Hasta La Gadget!

Niantic Labs (under Google) will be a company that is not around forever, and heck, just about all companies cannot guarantee that they will be hanging around still when the apocalypse approaches. Well, if there is one thing that you ought to know about Niantic Labs, it is this – programming kits are being worked upon, where upon its release, it would be able to assist coders to virtually write down the code for their own games, complete with chat layers and location information, where ads too, will also pop up as and when required.

The thing is, you might not be able to write your very own title at any point in time in the immediate future, as the folks over at Niantic Labs has yet to make ready such tools. Apart from that, their availability might also depend on the kind of flexibility which the team intends to developer. One thing is for sure though, should Niantic Labs actually manage to release a programming kit that appeals across a broad spectrum of users, then Ingress fans would be a happy lot, with more than just the beta’s end or iOS support to look forward to. What do you think the programming kit will usher in?

Ingress Storyline Set To Continue? original content from Ubergizmo.

Massively multiplayer games are all well and good, but what’s the point of anything without merit badges, really? The latest upgrade to Google’s covert mobile game Ingress brings a new achievement system that lets players track their own progress (and the progress of other players) and earn up to ten badges, including the likes of Explorer, Pioneer and Liberator. The update will be hitting accounts over the next few days. More info in the source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Software

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Source: Google+

So Google is making a video game called Ingress. It’s not a silly April Fools Joke but an alternate-reality game which means, like, you actually have to go out in the real world and see real things to get achievements. It’s like World of Warcraft for real life. Would you play it? More »

All the viral ads courtesy of Niantic Labs told us something was coming, and now its here — an alternate reality game from Google called Ingress. The theme is one of worldwide mind control, and it’ll be played out in real life, where you’ll be a part of one of two teams which either embrace or fight “the power” — The Enlightened or The Resistance, respectively. With a companion mobile app installed, you’ll venture out into the world collecting energy known as “Exotic Matter” (XM), found at real locations. This can then be spent claiming, stealing or reinforcing “portals,” which are positioned at key public places. Teamwork will be essential, as the goal is to create zones controlled by your faction, and attacking those occupied by the enemy. One team will eventually win, although this end point is expected to be a year to 18 months down the line.

John Hanke of Niantic Labs said some of the inspiration for Ingress came from JJ Abrams, and hardcore Lost fans may remember a similarly cryptic internet ‘game’ focused around the show. The Ingress app is available on Google Play today, with an iOS version in the pipe, and if you want you play, sign up at the source below to request access. Your mobile device will provide you with an overview of your local battlefield when you’re out and about, but a web client can keep you up to date on the global war while you’re sat at a computer. Check out the video and app screenshots below, and if you’re still confused as to what it’s all about — well, that’s how they want you to feel.

Continue reading Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Internet, Software, Mobile, Google

Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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