Niantic has released Pokemon GO update version 0.37.0 for Android devices and version 1.7.0 for iOS devices. The new update brings Pokemon Buddy feature and several bug fixes.
Recent rumors had hinted that Buddy Pokemon would be released soon. The feature has finally arrived with the new update for Android and iOS devices. It is said to be one of the biggest updates for the game since its launch in July, Heavy reported.
Buddy Pokemon
The Buddy Pokemon feature allows players to select a Pokemon from the Pokedex to use as "buddy." This can be done by going to the avatar screen and press the button that contains with three lines and then hit the "Buddy" option. This will bring up the Pokedex wherein players can choose a Pokemon as buddy.
The chosen Pokemon will walk around the trainer wherever he goes. Also, it will show the creature alongside the avatar at of the bottom left of the screen.
As far as choosing a Buddy Pokemon is concerned, it is advisable to select a Pokemon that cannot be easily found in the wild. By walking the Buddy Pokemon, players can earn Candy according to the kilometers they walk.
The amount of Candy a player can earn varies across species of Pokemon. Hence, it is recommended to choose a Buddy Pokemon that requires least distance to get a Candy. Once a Buddy Pokemon is chosen, players can swap it any time.
Pokemon GO update 0.37.0 and 1.7.0 for Android, iOS
The changelog of the update states that it is now easier to select a smaller Pokemon on the screen. It has also removed a glitch that did not show animation when eggs were hatched.
The update also brings along minor text fixes and enhanced performance reliability when a device switches Wi-Fi and mobile networks, Android Police reported. Pokemon GO Plus will be available from Sept. 16. Hence, the new update brings support for it.
A small paragraph that is added to the changelog states that the updated Pokemon GO app does not support rooted Android devices and jailbroken iOS devices. Hence, players are advised to download the app either from Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. The Pokemon GO 0.37.0 APK file is available on APKMirror.com.
Here is a video that shows Buddy Pokemon feature in action: