Are you concerned that your company is falling out of date? If you want to avoid falling behind the competition and instead want to stay on top of current trends, there are several interesting shifts taking place across the business world that you may want to keep an eye on. From having the latest communication systems to understanding the prevalence of flexible work options to changing up your business model or marketing approach and more, adopting some of the top up-and-coming business trends could help transform your company and potentially give your business an edge in your industry. If you’re looking for a few changes you can start to implement right away, take a look at these innovative trends you could potentially adopt immediately.
1. Dedicated Phone Systems for the Office
If you’re still wondering how to get a business phone number, it may be time to upgrade to a modern phone system for your office. Relying on outdated systems can potentially put your business at a competitive disadvantage and make communications both inside and outside of the office more difficult. On the other hand, joining numerous other modern companies in having a dedicated phone system can:
Allow customers to reach you more quickly and with less hassle
Give your company a more professional image
Simplify intra-company communications and prevent snafus
2. Working From Home and Other Flexible Work Options
One of the top trends in the business world today is the increasing availability of flexible work options, such as allowing employees to work from home part-time or even full-time. This is one perk that more and more companies have started offering, and that could help attract future employees to your company. Some possibilities to consider offering at your company could include:
Flexibility in terms of remote or hybrid work choices
Additional paid time off, unlimited time off or sick leave possibilities
The option to work 100% remotely full-time
3. Innovative Business Models
When was the last time you sat down and examined whether your business model is keeping up with the times? If you haven’t changed your business model in years or even decades, you may want to learn about the trendiest models of today that could help make your business more attractive to modern customers. Some of the most common trends today include:
More employee- or family-owned and operated businesses
Social media platform-based businesses
Technology- and innovation-centric businesses
Mission- and values-oriented businesses
4. Digital Marketing and Increased Social Media Efforts
Lastly, one major marketing trend to consider adopting is the increased focus on digital marketing and social media. To ensure your company stays tech-savvy and connects with younger demographics, you may want to try adopting:
A greater emphasis on digital marketing efforts instead of traditional print campaigns
An increased push across various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach more demographics
A focus on successful digital localization to connect with international customers and expand the business globally
A new and regularly updated company blog optimized for peak search engine ranking performance
To keep your company neck-in-neck with industry competitors and keep up with the most recent corporate trends, it’s important to take a close look at the current state of your business and consider which aspects may need an update. If it’s been a while since you revamped your digital marketing efforts, reconsidered your core business model, installed a new phone system in your office or considered offering employees greater work flexibility, now could be the perfect time to reconsider those changes. With these four business trends in place, you could help modernize your company, enhance its appeal and strengthen its brand all at the same time.
The Vissles V84 is a new addition to the mechanical keyboard market with a 75% layout, linear switches, and a wireless mode. However, this monster keyboard has one notable quirk.
Vissles V84 Specs
The Vissles V84 is a 75% keyboard, meaning it lacks the number pad on a traditional full-sized keyboard. This makes it compact, but not so compact that it’s hard to work with. It also has configurable RGB backlighting either through the keyboard or through the Vissles app.
The linear switches included in mine have a relatively high actuation force of 52g.
V84 vs my 60% Redragon keyboard
The model of the V84 I received features Vissles’ own linear mechanical switches, which are 5-pin hot-swappable. This means you can pull the switches out and switch them out with any you want.
The V84 connects via USB-C but also has Bluetooth 5.1 with the ability to connect to up to 5 devices, with connections all being done through keybindings.
What’s in the V84 Box
In the V84 box you will find the following:
The included wrist mat is very comfortable, and I’m glad that the feet are removable.
Configuration
The keyboard can be configured via keybindings or through the application that Vissles provides here. You can find all configuration options within the manuals, but you can quickly switch between lighting effects and create macros with keybindings.
Vissles V84 with wristrest
Typing
The linear switches in the V84 provide two features I love, high actuation force and low volume. High actuation force means that you have to put effort into what you’re typing, which I like because it helps me make less accidental keystrokes. In addition, the low volume means you can use the V84 comfortably while not disturbing anyone who might be around you.
