Some players of "Pokémon GO" using Android devices were mystified when they received promo codes, especially since Niantic has not made any recent announcements about rolling out an update.

According to Express, some of those who have received the codes have tried using these, but they have found that the feature has not been activated yet. The official website of "Pokémon GO" states that these can be used to redeem items, such as Poké Balls, Lure Modules, and Lucky Eggs, from the in-game shop. According to Daily Star, the codes have only been made available to Android users because Apple is insisting on imposing a 30 percent fee for every transaction.

Aside from the introduction of the codes, players have noticed some slight changes in the system. For example, trainers who are between the levels of 1 and 29 will now encounter Pokémon with random stats, combat power, and moves, unlike before when this was relatively fixed. SlashGear, meanwhile, reports that some players are now able to find more creatures easily, even those who live in rural and suburban areas, which have limited spawn sites. The publication states that there has been 10–15 percent increase in Pokémon spawns now.

Some have taken this to mean that Niantic will be bringing something big in-game. Birmingham Mail theorizes that shiny Pokémon creatures will once again be introduced in the game for its summer event. Two shiny Pokémon characters have already been brought to the game: Magikarp and Gyrados.

In other news, Niantic has recently launched a Japan-exclusive "Pokémon GO" event, according to Daily Star, in which all McDonald's Poké Stops in the country will be automatically lured. This will run until May 7. This is the second time that Niantic released an event specifically for that region. Back in November, a Lapras event was held in Tohoku, which, according to rumors, was initiated to build up tourism in the area, which was previously hit by a tsunami in 2011.