Pokémon Go update allows users to change nicknames, replaces ‘Nearby’ with ‘Sightings’

Version 1.3 of Pokémon Go is rolling out on iOS and brings a few minor features and fixes to the hit game. Most notably, users now have the ability to change their username once and a bug that prevented bonus XP from throws has been resolved.

An update last weekend allowed users to customize their character avatars after the initial set-up. Players can now change their nicknames by going into Settings > Change Nickname. A prompt tell users that nicknames can only be changed once and are publicly visible to other trainers.

As noted on the official Pokémon Go Twitter account last week, a bug prevented the app from awarding an XP bonus for ”Nice,” ”Great,” and “Excellent” Poke Ball throws. This update fixes that issue and also renames the “Nearby” feature to “Sightings.” Tracking features are still absent from the game, but Niantic is A/B testing a variation of Nearby with a “subset of users.”

Other changes include an additional warning that reminds users to not play Pokémon Go while driving. A dialog will pop up if users play while traveling above a certain speed. The update is already rolling via the App Store for iOS and the Play Store for Android.

The full changelog is below:

• 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 experience bonuses
• Fixed achievements showing incorrect Medal icons
• Enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname one time, so please choose your new nickname wisely
• Resolved issues with the battery saver mode and re-enabled this 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