The Quirk
The Vissles V84 has one major quirk to me. Since the keys are solid white with black markings, the RGB backlighting is mostly seen under the keys. This presents a unique issue when it comes to Caps Lock, though.
When you activate Caps Lock, the key emits a white light that essentially reflects off of the key in front of it. But this is a white light on a white keyboard, making it near impossible to tell that you’ve activated it.
Caps Lock Off
Caps Lock On
The only reason I knew is that my laptop keyboard showed that Caps Lock was activated. This could be fixed with a black tab button or a red light instead of a white light. Just something more noticeable and obvious.
Vissles V84 Price
The configuration of the V84 I got has white keys and Vissles’ own linear switches, but you can configure the switches used as well as the key colors. The Vissles V84 is currently available for $99 from the Vissles website, and you can get an extra 10% off using code V84.
EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be considered an editorial endorsement
Technology, however you define it, continues to develop and advance at increasing rates. No one could have predicted how technology will change our lives and the ways in which we leverage it. In this digital world, computers and smartphones are major things but the phone is perhaps the most important thing in our day-to-day life. Without a phone, life will seemingly be nearly impossible.
The usage of the phone is becoming more common in our daily life. Wherever we go, we can track our path through the phone. In the past, finding a place was not always an easy thing, because we often has to print out directions or follow others and their instructions.
Nowadays we can use our phone to keep an eye on where our friends and loved ones are. If we get lost on our route or need to find our close one’s location, people can install a mobilephone tracking app such as on their phone and have live GPS tracking. GPS tracking sends the live location of the people in on time the concerned people.
Worried about about privacy implications? No issues, the access can give to the person when you are out of the station. So both you and your close ones can feel safe and secure during your travel.
To whom it will be useful?
It will be useful for many kinds of people in their daily life. They are,
Students: Parents may be worried after they left their kids at school. During the return home they might also feel uncomfortable while the child travels in the bus or van. This application will help them to track kids’ location through their GPS activation on their phones. If the child moves outside of the location or exceeds a certain speed limit, a push notification will be sent to the parent mobile.
Elders: Those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia disease can forget their destination. Finding them, should they get lost, will become difficult and sometimes nearly impossible. Because they may not know to communicate this with others it would be easier to track the location with up-to-date live locations. Even the emergency alarm will activate on the mobile. If the person undergoes any unstable condition, the alarm will be sent to the concerned person and they can get an alert.
Remote working people: Some people’s work could take them outside of cities or markets where they might not get a proper signal to communicate. Should communication prove to be difficult, the application can provide a notification every short interval of time. If there is no response from the person’s phone about the location service, we can find something went wrong over there.
Long travel: During the long travel, we can get the live location of the person on our mobile. Even if they lose their way head in the wrong direction we can track their location and help get them back on the right path.
Self-monitoring: The live location of our own phone can be shared with our close ones for safety purposes. Once the location has been sent, another person can able to track our location whenever they need it. So we can feel safe and secure during the whole journey.
When we can use it?
People can use it at anytime and anywhere. There is no limitation to use. The service will activate always to follow our route of direction. In this technological world, we are moving to different places to fulfil our dream. So, our close ones will be always worried about our place and work. To overcome all these issues live location or GPS activation service data will share with our parent mobile phone or closed one’s phone.
They can get an update of our every movement and feel satisfied and happy throughout our journey. The data sharing will be won’t be an issue. It is a secure way to know our location.
Benefits of using the service:
Can get a live update of the place we are moving to.
A notification alarm will be passed during the emergency.
A push notification will be sent if the kid crosses the destination limit.
We can send our live location to others.
Can work without a signal too.
It is worth using?
Yes, because traveling from one place to another place for studies and work becomes the mandatory thing for all. We can’t stay in a place and complete all our work and it is impossible too. At the same time, people can’t expect others to accompany us during our journey. They too will have different works.
During this time, we can share our live location with our parents or close ones. So they can see our location. Even in case of emergency, they can get an alert on their phone. Parents can seek emergency help from the police and share the live location data with them. They can track us at ease with the help of this data service.
Where we can get the app?
