One of the most relevant news in the technological world in recent days was the partnership between Google and Apple to develop a coronavirus-tracking system. This joint venture aims to create a standard mobile environment for Android and iOS to speak in a common language. And Google and Apple apps are already here, or not as expected.
Both companies have just released a huge amount of developer resources, along with their applications. However, this application may not be used by ordinary citizens. We explain how and why you won't be able to use these apps, even if all the technologies are included.
Apple and Google's alliance against coronavirus: over application
Developing an app from scratch is a very difficult task, and in some cases all that effort is not possible. In a coronavirus program, neither Google nor Apple can make their own solution, because by ignoring competitor's mobiles they lose a great deal of functionality. For that reason they join forces and form a specific plan.
This partnership is already starting to bear fruit, and Android and iOS developer services are already available. But wouldn't they make an app or something?
Not at all. What Apple and Google do with the APIs, the nature of the service contract service provider contract An important aspect of this API lies not in the technical challenges of these technical officials, but rather in the goal of creating a common language for all the programs they will build.
Google and Apple apps are an example of developers
As well as APIs, Google and Apple make their own requests. These programs are not intended to be the ones we all put in, so far, and the reasons are in a more reliable position than they can or do not want to do. Ultimately, these tech companies have a responsibility to have their own plans, but they should not take all the money that is the responsibility of each government, which will have the tools to make their requests.
Google COVID-19 app on GitHub.
Applications created by Google and Apple are working to show how technology works that any agency apply to its government requests. They are an example of a technology where you can even access the source code. In both cases, the application name is compatible Descriptive Notice, which is Spanish Notification of exposure.
How do these applications work? Yes, its functionality is very unique, and the fact is that each cellphone will have a unique and anonymous key that it identifies (as if it were a digital identity). Technically Bluetooth
As soon as the user signed up for a COVID-19 test, all users who had contacted the user immediately said they would receive a notification on their mobile phone, saying that they were contacting the person with the virus. , allowing you to run tests faster. However, in order to receive notification, it is necessary for the subscriber to share their results.
Disclosure: a summary of how it works
- Apple and Google will not publish the app, but instead provide tools for the government to execute.
- Once used by our cellphone, it will request access to Bluetooth and request permission for the data to be used.
- We're installing a system.
- When we are on the road, our cell phones are communicating with other people's phones coming near them.
- If a person is infected with COVID-19, they can inform the app to be tested for HIV.
- The application knows the mobiles have been around us, so it will inform them that you may be in touch with someone who has tested positive for HIV.
Not everyone can create these programs: Google and Apple terms
- This API may be used by government and public health agencies.
- Application you must ask for explicit permission user.
- The app will also have to ask users' permission to share their fine details and password.
- As far as data collection is concerned, app developers will be able to collect data, but only a small amount are needed.
- Data collected may only be used for anti-COVID-19 purposes, and the use of data for commercial or marketing purposes is strictly prohibited.
- Applications they will not be able to access the area.
- There can be one request per country. In the case of countries where health care is divided by a region (such as Spain), Apple and Google are "ready to support all."
