Covid 19 App poll.

It seems that the app doesn't work that well on iPhones.

Quote:

---

The main issue? It doesn't always complete digital "handshakes" with nearby phones that also have the app installed if it isn't running in the foreground (on the screen at all times) or has been installed on an older iPhone model. Additionally, it may not work at all when the screen is locked. Android phones seem OK, but more than 50 per cent of smartphones in Australia are iPhones.

"The quality of the Bluetooth connectivity for phones that have the app installed, running in the foreground is very good," said head of the Digital Transformation Agency Randall Brugeaud, whose agency is in charge of the app.

"It progressively deteriorates and the quality of the connection is not as good as you get to a point where the phone is locked and the app is running in the background.”

---

Coronavirus Australia: COVIDSafe iPhone app not fit for purpose

My iPhone is usually locked and the app runs in the background. A waste of time?

Apparently it does still work a bit when the iPhone is locked, but not near as well as when the phone is unlocked. Makes no difference on Android. Another reason not to buy an iPhone?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Apparently it does still work a bit when the iPhone is locked, but not near as well as when the phone is unlocked. Makes no difference on Android. Another reason not to buy an iPhone?

---

i use both OSes on a daily basis

from a usabilty / utility point of view, for me, the iphone is in front by a fair bit but there are some aspects of android that are marginally better, but they are very few in number

i turn covid on when i go out on the android phone as i leave my phones locked and the iphone issues render the app next to usless from what i have read.

never know the data may actually do something one day...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Covidsafe is not compatible with my phone.

---

Mick, you’re bagging iPhones (guessing you’ve probably never owned one) and your android phone cannot even download the app!!!

I've voted definitely not.

I think the app idea in principle is an excellent one. We need to take the app idea and refine it for the future - but will we learn or just give it to a committee where it will die. There are many issues as to why mobile phones are not ideal but understand their attraction in the heat of the moment. For the future we should have a simple device with standardised compatible software that simply does one job and we have one for everyone before the next drama.

Should we jump on board the app now - won't hurt - may do some good - but may also lead to some illegals - the 'curve' is flattening without the app - wouldn't put my entire fortune on it but I reckon increased random testing will just about wipe it out not too soon (more money on app vs more money testing), plus just maintaining sensible distancing/hygiene.

Regarding the covid app. Things I have not seen questioned on or answered - maybe someone can inform:
- apps are often developed to make some money. Has the underlying code been used elsewhere and how securely? Was the pandemic just another marketing opportunity? Politicians without any tech savvy love to run with a theme that is a novel attraction and poorly advised on ie social services minister saying denial of service attack later backtracking that system not designed for such a load. Gov first says app will be on gov database, code secure, but then we learn on Amazon and code, well, out of our hands - has this changed?
- why 15 minute minimum? Were virologist or epidemiologists involved in the making of the app and was it their well considered view that 15 minutes is more than sufficient? Or was it a decision by the app developers that any less than 15 minutes would swamp the central storage with data overload?

From my point of view if I'm spending 15 minutes with people, or any time in fact, I'm taking precautions. It's much easier to defend yourself if you know its going to be for extended periods. Much harder if it's random people over shorter periods. Did a contamination hand shake experiment in Microbiology where 20 or more people were infected in less than a minute. Time of 15 minutes or more will be useful, but I think far less useful than less than 15 minutes.

Luckily 'NT Virus Free' (new bumper sticker). Although things can still go pear shape.

Retired on large rural holding. Rarely go out.

My phone is old. My phone is almost always off and I mean 'off' off. My phone works perfectly well on a real cheap plan. Mine is Android 5 not upgradable. It's not compatible with the new whole of Government Services app - this includes Aus Tax Off who I mainly deal with and has been a run around - eWaste is an issue yet government seems to encourage eWaste to uptake their programs. As an aside, went camping with some friends out of mobile range, all with their mobiles still on. Couldn't understand why their batteries were going low so quickly. Seems mobiles waste a lot of energy searching for signal and only settle down on power consumption once they have found a signal. I have a Biolite that can charge phones. So we started charging a phone, but the recharge was real slow. I asked the owner is your phone 'off'. Them 'yes'. Me 'No, I mean off!'. Them 'Oh, you mean 'off' off. Me 'Yes!!'. Phone quickly charged.

My wife is a teacher and would likely be the cause of my end (and not just by virus[biggrin]).

I might join the heard if ScoMo...SlowMo...Dunno...dropped the case against the ABC (and I'm not enamoured of the other main party either, so there's some balance) . Hmm...got trouble with another ABC journalist, how can we determine who they've been associating with - light bulb goes on! And I've worked in Fed government and can definitely say that heads of departments and senior execs can be politically influenced. And whistle blowers are having a harder, harder time...

As I've said great idea but potency probably strangled by time constraint? Pushed out roughly with parameter issues?! Money and effort better spent on testing? In fact chief med officer on tv now saying testing is the best approach.

Oh, come on guys...flame me! It's been nearly an hour since posting. Have I killed the thread through tedium?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by workingonit

Oh, come on guys...flame me! It's been nearly an hour since posting. Have I killed the thread through tedium?

---

The silly old fart regulars who cannot accept an opposing view will be along as soon as they finish their nanna nap - be patient. [thumbsupbig]

Huh? I just woke up. [biggrin]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by workingonit

Oh, come on guys...flame me! It's been nearly an hour since posting. Have I killed the thread through tedium?

---

No. We are just ****ed off your pubs are opening next week. Teachers pets. [bawl]

The ap was used in Singapore, but not many people downloaded it because they don't trust their government.
The 15 mins was to weed out brief contacts and focus on those more likely to have resulted in infection.
If phones are put on airplane mode they don't try to connect, so the battery lasts longer.
It is supposed to work with Android 6.0. My phone is Android 6.2 but the ap isn't compatible.