It is available on our mobile phone’s play store. Android and iPhone will have access to use this service. At the same time, after getting permission from the concerned person only we can see their location information. All can’t use this service. By accepting all terms and conditions, one person is allowed to know the location of their closed ones. If they don’t wish to share the data, they can block the service.
It is completely private and secure to use. Other than the connected device, no one will be able to follow your location.
Is it a boon or curse to the people?
It is absolutely a boon to the people to know the live location of their loved ones. We can sit in a home with nail-biting; whether they have reached, are they safe, did they go to the right place, etc., many questions will be solved by knowing the GPS live location tracking service. Feel safe on your every move by sharing the live location with your loved ones.
Looking to pick up a new controller for your console? You could always go with the official brand and spend a pretty penny for one, or you can opt for something just as capable at half the price.
Head to the AG Deals Store today and you’ll find a discount on a 2.4GHz controller that pairs not only with your console, but phones and desktop PCs, too.
Just $25, the controller features responsive buttons with a D-pad, action buttons, and analog sticks. It’s perfect for getting in your Steam titles on a PC and then connecting to a phone or tablet for some casual downtime.
Features
Versatile. Use it wirelessly or wired on different consoles or gaming rigs
A great secondary controller. You can make it as a spare controller that does everything your current controller does
2.4 GHz wireless. Lag-free gaming on Windows & over 5,000 controller-enabled titles on Steam
Responsive buttons. D-pad & action buttons are crisp and reactive
Dual 360° built-in analog sticks. Responsive buttons & dual analog sticks
Complete with accessories. Get a mobile mount & several connection adaptors
Order your 2.4GHz controller for just $24.99 in the AG Deals Store and you’ll be gaming in no time at all. The only problem you’ll face is deciding which platform to play on first.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time or have long since lived on your own, you know that you’re going to need some help keeping your pad clean. There are a range of options when it comes to vacuum cleaners from the cheapo Walmart vacs to the Dysons and others that range into the thousands. Unsurprisingly, this is an area where tech companies are moving into and using their years of creating high-quality, low-cost devices to make compelling options for those not looking for an established name brand.
Today, we have one of those up for review, the Eufy HomeVac S11. Eufy is a name you may not know, but they’re actually a sub-brand of Anker, a widely known and well-respected electronics accessory maker. I personally have about two dozen Anker products in my house ranging from chargers to batteries to cables and I swear by them. I previously reviewed the EufyCam E security system and I came away impressed. Read on to find out if the HomeVac S11 is equally impressive.
Eufy HomeVac S11 Build Quality and Accessories
The first thing you notice about the HomeVac S11 when taking it out of the box is just how well it is made and how many accessories come with it. Hard plastics and tight-fitting parts mean that the S11 will hold up to abuse over years of use. The clear canister slots perfectly into the main chamber of the vacuum so there’s never an issue with dirt escaping while you’re using the device. While you’d think that be a given, I have run into some other cheaper vacuums that have this issue.
We have the “Infinity” package in for review which means you get all the accessories. Those include two batteries, floor brush, metal hose, long crevice attachment, 2-in-1 crevice tool, mini motorized brush, extension hose, soft roller brush, wall mount, and AC adapter. If you opt for the cheaper package, you’ll lose out on the second battery and soft floor brush.
This is more than you’ll get with most other vacuum cleaners and I was pretty impressed at everything bundled for just $299 (though it can often be found cheaper).
Using the Eufy HomeVac S11
The barrier of entry with the HomeVac S11 is very low. Everything is very approachable and is easy to figure out just by looking at it. There’s a pretty in-depth set of instructions that come along if you do have any questions (like I did with the air filter).
Once I had the proper accessories snapped together, I was off and running and had my floor swept in about ten minutes. The entire process from unboxing to my floors being clean may have taken 20 minutes tops and that’s pretty incredible in my book. I snapped together the metal hose, floor brush, and battery and sat the rest to the side. Once I was done, I popped off the canister to empty the ridiculous amount of hair my dog produces, dumped it into the trash, and placed it back on the vacuum. All incredibly easy.
