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Google And Apple Building A COVID-19 Tracking Technology For Android And iOS Devices

In a press release that appeared on both Google and Apple’s websites, the companies are working together on a project that allows health experts to trace and stop COVID-19 spread.

 

The statement assures users of both iOS and Android devices that user privacy and security were central to the design. This trace technology will work using Bluetooth.

 

The software is imperative to getting society back to its feet. It explains that public health organisations have identified that contact tracing is very important. This is because COVID-19 spreads when people get close to affected individuals.

 

Therefore, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution to improve this tracking exercises. They explain that it employs application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing.

 

Also, as this is an urgent need, they plan to roll it out in two steps. Meanwhile, both companies have to ensure that their customers’ privacy is catered for.

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They mention that the first step will come in May. The two companies will release APIs that enable Android and iOS devices to share data and work together. Then, users will make use of apps that public health authorities release. These apps will be available for download in the different app stores as soon as they come out.

 

In the coming months, the second step will take place. The blog says:

 

“Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms.”

 

While this solution provides more capacity, users get to choose to opt-in. It will provide a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities.

 

Again, it assures users that their privacy, transparency, and consent are important and will determine if the effort succeeds or fails. In addition, both companies will openly publish information about their work for others to analyze.

 

The closing statement of the press release reads:

 

“All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems.

 

Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.”

 

Tech firms have been contributing towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Google and Apple previously launched websites that provide accurate COVID-19 information. This collaboration on tracing technology is a major feat and milestone for both companies.

 

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Onwuasoanya Obinna

A reader of books and stringer of words. Passionate about Science and Tech. When not writing or reading he is surfing the web and Tweeting.

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