How to disable augmented reality in Pokémon GO

Disabling AR in Pokémon GO and Responsible AR Development

Pokémon GO is a popular augmented reality (AR) game that has captured the attention of millions of players worldwide.

However, AR technology can be disruptive and distracting, especially when used in public spaces.

1. Understanding Augmented Reality in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO uses AR technology to superimpose virtual creatures (called “Pokémons”) onto real-world environments. This creates an immersive gaming experience that encourages players to explore their surroundings and interact with the game’s elements.

However, AR can also be a distraction from daily life, especially when used in public spaces. For example, AR can interfere with traffic flow, cause accidents, and disrupt public services such as emergency responders.

Furthermore, AR can lead to privacy concerns, as it may capture sensitive information about individuals and their whereabouts.

As an AR developer, it is important to consider these potential issues and take steps to mitigate them.

1. Disabling AR in Pokémon GO

There are several ways to disable AR in Pokémon GO, depending on your device and operating system.

For iOS devices:

  1. Open the Pokémon GO app.
  2. Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
  4. Under the “Location” section, toggle off “Location Access.”
  5. This will disable AR in Pokémon GO and prevent it from accessing your device’s location data.

1. Disabling AR in Pokémon GO

For Android devices:

  1. Open the Pokémon GO app.
  2. Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
  4. Under the “Permissions” section, toggle off “Location.”
  5. This will disable AR in Pokémon GO and prevent it from accessing your device’s location data.

Note that disabling AR may limit the functionality of the app and affect your overall gaming experience. Additionally, some Pokémon GO features, such as gym battles and trading, require location access to work properly.

1. Best Practices for Responsible AR Development

As an AR developer, it is important to consider the potential impact of your technology on society and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.

  • Limit the use of AR in public spaces during peak traffic hours or other high-risk situations.
  • Provide clear instructions for using AR and emphasize its intended purpose (e.g., education, entertainment) to prevent confusion and misuse.
  • Use privacy-enhancing technologies such as anonymization or data encryption to protect sensitive information about individuals.
  • Test your AR app in real-world environments and gather feedback from users to identify potential issues and improve the user experience.

1. Case Studies: Successful AR Development with Responsibility in Mind

There are many examples of successful AR development that prioritize responsibility and safety.

1. Ikea Place: A Virtual Furniture Shopping Experience

IKEA Place is an AR app that allows users to visualize furniture in their homes before making a purchase. The app uses AR technology to superimpose virtual furniture onto the user’s real-world environment, providing a more immersive and engaging shopping experience.

2. Snapchat Filters: Fun and Educational AR Filters

Snapchat filters are an example of AR that is both fun and educational. The app allows users to add virtual elements, such as lenses or filters, to their photos and videos.

1. Summary: Balancing Fun with Responsibility in AR Development

AR technology has the potential to revolutionize many industries, from entertainment to education. However, it is important for developers to consider the potential impact of their technology on society and take steps to mitigate any negative effects. By following best practices for responsible AR development and disabling AR when necessary, we can enjoy the benefits of AR while minimizing its disruptive effects.