Hot topics

Pokémon Go will finally track steps with the app closed

AndroidPIT pokemon go outside test 11
© nextpit

When Pokémon Go first came out in 2016 it was a global phenomenon. Despite the hype dying down in the past two years, the game still has a large player base and receives regular updates. Now, Niantic is introducing Adventure Sync - a feature that allows you to track your walking distance with the screen off.

How does Adventure Sync work? Coming soon, it will sync with the Android Google Fit or iOS HealthKit apps, tracking steps in the background. This will allow you to hatch eggs and collect buddy candy without draining your battery or using up all your data.

adventure sync
Magikarp candy here we come! / © Niantic

Adventure Sync will provide players with a summary of distance walked, steps taken and calories burned at the end of the week. To encourage exercise, you will also receive rewards upon reaching certain milestones. This is all part of Niantic's 'commitment to activity and exploration'.

In his blog, Niantic CEO John Hanke talked about the fitness success the app has already achieved: "We found that 70% felt that playing Pokémon GO had motivated them to walk more on average, and 64% said that playing the game motivated them to go outdoors. Additionally, 47% of Trainers indicated that they felt their physical activity level had increased since playing."

However, we think that the best thing about the new feature is that it won't require the purchase of a Pokémon Go Plus tracker or a smartwatch. All you need to enjoy Adventure Sync is your smartphone.

Returning players

Adventure Sync not enough to get you back in the game? If like me, you had taken a long break from Pokémon Go, you'd be surprised by the number of new features, events and Pokémon introduced recently. First, gen 4 Pokémon will soon be added to the game in waves. Second, Niantic has added many of the highly-desired features that players were asking for when the game was first introduced in 2016 - you can now trade Pokémon, add friends, obtain rare Pokémon by battling in raids and so on.

Still not convinced to give the game another try? In the spirit of Halloween, Gengar will be obtainable in gym raids on November 3rd (if you're lucky you may encounter a shiny version), which we expect to be a lot of fun. Do you still play Pokémon Go? Are you excited about Adventure Sync? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Niantic

The best VPN services compared and tested

  Sponsored Editor's Choice              
  SurfShark CyberGhost NordVPN PureVPN VyprVpn ExpressVPN Private Internet Access Tunnelbear Ivacy
Name SurfShark* CyberGhost* NordVPN* PureVPN VyprVpn ExpressVPN Private Internet Access Tunnelbear Ivacy*
nextpit Tested
Go to review
Go to review
Go to review
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Price (monthly) $2.49 to $12.95 $2.25 to $12.99 $3.49 to $11.95 $2.91 to $10.95  $6.47 to $1.81 $8.32 to $12.95  $2.03 to $9.95 $3.33 and $9.99 $2.45 to $9.95
Compatible platforms with its app - Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- FireTV
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android TV, FireTV 
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android TV, FireTV
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android TV, FireTV
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS
- Android TV
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS
- Android, iOS
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android TV, FireTV
Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard L2TP, OpenVPN, IKEv2 L2TP, OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard L2TP, OpenVPN, IKEv2 OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 OpenVPN, IKEv2 L2TP,  OpenVPN, IKEv2
How do I subscribe? See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options* See Options*
Name SurfShark CyberGhost NordVPN PureVPN VyprVpn ExpressVPN Private Internet Access Tunnelbear Ivacy
Go to comment (4)
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
4 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 1
    Synikalbeauty Nov 14, 2018 Link to comment

    I synched my phone with the game and it still is not tracking my steps and I walk almost 2 miles a day at work. Help!!


    • Suzana Dalul 14
      Suzana Dalul Dec 19, 2018 Link to comment

      Hi Synikalbeauty! You need to go into the Pokemon Go app settings and simply tap the Enable Adventure Sync option. If that doesn't work open your profile and scroll down until you see 'Weekly progress'. You should see rewards and the eggs that are in progress of hatching. Under the eggs, on the right side, there should be steps and calories. Tap on them and enable Adventure Sync. Don't forget you also need to have Google Fit installed for it to work. Hope that helped :)


  • Rusty H. 33
    Rusty H. Oct 26, 2018 Link to comment

    I still see people out at the walking trail/park with their heads buried in their phones. Well, at least they are outside ;)

    Sorin


  • 27
    Sorin Oct 26, 2018 Link to comment

    Yesss, the Pokemonians came to attack !
    Yeppi, let's Play !!
    I Love Pokemons.

Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing