Almost a year after they introduced improved Augmented Reality (AR) support for iOS users using ARKit, Niantic Labs has finally implemented the Android version, with ARCore support included in the latest version of the app.
Google’s ARCore platform was launched in August last year, and has been expanding compatibility to more devices over the last 14 months. It’s now broad enough that Niantic has included it for Android users.
With ARCore installed on your compatible device, Niantic says you can now walk up to a Pokémon, and watch it scale in size, as well as react to your movement walking up to it. Getting closer before you throw a Poké Ball could make it easier to catch the Pokémon as well, and earn you an ‘Expert Handler bonus’.
To get the Pokémon GO AR+ features you’ll need to have a device that supports ARCore firstly, ensure your Pokémon Go is up to date and finally download ARCore from Google Play.
I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to play Pokemon Go, but Google Play Store will not allow me to download the ARCore app, so when I try to catch Pokemon in the wild or in a gym battle, the screen is in AR+ mode, but with a white background, making the game difficult to play. Very frustrated with this!!!!