Really my only two issues with the HomeVac S11 are weight and a design flaw. The batteries are huge and add a bit of weight to the vacuum when you’re using it. I don’t mind that much because it gives you a ton of battery power and therefore, more time using the vacuum but it can be a bit straining.
Additionally, I think the inclusion of a tripper pull you have to keep holding down instead of an on/off toggle is an odd choice. I have a small apartment so it’s not a huge deal to hold down a trigger for eight straight minutes, but any longer and it would be. Plus, when you’re using different attachments and have the HomeVac in varied and weird positions, keeping the trigger held down can be challenging. We’d like to see this cleaned up in a future hardware revision to really round out the HomeVac S11.
After I was done cleaning the floor, I threw the HomeVac onto the wall mount, hooked up the battery to the charger, and was on my way. The entire process was as easy as it could be.
Eufy HomeVac S11 Conclusion
I like that Eufy really put some thought into the HomeVac S11. This is a complete package with all of the accessories most people would need and enough functionality to justify the cost. You’re not paying for a name brand like Dyson when you see $230 for a vacuum, you know you’re actually getting a $230 vacuum.
The accessories included in the Infinity package are, in my opinion, definitely worth it. Charging speeds aren’t great on the batteries so knowing that you have a second one ready to go when it dies in the middle of a job is a huge relief. It also means you don’t have to rush through your job and can take your time to get everything off the floor, not just do a quick pass. I found that the battery anxiety I often experience with my other vacuum was definitely gone and my floors were cleaner. This isn’t necessarily a positive of the HomeVac S11 itself, but definitely a reason to get the Infinity package over the base.
I’ll be recommending the Eufy HomeVac S11 to all my friends and I do to you as well. It’s easy to use, well-built and don’t break the bank at just over $200. Everyone is going to need a vacuum at one point or another so why not get one that’s going to last for a long time and get the job done every time you pull it off the charger?
Everybody’s picked up a Rubik’s cube before. Though the concept of a Rubik’s cube may appear simple, the complexities involved in solving the puzzle have entertained logicians for decades. In recent years, the popularity of cubing, in which players compete to see who can solve a Rubik’s cube the fastest, has swept across the internet.
If you’re a logical-minded puzzle fanatic like myself, you may know how to solve a Rubik’s cube or may have even started a collection of twisting puzzles of different geometries as well.
The concept of each of these cubes is always very straightforward. Turn the faces until each face is the same color – that’s all the cube has ever done. The Heykube, however, uses internal processors to bring the Rubik’s cube up to speed with modern technology.
The Heykube
The Heykube is the same size as any other Rubik’s cube – about the size of a fist. The colors on the Heykube are the standard white, yellow, red, orange, green, and blue. Opposite sides are the same colors as a regular Rubik’s cube as well, which makes it easy to pick up and start using.
The Heykube communicates with the user via light-up circles on the center of each face. These circles will light up in a rotating pattern to indicate which way to turn each face. This concept is very intuitive and not difficult to learn.
The Heykube comes in a nice box with an instruction manual that is easy to follow and the charger for the cube.
Functions
The Heykube has three main functions: Simple Solve, Learn to Solve, and Pattern Solve.
The Simple Solve function acts as an “undo” for up to fourteen 90-degree turns of any face on the cube. As you make quarter turns on any of the faces, the Heykube uses the circles to direct you how to undo the moves you have made to get the cube back to the solved state.
While I didn’t find this function particularly useful, I suppose it could be neat if you were trying to see the result of a certain algorithm without having to solve the entire cube afterwards. It should also be noted that the circle guides can be turned off by rotating a solved cube through a certain set of moves if they are not desired.
The Learn to Solve function is activated when the faces of the cube are turned more than fourteen times. This function prompts the user to solve the cube using a seven-step method. While this method is not what I have found to be known as “The Beginner’s Method”, it is a very simple way to solve the cube.
The steps are white cross, first layer, second layer, yellow cross, orient last layer, permutate corners on last layer, and permutate edges on last layer. While this method won’t set any world records, this was the first way I learned to solve the cube on my own and it took my solve time below one minute.
