Get Connected Logo
  • News

    News

    • Audio
    • Computers
    • Gaming
    • GC At Work
    • Hardware
    • Health
    Menu
    • Audio
    • Computers
    • Gaming
    • GC At Work
    • Hardware
    • Health
    • Mobile
    • Photography
    • Smart Home
    • Software
    • Transportation
    Menu
    • Mobile
    • Photography
    • Smart Home
    • Software
    • Transportation
    See More...
    Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts
    Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts
    John BiehlerJune 15, 2022
    Tech Talk: Gift guide for Gamer Dads
    Tech Talk: Gift guide for Gamer Dads
    GetConnectedJune 8, 2022
    Apple’s WWDC 2022 Post Keynote Live Stream Replay
    Apple’s WWDC 2022 Post Keynote Live Stream Replay
    GetConnectedJune 6, 2022
    Tech Talk: Action Camera Roundup
    Tech Talk: Action Camera Roundup
    John BiehlerJune 1, 2022
    Featured
    Need more storage on Google Photos? What you need to know
    Need more storage on Google Photos? What you need to know
    Thinking of Buying an EV? The Canadian Rebates are almost gone
    Thinking of Buying an EV? The Canadian Rebates are almost gone
    Want to listen to YouTube Music? Here’s what you need to know
    Want to listen to YouTube Music? Here’s what you need to know
    Wireless Earbud Options
    Wireless Earbud Options
  • Reviews

    Reviews

    • Audio
    • Computers & Tablets
    • GC PIcks
    • Health & Wearables
    • Mobile
    • Smart Home
    Menu
    • Audio
    • Computers & Tablets
    • GC PIcks
    • Health & Wearables
    • Mobile
    • Smart Home
    2022 Honda Odyssey Touring: It’ll take you on the road less traveled
    2022 Honda Odyssey Touring: It’ll take you on the road less traveled
    CoreyApril 14, 2022
    Trying Adobe’s Creative Cloud Express? What you need to know
    Trying Adobe’s Creative Cloud Express? What you need to know
    Ted KritsonisJanuary 28, 2022
    Learning stuff on Skillshare? What you need to know
    Learning stuff on Skillshare? What you need to know
    Ted KritsonisSeptember 28, 2021
    How kids can pursue art and drawing on their devices
    How kids can pursue art and drawing on their devices
    Ted KritsonisSeptember 24, 2021
    Featured
    Take Alexa on the road with Echo Auto
    Take Alexa on the road with Echo Auto
    Want Spotify Premium? Here’s what you need to know
    Want Spotify Premium? Here’s what you need to know
    Making podcasts with the Rødecaster Pro
    Making podcasts with the Rødecaster Pro
    Photosticks: Are They Worth It?
    Photosticks: Are They Worth It?
  • Videos

    Videos

    • Global News Tech Talk
    • GC At Work
    • Video Podcasts
    • TV Show
    Menu
    • Global News Tech Talk
    • GC At Work
    • Video Podcasts
    • TV Show

    How Technology is Reshaping Political Campaigns

    Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts
    Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts
    John BiehlerJune 15, 2022
    Tech Talk: Gift guide for Gamer Dads
    Tech Talk: Gift guide for Gamer Dads
    GetConnectedJune 8, 2022
    Tech Talk: Action Camera Roundup
    Tech Talk: Action Camera Roundup
    John BiehlerJune 1, 2022
    Featured
    The Price of Internet in Canada is Still Too High
    The Price of Internet in Canada is Still Too High
    Want Fries With Your 3D Printed Chicken Nuggets?
    Want Fries With Your 3D Printed Chicken Nuggets?
    Save for Mobile Gadgets Made from Ocean Plastics
    Save for Mobile Gadgets Made from Ocean Plastics
    Alexa Invades Your Car and Are Refurbs a Good Deal?
    Alexa Invades Your Car and Are Refurbs a Good Deal?
  • Listen
  • Newsletter
  • Connect
    • About Us
    • Contact
Youtube Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in

Airalo – eSIM Roaming Data Service

Apple iPad mini (2021)

Apple HomePod Mini

Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts

1 2 3 Next »

Apple TV 4K (2021)

Tech Talk: last minute Father’s Day gifts

1 2 Next »

Apple and COVID-19 Contact Tracing

  • Mobile, Software
  • Ged Smyth
  • June 19, 2020
  • 9:15 am

There has been no shortage of discussion between Apple and Google when it comes to contract tracing apps and how they can benefit us.  It looks like the functionality has finally found its way to our iOS devices.

Auto Updating

Like most people, when an update comes out for iOS, I blindly hit accept.  I don’t look at what the updates entail as we assume it to be a security or to fix for a bug or glitch from the previous updates. Even more so if there is another update shortly after the last one.

When iOS 13.5 finished the update, I clicked ‘ok’ and thought nothing of it.  Then, this morning, I was asked if I had seen the COVID addition in the update.  I felt a little silly when I said no.  So I went to Settings -> Privacy -> Health and then boom.  Directly above, my ‘Headphone Audio Level’ is an entire section for COVID-19 Exposure Logging.  The note in my device says that the tracing can only be activated when turned on and paired with an authorized app.

How it Works

This tracking interacts via BlueTooth.  As you are out living your life, your device will exchange random codes with other devices in the facility. The app will keep a log for 14 days.  Should you test positive for COVID-19, you can share this information via the random code attached to your device. The app will let anyone within 14 days know that you have tested positive.

I Have Concerns

I have mixed feelings about this.  On the one hand, I think it is a great way to notify people that you’ve been around that you have been exposed and they can take precautions.  This type of information could save lives should one of your friends. It is crucial to protect segments of the population that are the most vulnerable.  There is not a lot of work required should this happen to you other than allowing the app to let your network know.

Where my concern comes in is where the technology is going.  What happens after COVID-19 is in the past?  Will Apple send out an update getting rid of this functionality and rendering it useless?  My question is, what is to stop Apple from keeping this on and having access to anyone you are in contact and how often? I realize that we are all connected, and tracking our whereabouts is pretty straightforward. However, this seems like it is going to the next level.  What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
  • Apple, COVID, iOs, Tracing
Ged Smyth

Ged Smyth

Contributor: Passionate about Home Theatre & everything Audio

Related Stories

Apple's WWDC 2022 Post Keynote Live Stream Replay

June 6, 2022
Computers, Featured, Hardware, Mobile, Smart Home
Catch the replay of our livestream as we discuss all the new announcements Apple made during the WWDC 2022 Keynote

Tech Talk: Father's Day Gift Ideas for every budget

May 18, 2022
Audio, Computers, Global News Tech Talk, Hardware, Media, Mobile, Travel
John shows off a range of geeky Father's Day gift ideas to suit every budget.

Tech Talk: Mother's Day gift ideas

May 4, 2022
Global News Tech Talk, Media, Mobile
Still looking for a gift for mom, and not sure what to get? Think tech! Mike Agerbo shows us some...
Subscribe for Updates

To ‘GetConnected’ to our newsletter, fill out the details and hit the ‘SUBSCRIBE’ button. We do require you to confirm your email. 

Watch & Listen
  • Global News Tech Talk
  • TV Show
  • Podcast
  • Radio Show
Connect
  • Social Media
  • Contact
  • Events
Company
  • About Us
  • Agency Blink
  • Careers
Youtube Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in

© 2020 – GetConnected. All rights reserved.