Pokémon Go update testing new look for ‘nearby Pokémon’

Pokémon Go developer Niantic rolled out a new update for the Android and iOS game today that fixes bugs, lets players change their trainer’s name and updates the design of the "nearby Pokémon" feature.

The update (version 0.33.0 for Android and 1.3.0 for iOS) is now available from Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

In addition to a number of fixes for things like the iOS battery saver mode, curved Poké Ball throws and a bug that prevented certain experience bonuses, some players will see a variation of the nearby Pokémon user interface. Niantic says it’s testing the new UI screen with an unspecified subset of Pokémon Go players.

Players can also change their Trainers nickname, but only once. "Please choose your new nickname wisely," Niantic said in the update’s patch notes.

Here’s the full rundown of changes:

• Added a dialog to remind Trainers that they should not play while traveling above a certain speed. Trainers must confirm they are not driving in order to continue playing.
• Made improvements to the accuracy of a curveball throw
• Fixed a bug that prevented "Nice," "Great," and "Excellent" Poké Ball throws from awarding the appropriate XP bonuses.
• Fixed achievements showing incorrect Medal icons.
• Enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname one time. Please choose your new nickname wisely.
• Resolved issues with the battery saver mode on iOS and re-enabled the feature.
• Added visuals of Team Leaders Candela, Blanche, and Spark.
• We’re currently testing a variation of the "Nearby Pokémon" feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI.
• Minor text fixes

For more on Pokémon Go, check out Polygon’s guide to playing the mobile game. And for more Pokémon of all flavors, visit our hub, Pokégon.