Apple and Google offer sneak peek of COVID-19 contact-tracing software. Image: courtesy of Apple via AFP Relaxnews
As if COVID-19 hasn’t already turned the world upside in the few months that it’s existed, the outbreak has also produced some unlikely collaborations between highly competitive businesses who are coming together to develop safety tools for the public.
Early last month, Apple and Google announced that they’re working together to create a coronavirus contact-tracing software built into phone operating systems that could tell users if they’ve crossed paths with someone who’s tested positive for the disease.
The technology, which utilizes bluetooth is designed to be incorporated into apps from public health authorities, which, according to Business Insider, “will be responsible for verifying and logging people’s COVID-19 status.” Every device will be assigned a “diagnosis key” that health officials can update with the patient’s coronavirus status; information that users can opt out of having shared.
Apple and Google offer sneak peek of COVID-19 contact-tracing software. Image: courtesy of Apple via AFP Relaxnews
Now the companies have shared images of phone screenshots with an example notification shown on the display warning the users that they could have been possibly exposed to COVID-19 because someone that they were near to has tested positive for COVID-19. The app then offers the phone owners more information about the exposure, like the date they were close to this person, whether their diagnosis is verified and advice on the next steps they should take to protect themselves.
This update to Apple and Google’s respective smartphone softwares is expected to roll out later this month. JB
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