Tech giants Apple and Google are working together to create tracking software that may be used to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
The tech, detailed in a white paper released Friday (April 10), works with Bluetooth on smartphones to connect devices and warn users of those they’ve come into contact with, who may be infected with the virus.
The project has been underway for almost three weeks, with initial plans to release an alpha version to health services in May. If successful, Apple and Google plan to release them as apps for iOS and Android devices later in the year.
“Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments, and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID‑19 and accelerate the return of everyday life,” the firms said in a joint statement.
Google has committed $800 million to aid small businesses and responders amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected almost 2m people worldwide, and cost 120,000 lives. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey this weekend pledged $1bn to combating the illness, with another $2.1m going to domestic violence charity.