Seneca Serpent
EDIT #2: After the forced update to 0.191.1 (I believe is the name) it is no longer working again on the devices tested.
EDIT: As of 0.191 it seems that at least for Android 9 and earlier they reverted the game back to counting steps. I have confirmed this by completely turning off the app and my GPS. Walked around a bit and the walk distance and egg distance did add a relatively accurate distance. I am still struggling to have it count properly for Pokemon candies. It will reward candies but not as much as it should be.
PREVIOUSLY:
I’ve played GO since it’s release and been a fan of the franchise since it first came to the US. I may finally be done with it all. This is a money grubbing tactic and a serious privacy concern. NEVER have your GPS active 24/7. These tech companies have breaches frequently, putting your data at risk. Do you really want someone to have access to the GPS coordinates of your house?
Also a lot of people don’t know this but Nintendo is the ONLY copyright holder of the Pokemon franchise. The Pokemon Company is a business venture between Nintendo, Gamefreak, and Creatures Inc. to handle licensing agreements (their main profit source), each having a 1/3rd share in that specific company. Gamefreak, Creatures Inc., Niantic, etc. have no ownership over the Pokemon brand. If Niantic won’t do the right thing, it may be time to take it up with Nintendo (Who also doesn’t really care about customers).
The Workaround (Won’t Work For Everyone):
– Close PK GO Completely (Force Stop)
– Turn on GPS
– Open Google Fit
– Start Tracking A Running Exercise (Try Treadmill: Running if Running doesn’t work)
– Turn GPS OFF
– Run, Walk, Sock Trick, Whatever
– Stop Google Fit Activity
– Turn GPS Back On
– Open PK GO
– Profit