All you wanted to know about "Pokémon Go"

So whats new and trending... Pokémon GO! That's the famous anime series now in the augmented real world. Is it possible for a new app to take over the heavyweights like WhatsApp, Instagram, Tinder, Snapchat and Facebook? Yes, but in couple of weeks time? Pokémon GO has surpassed the likes in terms of Daily Usage on Mobiles, proving the "openess" of the social media space. Though the app is still full of bugs (read crummy product), its not a fad anymore... it has become a "global phenomena". 

[Jump to Getting Started with your First Pokémon]
[Jump to Beginners Tips for Pokémon GO]

The Game
Pokémon GO is a
- free-to-play
- location-based
- augmented reality
- mobile
- game
developed for iOS and Android devices. It was first released on 6th of July 2016. Making use of GPS and the camera of compatible devices, the game allows players to capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on device screens as though in the real world. It is a "freemium" game - a free game with in-app purchases of additional game-play items. An optional companion Bluetooth wearable device, the Pokémon GO Plus, is planned for future release and will alert users when Pokémon are nearby.

The Backing
Pokémon GO launched for iOS and Android on July 6. The app was developed by mobile app developer Niantic but distributed by Nintendo’s Pokémon arm. Nintendo owns about 1/3rd of the partnership. Since the launch of the game, its market valuation soared to more than $40 billion, passing Sony - quickly becoming one of the most valuable gaming companies in the world.

The Effect
First things first, Pokemon makes you walk. So its good. In order to go higher in the game, players have to walk in the real world. But on the other hand with more attention towards the mobile devices, teen are falling off cliffs, getting hit by cars, light poles and what not. There is even a robbery and a death reportedly caused due to Pokemon GO play.

With hordes of people getting addicted to this game every minute across the world, there are people leaving their full time jobs to become trainers for the Pokémon trainers. Not to mention, a few companies have sprung up to encash the Pokemon movement.

On the lighter side, most churches, temples, mosques have now becomes Pokemon Stops or Gyms, where you need to come again and again to collect goodies required to take the game forward. That's one way to bring people closer to god :)

Business Openings
Tremendous opportunities are opening up for global as well as local businesses. Your "nearby" restaurant is now a PokéStop where you can spend time as well as grow your XPs. McDonald is planning to sponsor all their outlets as PokéGyms. Businesses have started offering free "real world" merchandise promote time spent on the "virtual" game play in their premises.

Finally, here are some ways that the game can really make a good impact on the world. Someone suggested dropping lures at places like children's hospitals, since there are probably lots of kids who would love to be out and about hunting Pokémon, but are stuck in a hospital bed. Be a good citizen and bring the Pokémon to them!