During an Apple event which took place yesterday, Niantic CEO John Hanke revealed that Pokémon GO would soon be playable on Apple’s smartwatch.
Unlike the original version for smartphones, Pokémon GO on the Apple Watch will be based on activity goals that players set for themselves. While going out for a walk, players will collect items, it PokéStops and attempt to catch eggs all while their smartwatch registers the distance and calories burned. At the end of the walk, a summary of what items were collected as well as how much players exercised will be displayed.
In addition, those who do not own a smartwatch can still get a similar experience when Pokémon GO’s accessory, the Pokémon GO Plus, releases next week on September 16th.
Here’s additional information on the Pokémon GO Plus from Niantic:
“Pokémon GO Plus is a companion device that connects to your phone over Bluetooth Smart (the Bluetooth low energy connection designed for health and fitness applications), allowing you to keep your phone in your pocket and go about your day-to-day activities while still being able to collect valuable resources and capture even the most elusive Pokémon. We’ve been testing it here at Niantic and we love the way it allows you to blend Pokémon GO even more seamlessly into family and fitness activities. Now you’ll be able to play and enjoy your walk, run, hike, park trips or visits to the library without having to look at your screen all the time.
As you pass by a PokéStop, Pokémon GO Plus will vibrate and light up and alert you to the location. You’ll even be able to collect new items just by clicking the Pokémon GO Plus. If there’s nearby Pokémon hiding in your area you’ll be alerted with lights and vibrations; catch the Pokémon with a button on Pokémon GO Plus and then continue on your way (later, you can check your Journal to see which Pokémon you’ve just caught).”
Pokémon GO is available for iOS and Android devices. It will release for Apple Watch later this year.
