The Future of AR is Already in Your Pocket: Pokémon GO at SXSW 2016 [Video]

What do Gym battles, Pikachu, and "catching 'em all" have to do with SXSW? John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, Inc., gave SXSW attendees a first look at Pokémon GO mobile app during "The Future of AR Is Already in Your Pocket" at SXSW 2016.

John Hanke poses the question, "What if the future of augmented reality already exists in your pocket?" During his featured session, Hanke further explains how Niantic, Inc., the innovative studio behind Ingress and pioneers of ”real world gaming,” examines the future of augmented reality and its next big platform: the smartphone. Earlier this year, Niantic partnered with Nintendo and The Pokemon Company to create Pokémon GO mobile app. Hanke delves into how AR rooted in enhancing mobile and location-based technology bridges the gap between the real and virtual worlds and how developers can harness it.

Watch the video above from SXSW 2016 to go behind-the-scenes of this ground breaking project for mobile devices and cultural phenomenon. Browse more 2016 Keynotes, Featured Sessions, Showcases, Red Carpets, Q&As, and more on our YouTube Channel. Stay tuned to SXSW News and follow us on Twitter for the latest event programming announcements and 2017 information.

John Hanke speaks during "The Future of AR Is Already in Your Pocket" at SXSW 2016. Photo by Samantha Burkhardt