Pokemon GO can now use FastPokeMap again although it's still not yet completely stable. Industry observers are waiting to see if Niantic is going to impose another round of security updates to keep FPM away from Pokemon GO.
FastPokeMap Ban and Return From Pokemon GO
FastPokeMap developer posted on Twitter last week that the app will be up and running by Sunday or Monday. Fortunately, the dev kept his promise as FPM is now back though not completely. The return required some reverse engineering of the Pokemon GO API. The FastPokeMap site seems to be working as of press time.
There were some concerns raised if the Pokemon GO player will get in trouble for using FPM in tandem with the game. A Reddit post offered to answer that sticky legal question. Basically, Pokemon Go players using the FPM are on safe legal grounds since they are merely using the app. However, the FPM developer and those who reverse engineer the Pokemon GO codes are legally liable in case Niantic start suing.
How Will Niantic Strike Back?
Niantic founder John Hanke has stated publicly that third party apps are unduly burdening their servers and interfering with the way Pokemon GO should be played. The developer continues to update the game and may soon install a stricter security net to disable FPM completely. Such option is temporary at best since third party apps like FPM will no doubt find another way around the security blocks.
Niantic's best option is to bring a reliable in-game tracker to Pokemon GO. As of press time, such tracker is being field tested in San Francisco. However, there is little word yet if it's as good as FPM. Paradoxically, the return of FPM will also mean the return of many players to Pokemon GO. The coming winter threatens the popularity of the game since the absence of a reliable tracker will tend to discourage Pokemon GO players from going out.