I believe that the Learn to Solve function would be useful for somebody who wants the satisfaction of solving a Rubik’s cube without having to memorize any algorithms (the fun jingle that the cube plays when you finish a solve is indeed very satisfying), or somebody who wants to solve the cube on their own and is willing to follow along with the methods described in the app to understand why each move is made.
It is important to note that there is no way for the cube to indicate a turn of the middle layer of a cube. While this is often considered one turn by most cubers, it is considered two by Heykube (by turning each of the outer faces surrounding that middle layer).
The Pattern Solve function of Heykube was different from what I expected. After making a certain set of moves communicated via the circles on the cube or the Keykube app, the colors on the Heykube would make a near pattern across all faces. While this is technically of no value to speed-solving a cube, it’s definitely a neat feature that’s fun to play around with.
Heykube App
If Heykube was a standalone cube, I would have been relatively underwhelmed by its functions. Connecting the Heykube to the Heykube app on my smartphone, however, added several features that I quite enjoyed.
For beginners, the Heykube app has video tutorials on “The Beginner’s Method” that is programmed into the cube. Watching the video tutorials on the app makes the methodology much easier to understand than trying to follow along and recognize the patterns from the lights on the cube itself.
The feature in the app that caught my eye the most, was the timer. Like many other cubers, in the past I was forced to try to use my phone timer to time my solves. While this method is more similar to the timing method used in a tournament, the built-in timer in the Heykube app was definitely something that I desired.
After the cube is scrambled, the user hits the start button in the Heykube app, and the timer begins. As the user solves the cube, the app keeps track of data such as how many moves have been taken to solve the cube.
Once the Heykube has been solved, the app automatically stops the timer and displays the time taken for that solve. Then cube is ready to be scrambled, and the app is ready to time another solve.
The app also stores the data from every solve you’ve made, so you can analyze trends and see improvement. Challenges are also available for specific timed solves.
The leaderboard section of the app shows how the user has performed in these challenges over time. It is also important to not that the lights and sound on the Heykube can be turned off via the app (these features can be distracting during timed solves).
If there was one thing left to be desired in the Heykube app, it would be the ability to practice different algorithms. One of the hardest parts of improving past “The Beginner’s Method” is memorizing all the algorithms for every situation during a solve.
If this were a feature in the Heykube app, I believe there would be little more to ask for. One feature of the Heykube that I did not get to try, however, was its ability to be programmed through a Raspberry Pi.
According to the instruction manual, this allows a user to “code your own solutions” and I believe would give the ability to practice different algorithms. I thought this feature was very cool, and the instruction manual even lists a library that can be used to program the Heykube.
Mechanics
The mechanics of the Heykube were smoother than I expected. I did not have high expectations for a cube stuffed with electronics, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The cube is very malleable, similar to what would be expected from a speedcube. It can corner cut about twenty or thirty degrees, and it’s put together well enough that I was not afraid of the cube falling apart.
The Heykube feels like it’s made with magnets to lock each turn into place which is technically slower than a speedcube but was something that I did not mind. Compared to a speedcube however, there was quite a bit of friction between the parts, which is what I believe slow the cube down the most. This also causes the cube to sometimes squeak as it turns, which I found to be unpleasant.
I could not find a way to loosen the Heykube to prevent this, but I do believe that it could be lubricated (there are speakers somewhere in there though, so be careful). It is also a little heavier than a speedcube (and even a little heavier than a Rubik’s brand cube), but that too was something that did not bug me during solves.
I think that the most important thing to note regarding the mechanics of the Heykube is that it was fast enough for the timing to be worth it. If the cube was too slow and rigid, it would not be worth taking the time to solve. As somebody who’s average solve usually hovers around 45 seconds, I was able to get a 42-second solve quickly, without relying on having a lucky solve.
Battery Life
The Heykube charges with a clip that connects to the yellow and orange centers. Although this prevents the cube from being used while it’s charging, I found that the Heykube only takes an hour or so to fully charge when plugged into the wall.
The clip that charges the cube does so via a micro-USB port, which is easy to replace if lost. The battery life itself was very nice.
