The two heavyweights Apple and Google have finally launched software that lets users know if they recently came in contact with anyone who later has tested positive for COVID 19. This was long due since last month when the two companies announced that they were collaborating to trace the spread of the virus and help in stopping it.
This software is mainly built on Bluetooth wireless technology, which detects when two users who have already downloaded the app near each other, and lets them know when if they have come into contact with anyone who has tested positive.
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This software comes on the back of many unsuccessful attempts of others who tried to roll out their own apps and software but to no avail. This was due to technical issues in both iOs and Android since they used GPS tracking, which meant bypassing the privacy permissions of Apple and Google. Therefore, many governments and organizations were waiting for this software to be released by Google and Apple.
The software protects the identity of the user by encrypting and also giving anonymous identifiers that change themselves frequently and is downloadable on all devices released after September 2015.
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A statement on Wednesday also has comments from state officials in North Dakota, Alabama, and South Carolina, showing that they plan to use it.
“We invite other states to join us in leveraging smartphone technologies to strengthen existing contact tracing efforts, which are critical to getting communities and economies back up and running,” said North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a Republican.
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