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: Even more from CES
    Tech Talk: Even more from CES
    John BiehlerJanuary 15, 2021
    CES 2021: Automotive brands shift to another gear
    CES 2021: Automotive brands shift to another gear
    Ted KritsonisJanuary 14, 2021
    TCL Shows Why It’s Ready to Be More Than a TV Brand at CES 2021
    TCL Shows Why It’s Ready to Be More Than a TV Brand at CES 2021
    Stephen FungJanuary 14, 2021
    Samsung Unpacks NEW Galaxy S21 Series Smartphones
    Samsung Unpacks NEW Galaxy S21 Series Smartphones
    Stephen FungJanuary 14, 2021
    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
    Streaming NHL Live? What you need to know
    Streaming NHL Live? What you need to know
    Ted KritsonisJanuary 8, 2021
    Using Canva to create graphics for your job or business
    Using Canva to create graphics for your job or business
    Ted KritsonisDecember 16, 2020
    Want to listen to Apple Music? What you need to know
    Want to listen to Apple Music? What you need to know
    Ted KritsonisDecember 4, 2020
    TCL 6-Series TV (2020) review
    TCL 6-Series TV (2020) review
    Ted KritsonisNovember 30, 2020
    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: Even more from CES
    Tech Talk: Even more from CES
    John BiehlerJanuary 15, 2021
    Tech Talk: More from the Virtual CES
    Tech Talk: More from the Virtual CES
    John BiehlerJanuary 13, 2021
    Tech Talk: 2021 Consumer Electronics Show goes Virtual
    Tech Talk: 2021 Consumer Electronics Show goes Virtual
    John BiehlerJanuary 12, 2021
    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?
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Connect
    • About Us
    • Contact
Youtube
Facebook-f
Twitter
Instagram
Linkedin-in

eufy Security eufyCam 2

Tech Talk: Smart Home Security

Swann Pan & Tilt Security Camera

Tech Talk: Smart Home Security

Swann Tracker Security Camera

Tech Talk: Smart Home Security

Alfred DB2-B Smart Door Lock Touchscreen w/WiFi

Tech Talk: Smart home security locks

First Look: Canada’s COVID Alert Exposure Notification App (beta)

  • Health
  • John Biehler
  • July 23, 2020
  • 12:56 pm

Earlier this week, the Canadian Government announced they were looking for beta testers for their COVID Alert Exposure Notification App. You can sign up yourself here. I signed up and this morning, got the invite to try out the app and provide feedback.

It’s expected that the app will be made available to all Canadians as soon as this week but I suspect the beta test may take a few days at least to get some feedback.

Participating in a Beta

So how does this work? Your email will explain that you need to install Testflight if you’re using iOS which is what we’ll be showing here. Testflight is an Apple tool that allows app developers to share beta software with testers without needing to publish the app. It’s a free download from the App Store. Tapping on the link in your email will load the COVID Alert screen and allow you to install it to your device. There is a brief screen explaining what to test during the beta period.

Once installed, there really isn’t much to the application itself. There are numerous pages of information about how the app works, how your private data and information is protected (and not actually shared with anyone) and what will happen if an exposure notification is triggered.

One of the key points here is that it does not store any GPS/location data, personal information, contacts or any health information. It’s simply looking for other devices that are running the app.

You’ll be asked to give permission for the app to send you notifications. In my case, the app shows no reporting yet, which makes sense since the app isn’t public yet. Next you’ll select your Province and the notification popup will appear.

As stated above, it will get the list of random codes for those that have reported a diagnosis and if you come in contact with one of those codes, the app will alert you and instruct you through the next steps.

Lastly, as you can see in the black screenshot above, Exposure Logging is not yet available in my area. I believe that is because this app is not available yet but once it is, this control will allow me to enable or disable the logging on my iPhone. You can find this setting in your Settings/Privacy/Health options if you’re up to date with your iOS software.

A Word of Caution

Another thing to remember is that just because you have it running and aren’t getting any alerts doesn’t mean you’re any safer from contracting COVID-19. You still need to social distance, wear a mask and be vigilant when in public areas. The more people that install this app, the better the results will be as far as notifications go.

Will you use this app once available publicly? Or are you concerned about some aspect that wasn’t addressed above? 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
  • Application, Canada, covid-19, iOs
John Biehler

John Biehler

Editorial Director/Host: 3D Printing expert, photographer, technologist, traveler, maker, craftbeer fan, eurorack enthusiast and book author - not necessarily in that order

Related Stories

Tech Talk: Even more from CES

January 15, 2021
Featured, Global News Tech Talk, Health, Media, Mobile, Smart Home
Mike Agerbo shares some of his top technology picks from Consumer Electronics Show 2021 and the latest Samsung Smartphones.

Should I get a smart watch or a ‘health’ watch?

January 7, 2021
Health, Mobile
Trying to decide between something like Fitbit Sense and Apple Watch 6? The lines are blurring between smart watches &...

Tech Talk: Ways to use technology to improve your bathroom

December 30, 2020
Global News Tech Talk, Health, Smart Home
Mike shares some fun high-tech gadgets for your bathroom, along with ways you can upgrade your space with smart home...
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.