When will this nearby feature be available? Reddit/nick1click)
Pokemon Go trainers are excited about the latest update and trying out the new Buddy feature. But they’re still wondering when Niantic will get around to releasing the Nearby tracker feature that we got so excited about a few weeks ago.
Here’s what you need to know.
Technically, the “Nearby” tracker is actually already available for everyone. It’s in the code already. Niantic doesn’t need to put out an update on iOS and Android in order for everyone to get the Nearby feature, like they had to do with the Buddy system. So, you don’t need to check constantly for updates in the iOS or Android store in order to see if the “Nearby” feature might be showing up on your phone soon.
If the “Nearby” tracking feature is made available for everyone, it will happen on the server-side. Which means that one day, you’ll just check the tracking panel on Pokemon Go and you’ll see the option there.
As far as when the feature will be made available to everybody, we’re not even sure that it will be released everywhere. Right now, Niantic is testing features of the tracking system in specific regions to see if they want to implement the system in all regions. This means that if or when they release the feature everywhere really depends on the results of this “tracking beta test.” They could tweak some features in Nearby tracking or even change the UI completely.
Right now, if you want to get the Nearby tracking feature, all you have to do is go to San Francisco. The feature is available in that region and it will simply show up on your phone if you’re in the area. But remember, it doesn’t help you track every Pokemon near you. It will simply point you in the direction of Pokemon that are at Pokestops. As far as Pokemon in the wild, you’ll still have to rely on the “Sightings” feature and other tricks to track them.
