Take a fresh look at your lifestyle.

COVID-19: iOS, Android soon to have contact tracking device enabled on devices

Pascal Oparada

Apple and Google will join forces to have contact tracking enabled in their respective operating systems in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Android and iOS make up the world’s most used devices and will soon work together to support contact tracing.

Beginning in May, the two tech giants would release APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enabling compatibility between the two platforms.

This will enable health agencies and NGOs to utilise the tools for contact tracing.

Both companies have pledged to protect user data in the process.

Contact tracking has remained one of the biggest tasks in stopping the spread of Coronavirus. It involves keeping in contact with an infected person’s recent proximity to others.

READ ALSO: https://www.thexpressng.com/2020/04/13/covid-19-expert-urges-fg-to-make-water-available-in-rural-areas-public-places/

‘Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread,’ both companies wrote on their respective blogs.

‘A number of leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have been doing important work to develop opt-in contact tracing technology.

“To further this cause, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing.

The companies said they would work together to build Bluetooth level connectivity to their respective operating systems, while Google and Apple will perform the first wave of contact tracing.

“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,” the companies said.

Comments
Loading...