Pokémon GO: The Data Behind America’s Latest Obsession
 The amazing thing to me is that, at least on iOS, the game is pretty objectively bad.<p>Of course that hasn't stopped me from sinking a lot of time into it this weekend.  I've spent $10 on it, which is easily a record for free to play game for me.<p>The server issues are one thing, but the game doesn't even get lots of basic things right.  If the server goes away, or sometimes if I'm just out of the app too long, I have to log back in.  It seems to forget my settings for weather I want sound and music on, or to use the AR functions.  I've run into numerous crashes and graphical glitches. Input getting confused requiring app restarts. Poor handling of the (common) network/server issues.<p>One of the mechanics requires walking around, which it won't track outside the app despite the fact that iPhones have had motion coprocessor for years. So they offer a special mode (very poorly documented) that basically turns the screen black and tries to reduce power usage a bit. But you have to keep the Pokémon app open to track steps.<p>I am having fun. I REALLY hope they can fix these issues.  I sought earlier today that they do plan to add Pokémon trading and expand the functionality of the various waypoints in the world. I'd also love to be able to battle my friends.<p>The social aspect on this just amazes me. In the last couple of days they're been numerous times when I saw a random people clearly playing this game. Guys walking around parking lots at work, cars parked at empty banks that were closed because there happened to be a gym there.  Numerous posts on social media about random gatherings and flash mobs because of something going on in the game.<p>It's clear that Ingress had a pretty good idea.  Tying it to a major brand (not unlike the way Mario kart was created)  that really encourages the collecting aspect and getting it out on iOS at basically the same time have clearly made a huge difference.<p>I'll also say, is a Pokémon fan I'm glad that it's only the 150 original in the game. At this point there are way too many Pokémon that seem the same to me, so I'm glad to see my old friends instead. I imagine that'll change someday but this is a good start.