After using the Heykube several days in a row, I found that the battery life had depleted to only 50% (there’s a convenient battery gauge in the Heykube app). Through my estimation, I would say that the battery would last for at least five or six hours of continuous use.
Takeaways
Overall, the Heykube had many more features than I first realized. When I played with just the features of the cube itself and felt that it was slower than a speedcube, I was unimpressed.
Connecting to the Heykube app and having the ability to easily time solves and track progress turned the Heykube into a cube that will not be able to sit on my shelf long enough to collect too much dust.
Knowing that it can be programmed to my needs is a feature that I am excited to try. I would recommend the Heykube to anybody who enjoys cubing. If all you want is to be able to solve a Rubik’s cube one time or, on the other end of the spectrum, are trying to set world records, then the Heykube is probably not a good investment. But for any cubing hobbyist that is looking for a cube that is fun to solve and has the potential to advance their skills, don’t pass your eyes over the Heykube.
Cricket Wireless, the prepaid brand that utilizes AT&T’s network, recently began selling its latest self-branded handset, the Cricket Icon 3.
As the newest in the carrier’s lineup of branded phones, the Icon are entry-level phones with really low price points. Indeed, the Icon 3 comes in with just a $90 price tag.
The new phone runs Android 11 at launch and comes with a two-year warranty. If paired with the $60 Unlimited Plan through Cricket, customers receive a free ad-supported HBO Max subscription and 15GB of mobile hotspot data.
In terms of specifications, the Cricket Icon 3 houses a MediaTek Helio A20 (quad-core 1.8GHz) processor with 3GB RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.
The handset offers up a 6.5-inch display with the waterdrop cutout notch for the 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Around back is a fingerprint reader and 8-megapixel camera. Rounding things out, the Icon 3 has a 3500mAh battery which should be plenty for a typical user’s daily usage.
Nowadays the news can feel a little confusing and overwhelming. It seems like every time we turn around another news outlet springs up, promising to be the trusted source for all things. Staying on top of things can be a challenge, especially when we already lead incredibly busy lives.
Newsly Audio News is a new, innovative way to bring yourself up to speed on your favorite subjects, such as technology, science, business, and business, all without having to look at another screen. A premium plan is on sale in the AG Deals Store for just $49 (reg. $119), a savings of 59 percent.
Newsly is an iOS and Android audio news and content app that continuously curates the top trending web articles, reading them to you in a natural human voice. This lets you consume your news as you want, and when you want.
Newsly covers articles from the US, Canada, Brazil, and Colombia and also provides trending podcasts from across the globe. Users can create a custom playlist with both articles and podcasts in just the topics that interest them, forgoing everything else.
With Newsly, you can listen pretty much everywhere you are, or at least wherever you take your phone. Whether it’s the daily commute, lunch break, putting laundry away, or sitting on the patio with your favorite drink, Newsly is there. Simply press “Play All” and it will get started. Pause and resume whenever you want.
Newsly, which has earned 4.3 stars in the Google Play Store, has become of the most recognized news apps in Canada over the past year. Among other accolades, it has been featured by Startup Canada as a Top 101 News Startups and Companies, a Top 15 Consumer Applications Startup, and a Top 92 Mobile App Startup.
Get Started!
Start consuming your news a more convenient way. Right now, you can get one year of Newsly Audio News premium plan for 59 percent off $119 at just $49. Choose a longer term and you’ll save even more; a three-year plan is just $79 and lifetime access is $149.
TracFone recently began offering a new smartphone, the mid-range Orbic Magic 5G. If the brand doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because up until now it has only been sold via Verizon. Nevertheless, Orbic looks to be making moves to expand a bit here in the US.
The Magic 5G, which is nearly identical to the Orbic Myra 5G from Verizon, is priced $300 and delivers a modest set of mid-range hardware.
Running Android 11, the Orbic Magic 5G features a large (6.78-inch) display and a triple-camera setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor. The other two are comprised of an 8-megapixel ultrawide angle and two-megapixel shooters; a 16-megapixel camera is located around front.
Internally, the phone has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 processor paired with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage. Should one need more room, a microSD expansion card slot allows for external storage.
