AR 'far more promising' than VR, says Niantic CEO John Hanke

John Hanke, CEO of Pokemon Go developer Niantic, believes augmented reality is a more promising prospect than its virtual reality counterpart. 

Speaking on the latest episode of Recode's 'Recode Decode' podcast, the Niantic helmsman said augmented reality has more long-term potential because it doesn't shut people off from the outside world. 

Rather, it encourages them to interact and engage with the environment around them, creating experiences that are altogether more compelling than anything put forward by VR devs. 

"From the very beginning, our games were about encouraging people to go outside and see interesting places," said Hanke, revealing he has mixed feelings about Pokemon Go's tendency to keep players glued to their smartphone screens.

"It is the direction that I think is far more interesting and promising — for technology and, really, for humanity," Hanke added.

"AR is designed to add, enhance the things you do as a human being: Being outside, socializing with other people, shopping, playing, having fun. AR can make all those things better."

For more from Hanke, you can listen to the latest episode of Recode Decode right here.