In a bid to make more people use the coronavirus exposure notification feature, Google and Apple are working on removing the app restriction. Thus, soon, everyone worldwide will be able to access this system without apps.

Before now, both Google and Apple had designed a coronavirus exposure notification feature into Android and iOS smartphones. The aim was to alert people who may have been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19.

However, the initial requirement was that local health authorities had to build apps for people in their locality to use this feature. But, it appears that many of these local authorities have been unable to build proper working apps to use the systems.

This is likely due to lacking in expertise and this issue still arises despite Google and Apple volunteering to assist local health authorities when they hit a roadblock.

Also read:
– Japan To Launch COVID-19 App Made By Microsoft Using Google And Apple’s Software
– Google And Apple Finally Roll Out COVID-19 Exposure Notification Software
– Apple Anticipates Huge Demand, To Ship At Least Four New iPhones in 2020

Now, the two companies are changing their approach. They want more people to use the system to reduce infections, even without an app. In a recent statement, Google and Apple said; “We are making it easier and faster for them to use the Exposure Notifications System without the need for them to build and maintain an app.

“Exposure Notifications Express provides another option for public health authorities to supplement their existing contact tracing operations with technology without compromising on the project’s core tenets of user privacy and security.”

They are calling the new feature ‘Exposure Notifications Express’ or ‘EN Express’. The companies resorted to this more drastic tactic because the number of countries using their notification tech is still very small.

CNET says that only about 20 countries have built an app to use the Google and Apple coronavirus notification system. It adds that in the US, only six states are using the system as well.

With the new change, Apple will prompt iPhone users when the exposure notifications are available for them. Google on its part will generate an app for users to download. Both companies still assure users that they will protect their privacy.

Apple will roll out the feature for iPhones and iPads with its next iOS 13.7 software update. Google says Android 6.0 users will be eligible to use it as well.

For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle, and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@techtalkwithtdafrica.com and join our channel on Telegram at Plat4om. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.