Covid-19: How smartphone apps can help ‘contact trace’ the new coronavirus


The Private Kit mobile app aims to help authorities with contact tracing efforts to curb the spread of a novel coronavirus. — Reuters

OAKLAND, California: A global race is on to develop smartphone apps and other types of mobile phone surveillance systems to track and contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The process known as "contact tracing", which is used to control the spread of infectious diseases, was boosted last week when the top two smartphone software makers, Alphabet Inc's Google and Apple Inc, said they were collaborating on apps that can identify people who have crossed paths with a contagious patient and alert them.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Apple says it will hold event on May 7
Walmart-backed fintech One launches 'buy now, pay later' loans, CNBC reports
Coca-Cola signs $1.1 billion deal to use Microsoft cloud, AI services
Google invests $640 million in new data centre in Netherlands
NatWest CEO sees 'material opportunities' in AI
Trump poised to clinch $1.3 billion social media company stock award
Amazon launches low-cost grocery delivery subscription plan in US
Spotify profits up, but lower marketing hits user growth
Adobe to bring full AI image generation to Photoshop this year
Tesla shares edge higher ahead of quarterly results

Others Also Read