Ingress, Google's augmented reality game, hits iPhone and iPad

Ingress is a real-world location-based augmented reality game for Android made by Google's Niantic Labs — and it's just arrived in the App Store for iPhone and iPad. The Android version of Ingress has been out for almost two years already.

If you don't mind sharing your iPhone or iPad's location and activities, you can download and start playing Ingress now. That bit is something to consider. Ingress is "free" because, like so many of Google's services, you're paying with your personal data — in this case, where you are. For some, that's no concern at all. Google Maps or Google+ or a host of other Google services are already collecting all that. For others, however, location is something most valuable than time, money, or attention. It's something very few apps are granted access to.

If you do decide to give Ingress a go on your iPhone or iPad, let me know how you like it!

Thanks, Robert!

Ingress transforms the real world into the landscape for a global game of mystery, intrigue, and competition.

Our future is at stake. You must choose a side.

A mysterious energy has been unearthed by a team of scientists in Europe. The origin and purpose of this force is unknown, but some researchers believe it is influencing the way we think. We must control it or it will control us.

"The Enlightened" seek to embrace the power that this energy may bestow upon us. "The Resistance" struggle to defend, and protect what's left of our humanity.

Install Ingress and transform your world.

The World is the Game

Move through the real world using your Android device and the Ingress app to discover and tap sources of this mysterious energy. Acquire objects to aid in your quest, deploy tech to capture territory, and ally with other players to advance the cause of the Enlightened or the Resistance. Strategy

The struggle is being played out globally. Track the progress of players around the world, plan your next steps, and communicate with others using an Intelligence map.

What is the Niantic Project?

Is this just a game? An Investigation Board (http://www.google.com/+NianticProject) filled with cryptic clues and secret codes awaits. The story evolves everyday. Powerful secrets and game tech are there to be unlocked.

Form Alliances

The struggle to save the planet spans the entire world. Groups of people acting together can be more effective than individuals acting alone. Cooperation across neighborhoods, cities, and countries will be needed to achieve the ultimate victory.

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.