You are currently viewing Japan To Launch COVID-19 App Made By Microsoft Using Google And Apple’s Software

Japan To Launch COVID-19 App Made By Microsoft Using Google And Apple’s Software

Weeks after Google and Apple jointly launched their COVID-19 alert software, Microsoft is set to complete an app using it in Japan. However, reports claim that even if it launches this week, it is way behind schedule.

 

When it launches, the app will be known as COCOA (COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application).  It will use Bluetooth technology to collect data when it is within one meter of another device. The two devices, however, have to be in this range for up to 15 minutes.

 

The Japanese government had hired a group of developers to create an app to help them curb the spread of the pandemic at its height in May. However, some problems with the conditions that Google and Apple put in place prevented the app’s launch. Thus, it didn’t start at the time they had planned for it to launch by the end of May.

Also read:
– Google And Apple Finally Roll Out COVID-19 Exposure Notification Software
– Keen By Google May Be The Company’s Answer To Its Social Media Failures
– EA Sports Announces Madden 21 And FIFA 21 Ahead Of August 2020 Launch

Engadget says that Japan had previously tasked Code, a tech company in Tokyo, to develop the app. But because the software’s conditions mandated that public health agencies must manage any app developed; the government gave the project to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. They also had to get another set of developers, this time, from Microsoft.

 

Countries like Italy, Germany, Singapore, Qatar, UK and others have already rolled out COVID-19 tracing apps. While some of them already had one in place before Google and Apple launched their API; they switched when the software was ready.

 

Pending when Microsoft and Japan launch the app, conversations on its effectiveness are still ongoing. The software’s privacy policy allows individuals to choose if they want to use the app or even install it at all. This is a barrier as not everyone would be willing to participate in tracing exercises.

 

Japan is looking to prevent a second surge in number of COVID-19 cases with this app. The country currently has 17,000+ cases with 935 deaths according to Google stats.

 

For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@plat4om.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.

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.

Leave a Reply