First version of Apple/Google COVID-19 tracking tool releasing on April 28

Kickoff version of Apple tree/Google COVID-nineteen tracking tool releasing on April 28

It looks like the feature might be coming out early

After a recent interview with Apple tree CEO Tim Cook, European Commissioner Thierry Breton told the press that the beginning version of Apple tree and Google's joint COVID-nineteen tracking API will launch on April 28th.

Initially, this update was promised for May, but information technology looks like the two tech giants are hoping to complete it a few days early.

The tool will come equally an update for both iOS and Android devices. One time it arrives, you can turn it on and use it to tell if yous've been in the proximity of someone with COVID-19.

It won't give away who that person is, but information technology should assist people be more aware of their surroundings.

This service will piece of work in conjunction with governments' wellness care apps to push button alerts to people when they've nearby someone with a positive COVID-19 case. It uses Bluetooth tech to scan for nearby people while notwithstanding ensuring to keep that data bearding.

In Canada, the only current form of "contract-tracing" is volunteers calling people manually. The government is still deciding whether it will use technology to runway the spread of the virus, and is currently assessing unlike options. It's still unclear if Health Canada plans to employ this API in its COVID-19 Android and iOS app.

For Apple users, the report says that this app volition come every bit part of an iOS 12 or iOS 13 update. Android users will need to update their Google Play Services to get the app.

In one case users accept these features, they'll need to opt-in before they start working. In the time to come, the tech giants will work to roll this out every bit role of their respective mobile operating systems.

Source: 9to5Mac, iGeneration