Rounding things out, the Magic 5G has a 5,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0, a rear fingerprint reader, and support for sub-6 5G and 4G for Verizon and T-Mobile.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to life as we know it for much of 2020. News of a new infectious disease potentially spreading around the globe broke in December 2019, when the novel virus first got identified in Wuhan, China, and a subsequent lockdown proved unsuccessful in containing a COVID-19 outbreak in the capital of the Hubei province. By March 2020, the entire world went into hibernation, hoping to restrict the virus’ spread, minimizing the infection rate via stay-at-home and social distancing measures.
At the very inception of the pandemic, many software developers and medical health professionals encouraged using smartphone technology to help stop the proliferation of this virus. At no previous point in history had such a potential solution been available. Thus, many were quick to jump on this opportunity and try and create mobile applications that will help their local society and humankind in general.
By April 2020, dozens of COVID apps appeared on Google Play, many of which included contact tracing, an essential strategy in interrupting chains of transmission of COVID-19 and reducing its associated mortality. These tracing apps work by using Bluetooth to continuously scan for nearby phones, swapping anonymous ID codes amongst each other. The codes in question notify people if they are around infected parties who have identified themselves as such or been in contact with someone sick. They mark this status in a central database managed by a national or local health authority that an app accesses. Below, we will look at five such pieces of dedicated software and how they have fared so far.
COVIDSafe
COVIDSafe is a tracing app developed by the Singaporean Government that the Australian one adopted in April 2020. It uses the BlueTrace protocol, warning users when they are within five feet of an infected person for fifteen or more minutes. The app stores contacts for twenty-one days. This timeframe got chosen factoring in the two-week incubation period, in addition to the time needed to confirm a positive test result. So far, COVIDSafe has over one million downloads from Google Play and is available for all Android users running an OS version above 5.0. Common complaints regarding COVIDSafe include a high battery drain, a sizeable use of processing power, and loading issues.
COVID Trace
PlayStudios launched the app – COVID Trace in August 2020. It has a file size of 21.6 MB and is available free of charge for Nevada residents. PlayStudios is a game developer founded in the summer of 2011 that now has offices in Texas, California, and Nevada, focusing on creating casino-style apps for Android phones. Andrew Pascal, one of the founders of PlayStudio, brought the idea of his company developing a COVID tracing app to Jim Murren, the chairman of the Nevada COVID Task Force, who embraced it. COVID Trace works pretty much identically to COVIDSafe. However, it has not attained massive popularity, only amassing a little over 100,000 Google Play installs in its lifespan.
COVID Alert
Let’s protect each other is the tagline of this software developed by Canadian e-commerce company Shopify and the country’s department responsible for its health policies – Health Canada. COVID Alert hit Google Play at the tail end of July 2020, only for residents of Ontario. It became available throughout Canada by October last year. Alberta is the only province where COVID Alert is unavailable. It has an app that it favors, ABTraceTogether. Again, like the two previously discussed mobile tracing solutions, this too utilizes the BlueTrace protocol. It has over one million downloads on Google Play and three in general. Feedback regarding COVID Alert has mainly been positive, with users’ chief issue being the software getting stuck when performing exposure scans.
Covid Watch
Covid Watch is a nonprofit organization founded in February 2020 dedicated to building mobile technology to fight COVID-19 while defending user privacy. It is open-source software that uses the TCN and GAEN protocols. The creation of Covid Watch got underway thanks to more than two hundred volunteers that gave their time to make this project a reality. These included epidemiologists, law students, and public health advisers. Near the end of last year, this nonprofit closed its doors. Yet, its app is still available on Google Play for Arizona’s citizens. Despite receiving praise for its simplicity, this app has gotten little traction.
NOVID
According to Carnegie Mellon University, one of the entities behind NOVID, this is the most accurate contact tracing app in existence. It got birthed by a team led by mathematician Po-Shen Loh, and in addition to Bluetooth, it also leverages ultrasonic technology. It has been available in select territories since 2020, getting glowing reviews. It has unparalleled classification accuracy, with a rate of over 90% in distances of twelve feet or less.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.
