Tech demos don't always make it to the open market, but they're often a good indicator of where we're heading. Pokémon GO developer Niantic recently partnered with Microsoft to build a proof-of-concept version of Pokémon GO, showing us one possible future for their mobile game. This version runs on Microsoft's HoloLens 2 headset and coincides with the release of their new Mesh platform, giving us a glimpse of the technology outside the office environment it was initially designed for.
The demo, shown at Microsoft Ignite 2021, demonstrates the avatar system that allows you to hang out with friends alongside an augmented interface letting you interact with your Pokémon in the real world. Niantic hasn't yet given a definitive statement on whether this concept will ever be made public, but have said that "AR can enrich daily routines like taking a walk in your neighborhood or visiting your favorite local spot. There are tremendous benefits to getting outside and connecting with one another." To us, that sounds like a statement of intent and one we're looking forward to hearing more about in the future.
