 4× faster throughout the event! Plus, you’ll receive extra XP for spinning the Photo Discs at PokéStops or Gyms—up to 10 times the usual amount if this is your first time encountering a unique PokéStop or Gym!

Fortune favors the bold, Trainers, so join this adventure before it ends on June 5. Get up and GO!

Source: https://pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/en/post/adventureweek2018/

Niantic have announced the details for the 6th Pokémon GO Community Day which takes place on June 16th, 2018 at 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM Haiti Daylight Time. The featured Pokémon for this day is Larvitar and a Pupitar that evolves into Tyranitar during this time will learn a special move. The 3× Catch XP and 3-Hour Lure bonuses will also be available that day.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/events/community-day/

Niantic has announced that Pokémon Kanto Region Alolan Forms are going to be appearing in Pokémon GO starting in the next few weeks.

Alolan Forms of Pokémon Originally Discovered in the Kanto Region Are Coming to Pokémon GO!

Trainers, Sunny days are ahead! Whether your forecast calls for rain or shine, we’re celebrating all around the world by introducing some special Pokémon from the tropical Alola region to Pokémon GO. Get ready for some of the Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region to appear in their Alolan forms! These unique variants were first seen in the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon video games, and they will make their way to Pokémon GO in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for news related to this exciting change—and don’t forget to tell your friends! Stay safe, and happy exploring!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/alolakanto-pokemon

Niantic has revealed that they plan to map the world in 3D with help from the Pokémon GO playerbase. By utilizing players smartphone cameras, the new technology could theoretically allow the use of AR (augmented reality) technology in combination with the 3d map to enable players to see new virtual structures and allow other users to view the same layout.

“We want players to build out the game board they want to play on,” CEO John Hanke, a mapping veteran who worked on Google Earth and Google Street View, told Reuters last week.

"But based on existing features, players would turn on their cameras to visualize characters among their surroundings. Software would generate a map by automatically identifying contours and objects in the scene as a user plays." the Reuters article explained about the new technology.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niantic-maps/pokemon-go-maker-niantic-plans-to-build-ar-maps-with-users-help-idUSKBN1IA28S