Source: Apple
What you need to know
- Virginia has released its COVIDWISE exposure notification app.
- It is the first app powered by Apple and Google's API to be released in the U.S.
- It can notify you if you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Virginia has today become the first U.S. state to release a COVID-19 exposure notification app powered by Apple and Google's contact tracing API.
Available now on both the App Store and Google Play Store, COVIDWISE is the official COVID-19 exposure notification app for the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Health.
As per Apple and Google's API, it will use Bluetooth Low Energy to determine when a user has had contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus. You can find out more about exposure notification and how it works in our FAQ guide.
FAQ: What is the Google-Apple COVID-19 (coronavirus) Exposure Notifications system?
COVIDWISE uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to quickly notify users who have likely been exposed so you can reduce the risk of infection for your friends and family and help Virginia stop the spread.
Users simply have to download the app and opt-in to the notification system:
Once you opt-in to the notification system, the Exposure Notifications System will generate an anonymous token for your device. To help ensure these anonymous tokens can't be used to identify you or your location, they change every 10-20 minutes.
BLE technology ensures the app won't drain your phone's battery too much. According to the VDH website, the app will download a list of anonymous tokens on a daily basis, associated with positive COVID-19 cases, checking them against the list of anonymous tokens you have encountered in the past two weeks. If any of them match, it means that someone you've been in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks. The app will notify users with further instructions accordingly.
The department notes:
Download and use of the app is 100% voluntary and you may choose to install and uninstall the app at any time. However, we strongly encourage your participation as it will help improve the overall effectiveness of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The Department has its own comprehensive set of FAQs covering questions around the app's functionality, use, submitting positive tests, personal information and privacy, and more.
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The best Android launchers for your phone 2021
Want to give your Android phone a new look with minimal effort? How about trying out a new launcher? If that sounds like something for you, we've rounded up the very best there is.
Gboard on Wear OS gets a surprise update with new enhancements
Google just rolled out an update for Gboard on Wear OS that improves the layout and typing experience, bringing it much closer to the smartphone app.
Google to enroll everyone in two-factor verification to keep you protected
For World Password Day, Google has announced that it's enabling two-factor authentication for all eligible accounts in an attempt to better protect users.
Here are the best S Pen cases and accessories for the Galaxy S21 Ultra
Looking for a case that can accommodate both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and an S Pen stylus? Here are some great options along with additional worthwhile accessories you should treat yourself to.