Safety First: Using Location Tracking Apps to Protect Gamers on the Go
Outdoor and augmented reality (AR) games changed the gaming landscape. Now players can have immersive experiences that blend the digital and real worlds. The examples of these games are Pokémon GO and Ingress. They are loved by millions who explore their surroundings while playing.
However, venturing outdoors with your eyes glued to a screen can pose safety risks. Fortunately, there are different number tracker apps that work using location tracking technology. This article will give you practical tips and tools for using location tracking to ensure the safety of gamers enjoying outdoor and AR games.
Location Tracking in Gaming
Location tracking in gaming involves using GPS and other geolocation technologies to determine a player’s physical location. This data is then used to enhance the gaming experience, creating location-specific challenges, rewards and interactions.
We know that this experience is very exciting and interesting but you should think about your safety at this time.
Tips for Safe Outdoor and AR Gaming
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the primary safety concerns with outdoor and AR gaming is the risk of accidents because of distraction. Here are some tips to stay aware:
Pause and Look Around: Regularly pause the game to check your surroundings, especially when crossing streets or navigating busy areas.
Play in Safe Areas: Choose safe, familiar locations for gaming. Avoid playing in dangerous or high-traffic areas.
Use Peripheral Vision: Try to use your peripheral vision to stay aware of what's happening around you while focusing on the game.
2. Use Safety Features in Apps
Many AR games come with built-in safety features designed to protect players. Make sure to utilize these features:
Safety Warnings: Pay attention to in-game safety warnings and prompts. Games like Pokémon GO provide alerts when players are moving too fast (potentially driving) or approaching dangerous areas.
Customizable Notifications: Use customizable notifications to remind you to take breaks and stay alert.
3. Share Your Location with Trusted Contacts
Sharing your location with friends or family can enhance your safety while playing outdoor games:
Real-Time Location Sharing: Use apps like Number Traccker or Find My Friends to share your real-time location with trusted contacts. This ensures someone knows where you are at all times.
Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts saved in your phone, easily accessible in case of an emergency.
4. Play in Groups
Playing in groups can enhance safety. Here’s why:
Increased Visibility: Groups are more visible to drivers and passersby, reducing the risk of accidents.
Mutual Assistance: Friends can help each other stay alert, navigate safely, and handle emergencies if they arise.
Shared Fun: Group gaming can be more enjoyable and adds a social element to the experience.
5. Use Wearable Technology
Wearable technology can provide additional safety features:
Smartwatches: Devices like Apple Watch and Garmin smartwatches can track your location, send alerts, and even call for help in emergencies.
Fitness Bands: Fitness bands with GPS tracking can monitor your route and provide health data, ensuring you don’t overexert yourself.
6. Plan Your Route
Before heading out, plan your gaming route:
Safe Paths: Choose routes that are safe and well-lit. Avoid areas known for high crime rates or dangerous terrain.
Use Special Apps: Number Tracker has a feature of joint routes. You can create routes together with your loved ones and track each other’s location on a digital map.
Familiar Locations: Stick to areas you are familiar with to reduce the risk of getting lost.
Check Weather Conditions: Ensure the weather is suitable for outdoor activities to avoid sudden changes that could impact your safety.
Tools for Enhancing Safety
Here are the tools and devices you can use to keep yourself safe. We have already mentioned examples of some of them above, but now you can visually study them below.
1. Location Tracking Apps
Location tracking apps provide real-time data about your whereabouts:
Google Maps: Offers real-time location sharing, route planning, and alerts for nearby hazards.
Number Tracker: The app has many safety features, e.g., location sharing, joint routes, location history, digital and driving safety.
Find My Friends (iOS): Allows you to share your location with trusted contacts and find each other easily.
2. Safety Alert Apps
Safety alert apps can notify you or your contacts in case of an emergency:
bSafe: This app offers features like SOS alerts, live GPS tracking, and automatic recording to enhance personal safety.
3. Augmented Reality Safety Features
AR games themselves often include safety features:
Pokémon GO: Includes warnings about playing while driving, reminders to stay aware of surroundings, and safety tips during special events.
Ingress: Offers similar safety notifications and encourages players to explore safe and accessible locations.
4. Wearable Devices
Wearable devices can provide additional safety through features, e.g., GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring and emergency alerts:
Apple Watch: Offers location sharing, emergency SOS, fall detection, and activity tracking.
Garmin Wearables: Provide GPS tracking, health monitoring, and safety features like LiveTrack and Incident Detection.
5. Geofencing
Geofencing creates virtual boundaries to ensure players stay within safe areas:
Family Locator Apps: Apps like Number Tracker allow you to set up geofences around safe areas, alerting you if a player leaves the designated zone.
Game Settings: Some AR games offer settings to restrict gameplay to specific areas, ensuring players do not venture into unsafe locations.
6. Emergency Contact Features
Having easy access to emergency contact information is very important:
ICE (In Case of Emergency) Apps: Apps like ICE Contact allow you to store important contact information and medical details for emergency responders.
Built-in Phone Features: Both iOS and Android devices have built-in emergency contact features accessible from the lock screen.
Remember, the goal is to have fun while staying safe. With the right precautions and tools, you can explore, compete and interact in the world of outdoor and AR games without compromising your safety. Enjoy the adventure, but always be mindful of the real world around you.
The Best Outdoor and AR Games
1. Pokémon GO
Developer: Niantic, Inc.
Release Date: July 2016
Description: Pokémon GO is one of the most popular AR games, where players use their smartphones to catch virtual Pokémon in real-world locations. The game uses GPS to place Pokémon on the map. It also features PokéStops and Gyms located at landmarks for physical activity and social interaction.
2. Ingress
Developer: Niantic, Inc.
Release Date: December 2013
Description: Ingress is an AR game that turns the real world into a global game of capture the flag. Players choose one of two factions (the Enlightened or the Resistance) and use their mobile devices to capture and control virtual portals located at real-world landmarks.
3. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Developer: Niantic, Inc. and WB Games
Release Date: June 2019
Description: It is inspired by the Harry Potter series. Wizards Unite is an AR game where players become wizards and witches. Players can find magical artifacts, cast spells and battle mythical creatures in real-world locations.
4. The Walking Dead: Our World
Developer: Next Games
Release Date: July 2018
Description: It is an AR game that places players in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Players must navigate their real-world environment to find and defeat zombies, rescue survivors and collect resources. The game features location-based missions and encourages teamwork and social interaction.
5. Jurassic World Alive
Developer: Ludia
Release Date: May 2018
Description: In Jurassic World Alive, players use their smartphones to collect DNA from dinosaurs that appear in real-world locations. Players can then create and level up their dinosaurs, battle other players and participate in events. The game combines AR elements with strategic gameplay.
These examples show how different outdoor and AR gaming is. The same thing is that all of them blend physical activity, social interaction and immersive digital experiences. Location tracking and AR technology let players explore their environments, connect with others and take part in interesting adventures.
Play and Stay Safe
Security is one of the basic needs of all people. You should never forget about it, no matter how much you are immersed in an interesting process, for example, gaming. You may not even notice how you get lost or run into trouble.
Always have a backup plan in the form of the safety tips we gave you today. Whether you use them or not is your choice. However, we recommend not to neglect them and take care of yourself.
